Avoiding the mountains of CA

You don't mention what you are traveling in. Anyway, the Grapevine (I-5 between Valencia and Bakersfield) is you one really big climb and drop. Any well maintained RV should handle it without a problem. If you have an older rig, turn of your engine Air Conditioner before starting the climb. Don't let the engine overheat, so keep your revs at a normal rate and enjoy the scenery. Going down on the other side watch your speed, don't let your speed get beyond your comfort level, and tap your brakes as needed to keep your speed down rather than trying to stop when going too fast. I usually keep my downhill speed at about 45 to 50 mph. It really isn't a bad drive at all.
If you are really concerned, or just uncomfortable, then take the lovely drive straight up highway 101. You will still have a few grades to deal with, but they are shorter, not necessarily flatter. Camarillo grade (steep down run), and Atascadero grade (short but steep up and down). The drive up the 101 is by far more scenic, but it will add at least an hour to your trip, probably more as traffic will be much slower. Again, if your rig is in good condition, the Grapevine should not be a problem.
Happy Trails.

I-5, 101, 99......No big deal. Done all these many times with gasers and DP. Get to know you rig. With a gaser use same gear going down as going up.

There are no mountains between San Diego and San Francisco. Some hills maybe but nothing to be concerned about.

I-15 north out of San Diego, then Hwy 58 to Bakersfield, then I-5. The biggest climb will be Cajon Pass, the next small climb will be Tehachapi, then it is all flat all the way to destination.

Grapevine grade south is only 7 miles. North is longer, but then less steep.
I think braking on those grades is higher problem than going up.
It is famous becouse of summer temperatures going into 3 digits, what puts cooling system to real test.
Than you have similar grade at Livermore.
I think 101 with rows of grades and curves will give you more troubles.

Mountain Directory West is a good resource.

Grapevine is barely a hill. Hang with the trucks (and truck speed limit) and you will be fine.

Just stay off Sonora Pass(CA108) and Ebbett's Pass (CA4) over the Sierras.

Here's some information on the Grapevine in California:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/Publications/Inside7/story.php?id=97

It appears you're from Black Canyon City, AZ....think of the Grapevine as a drive from there up to Flagstaff. Surely you've done that.

The Grapevine is not that high in elevation but can be intimidating because of the long steep grades and traffic.

Here's a route you can try:

I-15 North onto I-215 North
Hwy 138 West at Cajon Junction
I-5 North (you will be on the last part of the Grapevine, and there's a PFJ within a couple of miles on Frazier Mtn Park Rd)
Hwy 46 West at Lost Hills
Hwy 101 North at Paso Robles

John Wayne wrote:
San Diego to San Francisco only has one major pass and that's the grape vine on I5. North of L.A. and it's no big deal but if your worried about it then in L.A. take the 101 north.

X-2