Forum Discussion

crandle's avatar
crandle
Explorer
Nov 05, 2016

California Coastal Route

We are planing on heading south on Coastal Highway 101 from Washington to California in our 31 foot Class C towing a car. Combined length is 50 feet. We eventually want to get back over to I-5 far enough down into CA to avoid the mountain passes on I-5.

My options seem to be SR 36 and SR 20 as I have been on the end of SR 1 where it goes into San Francisco and would like to avoid that experience. I am used to narrow, steep roads as we have used this rig in Mexico for many years so I have a high fear threshold. :)

I am just looking for some advice of the best route to take from 101 east to I-5 somewhere north of San Francisco. Thanks.
Roads and Routes
  • BoonHauler's avatar
    BoonHauler
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2016
    crandle wrote:
    We are having a series of RV problems that are keeping us on I-5 where there are service shops. So far we have had 1) 6 volt RV batteries that had to be replaced, 2) a converter that had to be replaced, 3) a leaking fresh water tank that does dry in three days, 4) a bad spindle on the car dolly wheel that is keeping us stuck in Medford, OR until at least Monday.


    Major bummer, sorry to hear the bad news.

    I was just in Medford, LOVE the State of Jefferson!

    Could be worse, always could be worse.

    Let us know how it goes.
  • crandle's avatar
    crandle
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2016
    The job is done and we have a new spindle! The job cost $380 and took four hours labour. We are pleased with the work that Trailer and RV Parts Warehouse of Medford, OR did for us.

    I told the welder before he started that Master Tow says their spindles are not replaceable. He just grinned and said, "there is always a way" and there was!

    There is snow forecast for the Siskiyou Pass tomorrow so we sill sit here in Medford until Thursday. Life is Good!

    http://croftsmexico.blogspot.ca/2016/11/done.html
  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Nov 23, 2016
    The coast road is windy and up and down the whole way. Route 20 is easier driving to get to I-5. There is really only one pass on Interstate 5 Siskiyou Summit and it is no big deal unless the weather is really cold.
  • crandle's avatar
    crandle
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2016
    The Siskiyou has moderate snow today (Wednesday) but is clear tomorrow so that is when we are doing it. We have gone this route many times in the past, we were just looking for a change of scenery but the RV problems kept us on I-5. Another time.
  • JohnG3's avatar
    JohnG3
    Explorer II
    Nov 25, 2016
    CA Traveler wrote:
    JohnG3 wrote:

    Take the Richmond/Rafael bridge to Oakland then follow the GPS back to 101 south of San Jose. No driving through the City.
    This brings Richmond, Berkley, Oakland, E Bay and San Jose traffic into play. Not my favorite route.

    My preferred routes in order.

    1. 101, SF 19th Ave - DO NOT take 101, 280, 85, 101. There are several crossovers to 101 before SJ if desired but I prefer 280/85. Yes 19th Ave is about 6 miles long.

    2. 37, 80, 780, 680, 101 - now south of downtown SJ. With a 680/580 option to 5

    Did it a couple times mid day with little to no issues. Favorite route (except the Richmond/Rafael bridge)going from 101 to 80 to 505 to 5 either direction.

    3. 580, 80, 880, 101. The above quoted route.

    Generally mid day traffic won't be horrible on any of the above. Generally - :@ But like any big city area - :S
  • crandle's avatar
    crandle
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2016
    Safe and sound in Central California, weather is warming up and we are headed in the right direction (South). Thanks for all the help folks you are welcome to follow along in the Blog: http://croftsmexico.blogspot.ca/

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