Santa Rosa CA to Minneapolis MN

What kind of tires will you be using?

When I drive in winter conditions I make sure I have these emergency supplies in the car. Per person:
one 0 degree to -15 degree sleeping bag,under $30.00 at Wally World
one quart drinking water
one medium jar of peanut butter.
In addition a bag of kitty litter,for traction a folding shovel and inexpensive RED poncho,great for keeping me dry but also GREAT to signal I need help.
Chains or tires socks are also a good idea.

paulj wrote:
What kind of tires will you be using?

Check the National Weather Service before starting your trip and then daily while on your trip. The weather conditions will dictate which routes are advisable. The southern route has a higher probability of better route conditions and not having to stop and lay over if snow conditions require it. I would also add to your "emergency" list a "Emergency Roadside Assistance plan" in the event you break down or have to be towed or pulled out of snow conditions. Personally, the winter months would not be my first choice to head east. Unless there is an absolute reason you need your vehicle or RV vehicle, I would fly and rent a car. IMHO

I tried to take 80 east from California in late April and it was closed due to snow a few years back - I would plan on the southern route

rr2254545 wrote:
I tried to take 80 east from California in late April and it was closed due to snow a few years back - I would plan on the southern route

What would be the "southern route"?

Kelbri wrote:
Any recommendations on best driving routes with front wheel drive car? Heading to MN early December than back to Santa Rosa early January. Is I-80 a good route or is it best to head south then North for the weather (though it will add time and miles)?

Thanks in advance!

Have you thought about leaving the bother, worry and time enroute behind?

Sun Country has a round-trip flight from Sonoma County to Minneapolis for $297.

Driving time: 29+ hours EACH way.
Flight time: 3:30 out and about 4 hours back.

I know what my choice would be.

I80 is sometimes closed - such across the Sierras, or maybe middle of Wyoming. But I40 gets closed or dicy around Flagstaff. And I10 gets wind/blowing dust warnings. Plus getting to the 'southern' route requires crossing one of the passes in Southern California.

Any winter driving has chances of weathere delays. I've skated across Wisconsin when returning to Chicago from Mpls after Thanksgiving (that was in a 4x4).

My feeling is that if you can drive the car in Minnesota in December, you can drive it across I80. Even waiting out a storm will be faster than looping down to Arizona.

In most cases the interstate is always open. If it gets bad you may have to just stay put for a day. Bring warm extra cloths food and water as one suggested. If they get real bad they will close the interstate with their gates. I wouldn't over think it too much.
Brian

Kelbri wrote:
Any recommendations on best driving routes with front wheel drive car? Heading to MN early December than back to Santa Rosa early January. Is I-80 a good route or is it best to head south then North for the weather (though it will add time and miles)?

Thanks in advance!

Bing Maps suggested this Route

In my travels - just keep a good eye on the weather and allow time to wait it out if needed - just being in a car should not be that difficult.

Be smart - weather is the key - We travel a lot in the Winter/Snowy conditions, Being a skier in my early life, we have spent more time Looking for Snow than finding snow.

Keep your ears and eyes open - stay in your comfort Zone and enjoy the drive.

Beast of Luck,

Edit - being that you are traveling to a cold state I'd guess you will have plenty of the necessary provisions needed for an unexpected event, keep a little extra water, and a bar or two with the peanut butter.

We are planning to drive in order to bring our 3 dogs along. Flying would be much preferred. They are 3 smaller Shih Tzus (one about 25 pounds and the other 2 about 9 pounds each).

I'll have to look at the tires on the car. Pretty sure they are just all season radials. We would need to buy chains and put together the winter survival package mentioned. Lived in MN all my life but recently moved to Santa Rosa. Going back to visit family for the holidays.

Currently thinking about buying an AWD/4WD vehicle (GMC Yukon). We could drive that instead.

Thanks for all the suggestions/thoughts. Let me know if you have any other opinions.