Forum Discussion

Rvkim's avatar
Rvkim
Explorer
Jul 11, 2018

Road help -new rv driver.

Our family is going to TUOLUMNE MEADOWS on the east side of Yosemite. We have never been to Yosemite and have never driven an rv before
We are driving from LA area. Should we take the 395 up to 120 or come from west?
The road looks windy from west but hard to tell.
Any recommendationa welcome!


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14 Replies

  • actually your not going to Yosemite, so 108 would be the best bet, it is not to bad going up to TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, there is some close turns but very doable,coming down from 395 is pretty harry, going over Sonora pass, come all the way down to modesto, then take 120-108 through oakdale then up 108 the rest, coming 120through the yosemite park also is not the way to go, very sharp sharp turn coming down priest grade
  • How well can you handle long steep grades? Both have white knuckle long steep grades. Some 14 miles of it. 120 have more than 100 of those hairpin curves.

    Least difficult approach from LA is via I-5, then 99 and through South Entrance via Fresno.

    Fastest is 395 but steep grades over high elevation can make your tow vehicle strain a bit (or a lot, defending on your tow vehicle-to towed unit weight ratio plus the wind drag).

    Have a safe trip. Watch for the trailer push going down steep hills particularly the Grapevine (if you are going that way). I kept my speed at 55mph and shifted down to 4th or 3rd with intermittent braking.

    But Yosemite to Toulumne is always worth it.
  • What kind and how long of an RV do you have. Makes a difference in driving particularly in Ca. where 55 MPH is speed limit for towing on Ca. highways.
  • I suggest that you take one or two overnight "practice trips" before you head out for a long haul.

    Most people don't think that is important but, trust me, it REALLY IS.

    Especially if you haven't driven a big rig before.

    P.S. This sub-forum is for questions about the forum itself, software and such.