Calif Rt 5 vs 99

[JSchooley]

I'm head North with my 5er from San Diego area to Vancouver, stopping in Grass Valley near Sacramento. Anybody have input on road conditions or opinions on alternate routes?

Thanks, John

------------------
John S. '01 Silver QC LST 2500 6sp 3. 54. BD E-Brake. 50 Gal Aux fuel/tool box.

 

[JohnB]

John--It depends on how big a hurry your in. Hwy 5 is the most direct route and probably the best road (if there is such a thing in Ca. ). 99 will take you only as far a Red Bluff and goes through some towns and areas with more congestion and only two lanes past Sacramento. 99 is a little less boring, but after going to Auburn I would get on 5 when heading north. Nicest drive from So Ca to Salinas is Hwy 101 but then you have to cross back over to hwy 5 to head north again.

------------------
01' 2500,SB, Club Cab, 5spd,3. 54 LS, Bright White, Camel Leather. Pillar mount boost & pyro, fuel presure guage. 2001 Sunnybrook 27' 5ver

 

[illflem]

I've taken both routes many times. In-between Bakersfield and Sac 99 really isn't that much slower. Beyond Sac forget it, I-5 is better. I've heard that the city of Chico on 99 north of Sac is the largest city in the US that has just a two lane road to it = lots of traffic. I-5 has rolling hills, the traffic moves about 80 mph and has more trucks. 99 is flat, moves about 70, has many more places to stop, fuel is cheaper and help is close by if needed. I prefer 99 unless the winter tule fog sets in, I've seen visibility down to 10 feet then.

If you want a change of pace and better scenery on your way to or from Vancouver cut off on US 97 at Weed. It will take you on the east side of the Cascades with many places to cut back over to I-5 if you like. You can even cut over to Vancouver after you cross the boarder. This route avoids the congestion of Portland - Seattle, and is a much prettier route with little traffic. It will probably add one day onto your trip though.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

ALL the above is pretty accurate, but I would add that Hwy 5 has become rather rough from heavy truck traffic, and has VERY widely spaced fuel stops and rest areas compared with what you will find on 99...

------------------
http://community. webshots.com/user/davison71 Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... Tweaked pump, upgraded radiator... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

"Dura" WHAT? NOW I know where all those recycled beer cans go...

 

[Joe G.]

John,

Just get on I15 and go to US395. Take I80 from Reno to SR20 to Grass Valley. MUCH beautiful country but not as fast as going up the valley. From Grass Valley take SR 20 to I5 then north. If you have lots of time them stay on SR20 till you get to US101 and go north thru the redwoods from there. Take US199 just north of Crescent City back to I5 at Grant's Pass in OR. If you are in a hurry then I5 to I80 and SR49 to Grass Valley.

------------------
Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,DTT TC/VB,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

[This message has been edited by Joe G. (edited 04-27-2001). ]

 

[merryman]

We live in Oregon and run to San Diego 2-3 times a year. We vary the route not only between I5, 99 and 395, but also take the back roads like SR 65 north of Bakersfield, 49 along the mountains,45 north of Sacramento, and of course 101,(don't take 101 through San Francisco towing your trailer unless you like traffic!!!!!101 is not freeway through the city!!
Both 99 and 5 leave you staring at the back of a big truck most of the time.
We prefer 395 for peacefullness and sight seeing, but Joe has good ideas of that too. The Red woods are one of the truly awsome sights. On 395, you might like to continue up 97 from Alturas via 139 through eastern Oregon. ----actually I like all the roads except 99 and 5.

Vaughn

 

[JSchooley]

Thanks for your replys. I avoid I5 and 99 as much as possible and usually go up 395 or some combination. We go to the tri city area of Washington every year and have travelled most of the routes including 101.

This time we have a sailing date in Vancouver and limited time to get there. The last time I travelled I5 (several years ago) I thought it would rip the 5er off my truck. I couldn't imagine the king pin box moving that much. jA year or so later a woman pulled into the RV park in Sacramento that looked absolutely beat. She stopped to rest because I 5 was doing a number on her. It sounds like it hasn't been improved that much.

Any way, thanks much for the inputs, they are very helpful. My current plan is to 395 it past Los Angeles, hop on 99 at Bakersfield and catch 5 in Sacramento. Wife just said no to Grass Valley, but that could change. Thanks again.

John

 

[illflem]

John I buzzed down I-5 from Seattle to LA a few months ago, the rough road didn't start until south of Sac. Got so bad there that I just cruised the left lane the whole time. Sounds like you'll be missing the worst of it.

 

[NVR FNSH]

John,
Where are you going to cut over from 395 to I-5? My parents tow their 36ft CarriLite from Vancouver to SF via I-5 and I haven't heard any complaints from them. Last trip was Sept of '00.

Brian

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Originally posted by Joe G. :
US101 and go north thru the redwoods from there. Take US199 just north of Crescent City back to I5 at Grant's Pass in OR

I don't mean to scare you off, but US 199 from Crescent City to Grants Pass is not for the faint of heart. There is a section near Patrick Creek Lodge that is really only one lane for big loads. I have driven that route a few times pulling a traile and had a few white knuckle experiences. Less hairy would be one of the Oregon inland routes to either Roseburg or Eugene and then North on I-5. Unless you want to see the coast, I would probably do the I-5 to weed and then US 97 North to Washington. I may be biased, you will come right through Bend, my hometown.

Shelby

------------------
2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH (Built 09-10-00), DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 7745 miles as of 03-02-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

[Joe G.]

Hey Shelby,

Haven't seen you on here for a while. #ad
#ad


You bet there are some hairy places going thru the redwoods. Have you noticed the bark knocked off the trees in Richardson's Grove on US101 just after you come into Humboldt County? There was a piece of RV roof trim stuck in a tree most of last year. The Jed Smith State Park is really nice too if you ain't scared to take your eyes off the road. You're right about that. #ad
#ad
#ad

 

[JSchooley]

We spent several days in Bend last year. We zoomed through there many times without stopping, and decided to have a quick look. We renewed our reservations three times and spent a lot of time cruizing the mountains and antique shops, etc. Definitely on our list to visit again.

Our favorite route coming back from the tri-city area is US97 through Oregon. Usually we cruize on through because it is the end of our trip and were headed home. Last year (same trip) we wound up with an extra week and a half and took our time. Lots of neat towns to stop at and browze around, and of course one of the prettiest routes around.

Did 101 through the redwoods many years ago in a 25 Ft. Fleetwood. Yes - I sure noticed the missing bark on the trees. Yes - I was careful as hell and a little tense.

Worse was making the mistake of coming into San Francisco across the Golden State Bridge on a Friday afternoon pulling an Alpenlite. I assumed we were OK since we shared the road with Bob Tails and a Semi or two. It was definitely white knuckle time and not much margin for error on the turns.

Thanks for your inputs, one tends to remember the beautiful trees and forget the limited space. I don't think I'd enjoy the trip with my new 14 ft 3in high beauty!!! Even if I've been there, the reinforcement is great. At least I know I'm doing the right thing.

BTW I go to tri-cities every year. Like to take different routes and prefer to stay off the freeways and enjoy the scenery. Even got my flatlander wife leaning that direction, especially since she finds the antique shops on the back roads.

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Originally posted by Joe G. :
Hey Shelby,

Haven't seen you on here for a while. #ad
#ad

Joe,

Yea been real busy with work, no time for TDR, until recently. I just made the 199 to 101 and South to Ukiah drive (March 27 -- April 5).

I got a question for you on California diesel. I have a CFN card and noticed that the pumps were labeled "Clear Diesel" in Ukiah where I did my only California fueling during the trip. My CFN bill also read "CARB Diesel" Is the diesel there different? Is the "Clear" just to differentiate from "Red"?

Too bad, I never seem to have time to stop and visit TDR members during my travels, but always seem to be rushing to meet some new deadline.

Shelby

------------------
2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH (Built 09-10-00), DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 7745 miles as of 03-02-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

[Joe G.]

Shelby,

I dunno about the diesel at the CFN. That's where I get fuel and I've seen the sign on the tanks. Maybe it means it ain't red because they sell that too. Believe it or not, the cheapest diesel is in Eureka. Turn toward the bay on Wabash if you miss the tiny little sign. I can't figure out the pricing for diesel. It's $1. 85 in Sacramento and $1. 59 in Eureka at the gas stations. A little less than that at CFN. Gas is the other way around. $1. 90 in Sac and $2. 16 in Eureka!!! #ad
#ad


John,

If your wife likes antique shops ya betta keep her away from the little towns of San Juan Bautista and Mendocino! My wife gets a crazed look in her eyes when we drive by those places. The clock shop in Mendocino is especially dangerous.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Diesel in Vacaville, 40 miles west of Sacramento, is $1. 57 per gallon at the beacon station in the middle of town - there are a couple of stations out in south Sacramento selling Diesel at $1. 52... Ya just gotta shop around! #ad


------------------
http://community. webshots.com/user/davison71 Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... Tweaked pump, upgraded radiator... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

"Dura" WHAT? NOW I know where all those recycled beer cans go...

 

[RAMalama]

My $. 02 on fuel prices -

Just drove fm Chula Vista, CA to Modesto and up to Concord CA pulling my triple slide 5er @ 19840lbs; Flying J at Frasier Park on the Bakersfield side of the Grape Vine was 1. 51 for #2. Flying J just North of Salida off of 99 at Jack Tone Rd was 1. 49. This was the 22nd through the 28th of April. Not too shabby...

BTW- at 62-63mph I actually averaged 11. 7mpg, a new record for my truck! On 99, 62-63mph is not too slow. One I-5 I'd get rear ended!

R/ Ian.

------------------
'95 2WD 3500 std cab, 4:10, 5spd. 68K miles all towing 35ft 14K-lbs triple slide 5er. Completely stock but learning...

 

[JSchooley]

OK guys, after all your inputs I arrived in Klamath Falls today via highway 395. So much for advanced planning.

Very pleased with truck. 11. 7 MPG and plenty of power stock. Thats with a new engine and leaping over tall passes in a single bound.

I estmate I'm pulling somewhere near 13,000 lb. (11,500 net plus water, propane, 85 gal of fuel and lots of etc. )

------------------
John S. '01 Silver QC LST 2500 6sp 3. 54. BD E-Brake. 50 Gal Aux fuel/tool box.