Alaska ferry?

[dennis 221]

So 2023 planing tip to Alaska with a return trip on ferry.5day trip. We did it 19 without camper. So anyone with first hand knowledge about my fridge. Should I empty it an turn off power? Would prefer to let it on to keep needed items cold. Or maybe turn off an add dry ice. Would love to know your experience. Thanks. we are running 2 75 amgs

 

[buckland]

Howdy, I took the ferry (5 day) in 2017. At that time had 2 AGM !00 amps. (now have 2 LiFePo4)
I bought a block of ice (half gallon) and made sure it was in a tupperware. I had put the fridge up to cold #7 the day before.
I have an Isotherm 65. When I loaded the camper on ferry I then turned down the fridge to #1. During the voyage I went down to grab me a couple beers (gotta drink those in your room if you got one). I was pleasantly surprised the fridge was still cold on our arrival. So for an AGM that was amazing! The new lithiums could triple that time. Having the block of Ice in there just slowed the cooling decline.

 

[dennis 221]

Thanks

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

2016 made the northern trip from Bellingham to Whitter 5 nights.
I kept frozen items in the 3 way and have a Truckfridge that ran the
whole time. Early morning just before port the cooler shut down on
low V setting. Everything stayed nice and cool

Frank

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Part 2. About the 3way. I always start with a gallon and half gallon water frozen.
Then fill the fridge with the frozen foods we take. Don’t use the 12v setting.
In camp use propane in cooler areas the water bottles will refreeze.
The last ferry trip the 3way with the frozen bottles kept everything nice and cold.
The 3way temp was in the 30s.

The 12v cooler kept to a temp about mid to upper 30s for the 5 days sailing.
and the 100a battery was just at 12v when we reached Whitter.

I tried the dry Ice method once. It was just okay.

You shouldn’t have any problems as long as you don’t open the fridge
much.

Enjoy your trip. Check my blog for the 2016 Alaskan 4 part trip report.

I take it you will be traveling on the Kenacott. Do you have a cabin?
IMO that’s a must.
Frank

 

[dennis 221]

Thanks again. nope will try to get ferry when we start trip. Worst case we drive back.

 

[buckland]

Frank where we went the crew inspected our campers to be sure the propane was off and they put a sticker on the door. Were able to keep using the propane while underway?

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

I wasn't clear about the 3way.I didn't use it on propane wile on the ferry.Just as storage like a "ice box".
Sometimes they do come by when you are in the line to go on the ferry to check the propane.

In 2011 and 2016 all they did was ask if I had turned it off.
I think maybe in 2011 they may have put some red tape on the door.

The BC ferrys are a little more strict.They check the valve and wire a big red tag on the tank.
they also may ask how many small containers you have.You are actually supposed take them out and
store them with the ships crew and pick them up before you unload.
Never had to do that though. They don't do a check of that.

Frank

 

[clikrf8]

If you need a place to camp, message me as we live about 5 miles from the ferry terminal off I 5.