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jmullens31's avatar
jmullens31
Explorer
Apr 30, 2018

Highway 88 or 50 eastbound to 395

I am new here an need some help. I have search the internet but I'm having trouble finding the answer I need, I am brand new to RVing. Just bought a brand new 32ft trailer being towed by my suburban. We are heading out in 2 days from east of Sacramento down to Las Vegas. My original thought was to take Hwy 50 to 89/88 to 395 then down from there. However, i just realized this would require taking the steep, winding, cliff on one side grade from Echo Summit down to tahoe. I;ve driving this many times in a car or truck but it scares the hell out of me to take a trailer down that grade.

Has anyone pulled a TT over 88 and carson pass down to 395? The grade doesn't bother me as much as the narrow sharp turns with a cliff on one side.

Thank you in advance for your responses
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  • Travelon's avatar
    Travelon
    Explorer
    May 01, 2018
    jmullens31 wrote:
    I am new here an need some help. I have search the internet but I'm having trouble finding the answer I need, I am brand new to RVing. Just bought a brand new 32ft trailer being towed by my suburban. We are heading out in 2 days from east of Sacramento down to Las Vegas. My original thought was to take Hwy 50 to 89/88 to 395 then down from there. However, i just realized this would require taking the steep, winding, cliff on one side grade from Echo Summit down to tahoe. I;ve driving this many times in a car or truck but it scares the hell out of me to take a trailer down that grade.

    Has anyone pulled a TT over 88 and carson pass down to 395? The grade doesn't bother me as much as the narrow sharp turns with a cliff on one side.

    Thank you in advance for your responses


    We have pulled a 37' 5er from 50 to Sly Park Lake to Mormon Emigrant Trail to 88 to 395 Minden. Stay off of Monitor Pass 89 only fit for truck and small utility trailer.

    Happy travels, Travelon
  • F-TROUP's avatar
    F-TROUP
    Explorer
    May 01, 2018
    X2 88, Sac 80 to 395 to Minden, Nv is almost 7 hours. Sac to Minden over 88 is 2 1/2 hours
  • donkeydew's avatar
    donkeydew
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2018
    88 is a good 4 lane hiway in the area you are concerned with,not much different than I-80. 88 has a lot less traffic just take your time and you will be fine.
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    Apr 30, 2018
    jmullens31 wrote:
    That's a consideration but that will add about another hr to a long trip.


    Worth it.
  • TexasShadow's avatar
    TexasShadow
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2018
    I 80 over the mountains to 395 is the better route for you. the only other option is south on 99 down to bakersfield, east on 58 to Barstow and I 15 up to Vegas.
    All the roads crossing the Sierras (except I 80 ) are pretty tough.
  • jmullens31's avatar
    jmullens31
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2018
    That's a consideration but that will add about another hr to a long trip.
  • jmullens31's avatar
    jmullens31
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2018
    Thank you enblethen. I wasn't so concerned about 395 as I am getting over the pass to 395.Any thoughts on HWY 88 down to gardenerville and then down 395?
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 30, 2018
    I would go a little farther east and take US 95 south.
    Little farther, but until you get comfortable with your rig, I think this would be a better route.

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