I am so new to this I haven't even taken delivery of our new 5th wheel and truck.this will happen this week.I have just purchased a 2015 Ram 2500 mega cab 4x4 diesel to haul a new 2015 Jayco 337flqs.We are planning to go to California from here in New York of course stop along the way. Also have an event near Spokane WA in middle of January.I believe the first part taking the southern tier should be ok, but what about southern Cali to Spokane in the middle of January? As a newbie I want to be confident and I am concerned about traveling if there is snow or ice. Any thought or recommendations would be appreciated.

Are you serious? That is an awfully ambitious plan first time out in a totally new rig anytime of the year but WINTER:@ Where are you going in CA? Los Angeles or San Fran to Spokane in January involves crossing the mountains a few times and not to be taken lightly. Do you have experience towing in those conditions? The west coast is experiencing unseasonably balmy weather at the moment but that can change in a hurry.

Enjoy your new rig. I would seek out lo term weather forecasts, for sure.

Given that some RV's have problems out of the gate your first trip should be a shakedown cruise close to home. I wonder if you will be doing a thorough predelivery or will just rely on the salesman's assertions ( A BIG MISTAKE).You do not know if the tires on the 5er are adequate for the job. (Yes they are new but some manufacturers put tires on that are so near the max load limit it is a disgrace).There are other gotcha's that you need to know before you go.At least find out if the selling dealer has a space with hookups you can use for a couple of days while you familiarize yourself with all the systems on the 5er.I wish you luck and look forward to your reports on the road.

Hi. Are you serious? Question: Have you given a REAL good look into what you will need just to start a coast to cast trip. Especially the first run with a NEW, un-tested set-up. This year with an EL NINO weather pattern are shaping up out west.

Spokane in January? Be prepared for wind and snow. I would leave the trailer in a park around Portland and drive up to Spokane and stay in a motel. On the way to Portland from So. CA budget extra travel time so you can avoid bad weather and possible snow at the Siskiyou pass.Plan ahead and take it easy.

East to west Coast | Good Sam Community

63 Replies

Mickey3740
Explorer
May 14, 2016
Sorry for the late response, yes made it home fine,headed to Medeira Beach Fla koa to warm up before the short drive home.Stopped in Ga to see family and Virginia one night and then home.
As far as flying to Spokane from Lax it just made sense 100.00 each way compared to 18 plus hours of driving each way. And not to have to worry about the weather priceless.

10k miles later and I can't wait to go again. Starting to plan our next adventure.
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Feb 25, 2016
Sounds like he took advice and made the best of it, traveled to California, flew to Spokane as needed, stayed with family, flew back to California and headed back east. Last post he was in Texas keeping eye on weather. He will have some challenges avoiding bad weather getting home. Storms have been coming from gulf and hammering east coast...

Best wishes for safe travel home!
wilber1
Explorer
Feb 25, 2016
I carry a pair for the truck and a pair for the 5th, but only in case I am stopped asked if I have them. So far I haven't been but you never know. The only way I would ever use them is if I got caught somewhere. I wouldn't go into a situation where I knew I would probably have to use them.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 25, 2016
Passin Thru wrote:
I'll be he took everyone's advice and stayed home! Stupid to buy chains. If you have to drive into a pass that requires chains, turn around and wait. Chains are required for big trucks, in 3 million miles I had them on 1 time for 2 miles on Stevens Pass in Wa. He's from NY people. It snows in NY!

Bingo!
Chains are a waste of money unless you're an otr trucker or going off the beaten path.
After living/driving/towing on and off road in most northern and mountain states over the last 20 years I never even owned chains until moving to WA.
If they're needed anywhere on road it's here due to the abundance of wet greasy warm snow and ice. And I only bought them to access some Sno Machine areas that you must chain up or either be off the side of the mountain or clogging up the road spun out.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Feb 25, 2016
I'll be he took everyone's advice and stayed home! Stupid to buy chains. If you have to drive into a pass that requires chains, turn around and wait. Chains are required for big trucks, in 3 million miles I had them on 1 time for 2 miles on Stevens Pass in Wa. He's from NY people. It snows in NY!
mountainsam
Explorer
Feb 23, 2016
I hope by now you have made New York. Its been a tough winter back east. Let us know how the last few days went.
Mickey3740
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
Yes we flew to Spokane when we were in California. Now on i40 East going through Texas.So far all,is good. Going to keep an eye on the weather the next few days before heading back to New York.
bovellois
Explorer
Feb 09, 2016
Grit dog wrote:
Not going to Spokane now??
Anyway, I 40 is winter in the high desert. Driven it in 2' of blowing snow and 60 and sunny in Feb. otherwise it's a freeway, nothing special.
Not sure what "thoughts" you're asking for.

He said they decided to fly from California to Spokane to get a break from the road.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 07, 2016
Not going to Spokane now??
Anyway, I 40 is winter in the high desert. Driven it in 2' of blowing snow and 60 and sunny in Feb. otherwise it's a freeway, nothing special.
Not sure what "thoughts" you're asking for.
deltabravo
Nomad
Feb 07, 2016
Sunny in Spokane today.