Heading South and looking for route advice

[Keith Proudman]

We are getting ready for our first adventure which, if all goes well will be 4-6 months in length. We will be leaving Vancouver Island with a goal of Puerto Vallerta, Mexico. Our first rule is we are not in a hurry, our second rule is we cannot be lost if we don’t care where we are.
I have two thoughts of how to get to the Mexican border one is more or less straight south on the 1-5 and its tributaries the second is via Boise, SLC, Arizona. As we will be traveling in November I am probably leaning for the coastal route as I don’t want freezing weather.

I would love to hear feedback on these routes in the late fall and any great ideas for where to stop, things to see, RV park suggestions etc. Of course the second leg through Mexico is also up for ideas and suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any insights you can give us.

[Don Kline]

I have used i_15 to go south from north idaho. I go east on I-90 to Butte and then turn south. It is usally OK once you get south of SLC..   Most Campgrounds south of SLC are open that time of year..I use the good sam app to find campgrounds, then call to make sure they are open..

I use the fresh water tank if it is going to drop below freezing over night that keep me from trying to roll up a frozen hose..

 

[Ray]

We take the 101 highway as far as Clear Lake California then grab Highway 20 over to I5 comes out just north of Sacramento.

If I were you I’d try and avoid LA traffic and head over to Palm Springs then south to the border. Longer route but like you say there is no hurry.

We usually head over the Tehachapi pass at Bakersfield and come into Palm Springs area through the back way at Yucca Valley

[Keith Proudman]

Do you know if I should expect snow and freezing weather in early November?

[Keith Proudman]

Ray,
Where do you pick up the 101, at Astoria? Is it an RV friendly route to Clear Lake? Any suggestions on where to stay?

[Ray]

[quote quote=36814]Ray, Where do you pick up the 101, at Astoria? Is it an RV friendly route to Clear Lake? Any suggestions on where to stay? [/quote]

Here is our general route from Victoria to Palm Springs – https://goo.gl/maps/oFaQzsovqHU2

It avoids most high elevations,has some steep 8% grades but fairly short in duration. We’ve done it in November several times and once in December without encountering freezing weather, just wet. The worst spot to look out for would be the crossing of the coast range between Eureka and Williams CA. There is a pass that’s near 4000 feet that could get snow but only if it was a big cold snap.

The route avoids most big cities with the exception of Sacramento, Bakersfield, and Stockton. I usually just blast through on I5 or 99. The worst grade is between Bakersfield and Mojave called the Tehachapi, it’s not steep but long when heading east. Usually, do it in the morning before it gets too hot.

There are plenty of RV parks, state parks, and casinos along the way. Do you need hookups at each stop?

[Lorne]

Looks like you take the Coho over to Port Angeles Ray.  How do you find driving the rig onto that boat?  I’ve driven onto it in a car and it looked a little tight.

[Ray]

[quote quote=36902]Looks like you take the Coho over to Port Angeles Ray. How do you find driving the rig onto that boat? I’ve driven onto it in a car and it looked a little tight. [/quote]

Haven’t had any problems, they are pretty good at loading it. Large semis fit in there. There is a corner due to one door is on the side of the boat but there is plenty of room to navigate it.

[Author]

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