Towing across Ebbets Pass, CA

[SandyHelton]

I am planning a fishing trip and was interested in taking my 32' Fifth wheel across Ebbet's Pass (east bound) on CA Hwy4. The California truck route map rates this route as restricted to KPRA of 30 feet.



Has anyone taken a fifth wheel across this pass? The only alternative route would be to take 88 over to 89 and 89 to Hwy 4 on the west side of the Serrias.



Thanks,

Sandy

 

[Mhannink]

unless you are an otr diver with 20 years experience i wouldnt do it. ive driven the pass and it gets hairy, but someone always tries it and every year there are 2 or 3 wrecks that get cleaned up up there. definatley would not do it the first time with a trailer either

 

[CRuth]

You must be brave to take a trailer east of ebbets pass. That road gets my Jeep down to 15mph and is so narrow much of it doesn't even have lane striping. Don't be fooled by the pre ebbets pass road. Two different beasties there.



Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway - Northern California



Theres a reason a large portion of the "death ride" is held on highway 4.



Tour of the California Alps - Death Ride ®



If you decide to do it anyway I hope your brakes are good.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The only alternative route would be to take 88 over to 89 and 89 to Hwy 4 on the west side of the Serrias.

That's a much safer pull - nice scenery as well - and the road's good enough for you to actually SEE and enjoy it!



I've driven that route towing our 24 foot 5er - and had my RV buddy behind me in his Ford SD, towing a 34 foot Alpenlite - so it should be no issue for you...

 

[SandyHelton]

I've driven the route to Carson City, NV via 88 with the 5er - no issues it is a well maintained road. I've also drive the full length of hwy 4 - but not with anything in tow.

Maybe I'll have to save those lakes up there for a tent camping outing...

 

[RVTRKN]

You must be brave to take a trailer east of ebbets pass. That road gets my Jeep down to 15mph and is so narrow much of it doesn't even have lane striping. Don't be fooled by the pre ebbets pass road. Two different beasties there.



Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway - Northern California



Theres a reason a large portion of the "death ride" is held on highway 4.



Tour of the California Alps - Death Ride ®



If you decide to do it anyway I hope your brakes are good.

Click on the route info, and it does not recommend large RV's I would be cautious about this if I were you. I would call the Ranger Station or Cal Trans and ask what there opinion will be about what they consider to be a "large" RV

 

[Mhannink]

I've driven the route to Carson City, NV via 88 with the 5er - no issues it is a well maintained road. I've also drive the full length of hwy 4 - but not with anything in tow.



Maybe I'll have to save those lakes up there for a tent camping outing...

there is only a couple of lakes that you can get a trailer that size into. the others as far as i know anyways all require 4x4 and if not that then at least no trailer. your better off with a camper shell or full camper and going back in there

 

[Matt400]

Take the alternate for sure.

You could go hwy 4 but you would want an exhaust brake plus a pilot car with radio so your driver ahead can confirm the switch backs as clear for you to make wide enough turns around the mountain.

I pulled a 25' TT 1/2 way over to a camp ground and it was sketchy in a few spots, hit mirrors with one fella and he was on his side while my trailer tires were off the road. No way would I try it with out 5th wheel.

 

[Polmanteer]

The last time we traveled east on CAHwy4 the closer we got to the pass the road went from a four lane hwy to a two lane hwy to a two lane with no center stripe to a driveway, very narrow driveway. A highway sign advises you of 24 percent grades and severe switchbacks. We found it difficult in a 95 Nissan pcikup with no tow.