Big Truckin

Give us a quick INTRO- who are you? Where do you live?

Skene Family Cowichan Valley

Give us a quick overview of your rig.

The 2007 Dodge MegaCab interior is built like a SUV and has a box on the back. We call it Truckasaurus or Big Red. Besides the fuel bill, it is the perfect family adventure and road trip vehicle. The truck can get anywhere; carry everything we need and pull a trailer. The drive to Tofino is serious work for the Dodge. We spend most of the summer travelling and camping all over Western Canada and the US, with a 2016 Jayco trailer. When you are travelling on the BC Ferries with a trailer, every foot counts. The North Shore rack with its vertical design tucks behind the trailer with the spare tire and saves us money each trip.

Tell us about any special modifications that make your rig stand out.

The 2016 Jayco trailer had a hitch receiver installed to the frame and we mounted overhead racks on the Dodge’s canopy, which was a backyard find that was painted to match. The North Shore rack can be switched from the trailer to the truck in under 10 minutes. Once we get to the destination campground, the fun can begin. From Tofino to Jasper and Waterton to Bend and Northern California, the North Shore rack has thousands of kilometers on it, and we can still bring kayaks, paddle boards and surf boards. Sometimes the rack doubles as a hanger to dry wet suits.

What is the best road trip you’ve taken your rig on?

It is hard to decide on which was the ‘best’. There was a six-week trip circular trip that started on at home on Vancouver Island. We travelled to Kamloops, Wells Gray, Jasper, Waterton, Cranbrook, Silverwood Amusement Park in Idaho, Crater Lake Oregon, Northern California and the entire Coast of Oregon before coming back to the Island. Another was a month-long trip to central Oregon, including Bend, and then the North Coast of Oregon. Last summer, we went thru Wells Gray Provincial Park, Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise, Revelstoke and Kelowna. We have found a lot of lakes and trails along the way.

What would be your next dream road trip?

Idaho, Montana, and more time in Bend and Sisters, Oregon. Covid cancelled a big trip that was planned to go to these places. Also, we want to ride in Whistler and explore more of Revelstoke.

How long have you had your North Shore Rack?

7-8 years. In that time, we have been stopped numerous times to answer questions about the rack. People in Oregon love it. In Waterton, Alberta someone offered to buy it on the spot.

In your travels, what is your favorite riding location/favorite trail?

Our favorite local place on a Sunday morning is Mount Tzouhalem where we ride Bumblebee, AGT (thanks Rick!) and Double D. Phil’s Trail system in Oregon was amazing. In Waterton, we biked a fire road to the start of the Goal Lake trail and then hiked up. Long day but beautiful view. The Kootenay Rail Trail was great to explore.

Coffee, beer or tea?

Lukewarm hot chocolate please. My wife says coffee.

Shuttle/road trip essential tunes?

Tragically Hip, Eric Church, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Pink and Motley Crue. Miley Cyrus, Chappell Roan, Gracie Abrams and Sabrina Carpenter are the kids’ favorites. We do a lot of driving.