Hwy 166 from Bakersfield to Santa Maria while towing?

[TOOBOLD]

We've never taken HWY 166 to the coast. We have a F350 CC, LB and a 34' 5th wheel. Does anyone know how long the climb is out of Maricopa and the grade? Most important is it doable with our combo? I'm concerned of switchbacks as I have one kiddo that gets car sick.

[aerbus32]

Did it a number of times in our previous rig. 32' gas towing a Grand Cherokee. You won't have any trouble. I would try to avoid using it Fri or Sunday. It probably gets a fair amount of weekend traffic over to Pismo.

[shakyjay]

Although I have driven 166 many times I have never driven it while towing. Actually just drove it a week ago and the road is good. I wish I could tell you what the grade for Grocer Grade is coming out of Maricopa. Best I can do is tell you that as you leave Maricopa it starts out very gradually for a few miles and then gets pretty steep for a couple more miles (just guessing at the distance). Most of the steep section has two lanes so traveling slow is not a problem. The down side into Cuyama Valley is a lot more gradual so no real problem. There are a couple of curves but no switchbacks up over the grade. Through Cuyama Valley is basically straight and two lanes but a good road. As dicknellen pointed out there is a park in New Cuyama on the south side of the road. Plenty of room to pull off under shade trees along the road to take a break if you want. As you get to east end of the valley it gets a little curvy but no real switchbacks. Mostly fairly gentle curves. There are a couple of very short and mild climbs up and over to 101. The route is traveled frequently by both trucks and RVs so it is very doable. Just a word of caution the CHP as well as respective county sheriffs do patrol and ticket speeders. Maricopa is not as bad as it once was (they got into a bit of trouble) but can still be a speed trap area.

[dicknellen]

When we lived in Bkfd for 20 years this was our route to the coast, MH w/toad, PU with 5th wheel also with trailer no problems. Always took a rest break in New Cuyama, usually near the park under the shade trees. There are some curvy sections and a long grade coming out of Maricopa. The grade is steep, just get down in low and take it easy. Dick