Towing to California. Any laws changed since 2009 regarding RV's?

[Bug Out]

I have not towed into the heart of California since 2009. I'll be going to Russian River area and Sacramento for a few days,combo business/pleasure. Has anything regarding towing RV's changed drastically since 2009? I know I hear the "weight police " saying some are getting scaled etc. No issues there.

So much changes every year there regarding laws, I have lost track. Any info appreciated.

About as far into Ca that I've been was Glamis and Needles since 09'.

Towing a 39' tow hauler.

Thanks again.

 

[jgillott]

I was out there last summer but was without a trailer this time. So, I can't specifically answer your question. But, I didn't see anything specific that should be of issue.

Side note, I highly recommend the American River Resort. It is absolutely my favorite RV park near in the Sacramento/El Dorado Hills area.

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

Has anything regarding towing RV's changed drastically since 2009?

No. Attaching requirements for CA Weights and Configurations just for reference.

 

[Blu-meanie]

The latest stupid idea is you must allow at least 3 feet clearance from those wonderful bicycle riders. You know the ones, riding tandem on Hwy 1 and seemingly looking for a perfect place for their memorial cross to be placed. One other newer law is to slow or change lanes when police or others are stopped on the edge of the road.
I have never seen an RV being weighed with the portable scales. Big rigs, yes.

 

[RustyJC]

No. Attaching requirements for CA Weights and Configurations just for reference.
View attachment 88488

Insofar as the requirements listed in this attachment for California Driver Licenses, they don't apply to out-of-state visitors towing a non-commercial RV (i.e., privately owned for personal use). If you are legally licensed in your home state, your driver license is valid in California thanks to the Driver License Interstate Compact. Otherwise, you'd have to carry a license for every state through which you travel.

Rusty

 

[SnoKing]

The other thing that has changed is I-5 in the Central Valley is all beat up again. Take 99 from Bakersfield North. I would take I10, I210, I215, I15, 138 to Palmdale, E Ave S to 14, to 58 and West over the Teachapi to Bakersfield. We drive from the East Valley to Orange Grove RV in Bakersfield 502 miles the first day. It will be shorter starting in Surprise. I like that route better than the Kingman/Barstow route. Chris

 

[Bug Out]

Snoking, that was another thought. Was gonna roll I-40 from Kingman to avoid LA. Been wondering how 99 is? Was going to cut over and go to 580 to 680 to marin co/sonoma co.

Geez, I thought the last time I took I-5 they had repaved it....LOL

Thanks everyone for the input. Appreciate it.

 

[SnoKing]

Snoking, that was another thought. Was gonna roll I-40 from Kingman to avoid LA. Been wondering how 99 is? Was going to cut over and go to 580 to 680 to marin co/sonoma co.

Geez, I thought the last time I took I-5 they had repaved it....LOL

Thanks everyone for the input. Appreciate it.

They did repave it a few years ago, but is really bumpy again.

Unless it is a Sunday I would avoid the East Bay area. I have taken the route from Lodi 12 west to I80 for a mile or two then 12 again to 116 into Petaluma. County fairground RV in Santa Rosa is suppose to be OK to stay. Doran Country park in Bodega Bay is right on the water.

Chris

 

[AEdelheit]

I live in the Russian River area, have yet to see any road side scales or CHP cracking down on obviously overweight RV's, though honestly sometimes I wish they would! All the road are terrible, just part of Sonoma County and the Bicyclist dont help but you get used to it, have a great trip!

 

[Bug Out]

AEdelheit, we were planning on going to Casini's ranch for a couple days. I used to stay there often in the late 90's, early 2000's. Is Gurnville rd still decent from the 101 ? The last time I went thru was when the road was down to one lane red light traffic thru a washout in the road, 5 miles east of Duncan mills....Many moons ago..

 

[Simplysmn]

99 has turned into a Great route just got back from up North last week and I Only drive 99 I hate I 5 and will avoid it at all cost going across 58 is pretty simple also just watch Mojave Area it's a Speed Trap and a wind Tunnel out there .being out of State you should be fine .Safe Travel's

 

[Bug Out]

Simplysmn, I was actually going to take 99 to Hwy 132 to cut across to 580. I have never taken 132 and hope its not a surprise. There is a RV dealer I wanted to stop by on 99,(Turlock) Best RV center and plant the seed with the wife on a unit I have been drooling over.....She doesn't know just yet... Hopefully after she see's it she'll want it too..LOL

Then on to the N/coast.

 

[SnoKing]

Simplysmn, I was actually going to take 99 to Hwy 132 to cut across to 580. I have never taken 132 and hope its not a surprise. There is a RV dealer I wanted to stop by on 99,(Turlock) Best RV center and plant the seed with the wife on a unit I have been drooling over.....She doesn't know just yet... Hopefully after she see's it she'll want it too..LOL

Then on to the N/coast.

Like I said earlier, I would not want to tow in the East Bay area on a week day! Saturday will also have heavy traffic. Sunday morning is best. Chris

 

[Blu-meanie]

I would consider going the Vallejo route. Since it's been freewayed (new word) the time and effort is better. Casini's is way too pricey for me but to get there I feel it's best to just take Hwy 1 through Bodega Bay and up the coast. Lawson's Landing (with reservations), Doran is hard to get a reservation, the county park on the other side of the bay (Westside Regional Park) is pretty good but depending on when you are going...it can be reserved as well. Wouldn't recommend going farther North with that size trailer, not on Hwy 1 anyway. Also, never, ever try taking Mountain View Road from Point Arena to Boonville with a trailer...I did once, took 3 hours for the 30 miles with a 27 foot trailer. Any 39 foot TT is iffy on Hwy 1, at least in my humble opinion.

 

[p-Bar]

The latest stupid idea is you must allow at least 3 feet clearance from those wonderful bicycle riders. You know the ones, riding tandem on Hwy 1 and seemingly looking for a perfect place for their memorial cross to be placed. One other newer law is to slow or change lanes when police or others are stopped on the edge of the road.
I have never seen an RV being weighed with the portable scales. Big rigs, yes.

That law doesn't start till September. My CHP buddy thinks that the stupidist law

 

[SnoKing]

I would consider going the Vallejo route. Since it's been freewayed (new word) the time and effort is better. Casini's is way too pricey for me but to get there I feel it's best to just take Hwy 1 through Bodega Bay and up the coast. Lawson's Landing (with reservations), Doran is hard to get a reservation, the county park on the other side of the bay (Westside Regional Park) is pretty good but depending on when you are going...it can be reserved as well. Wouldn't recommend going farther North with that size trailer, not on Hwy 1 anyway. Also, never, ever try taking Mountain View Road from Point Arena to Boonville with a trailer...I did once, took 3 hours for the 30 miles with a 27 foot trailer. Any 39 foot TT is iffy on Hwy 1, at least in my humble opinion.

I was at the USCG Loran Station at Point Area from July 1967 to January 1969. My parents came to visit in a pickup camper and turned left in Boonville on Mountain View Road. Mom had a three Olive Martini at Disotell's when they arrived.

To OP:

You only RV North on Hiway 1 if you want your copilot to go on another trip with you. Do it Southbound at your own peril. Every time I get staged at Doran and plan to tow my 29' with a Std Cab truck North to visit Point Arena, I end up going to 101 and then North. I towed a 15' trailer South in the early 70's and did not marry that girlfriend.

Take just the truck and do a little day trip North of Jenner, or do an all day clockwise trip up Hiway 1 and take 128 back to 101 South. It is 180 mile loop, if you include artsy coastal town of Mendocino it is 202 miles.

Snoking

 

[SnoKing]

The latest stupid idea is you must allow at least 3 feet clearance from those wonderful bicycle riders. You know the ones, riding tandem on Hwy 1 and seemingly looking for a perfect place for their memorial cross to be placed. One other newer law is to slow or change lanes when police or others are stopped on the edge of the road.
I have never seen an RV being weighed with the portable scales. Big rigs, yes.

Have you ever been West of Port Angeles, Wa on 101 around Lake Crescent. Listed as a scenic bike route! And we will throw in RVs, Chip Trucks, Log Trucks, Gas Tankers(I drove one there for three years in the 70's) and tourist that do not know how to drive. Give a biker three feet and you might have a load of logs in your face! SNOKING

 

[AEdelheit]

AEdelheit, we were planning on going to Casini's ranch for a couple days. I used to stay there often in the late 90's, early 2000's. Is Gurnville rd still decent from the 101 ? The last time I went thru was when the road was down to one lane red light traffic thru a washout in the road, 5 miles east of Duncan mills....Many moons ago..

I believe your talking about River rd that runs form 101 to through Guerneville, the washout has been repaired and I dont know of any road work going on anymore.

 

[Bug Out]

Blu-meanie, I'd be nervous as all heck towing a 39' anywhere on Hwy 1 north of the GGB. Not to mention with a auto, 68 RFE and trying to keep the transmission locked above 30 MPH with all the twist backs (5-10mph) yikes !. I used to tow a 36' Alpenlite to Russian river via the 101- Gurneville rd to Casini's and it was easy going.

I'm hoping the road is still good.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Snoking, that was another thought. Was gonna roll I-40 from Kingman to avoid LA. Been wondering how 99 is? Was going to cut over and go to 580 to 680 to marin co/sonoma co.

Geez, I thought the last time I took I-5 they had repaved it....LOL

Thanks everyone for the input. Appreciate it.

If your looking for a way from 99 to 580 and into the bay, Crow's landing on 99 in Medesto will take you over the road is nice and keeps you away from all the BS on the main road. 580 and 680 aren't that bad, bad enough!! but just watch the times your using them and it will be fine (AKA stay away from the commute traffic)

Was just checking above out yes it will work cause ive done it many times but if you go to Turlock go to W Main, West it will also put you out on to I 5 and you wont have to fight the BS traffic in town. As a general rule Fuel is lots cheaper on 99 than anyplace along I 5 and the bay area is no place to be getting off the frwy to be looking for fuel.

I got a laugh out of the post above that said I 5 is smooth your idea of smooth must me WAY DIFFERENT than mine, I 5 has ALWAYS been a POS