Crossing the sierras

[Road Geezer]

Hello out there,

My wife and I are planning to cross the Sierras next week (Oct 10) starting at Jackson Rancheria and ending up somewhere around Bishop, CA along Hwy 395. Looking at maps of the area, there appear to be three routes that seem reasonable, and I'd really appreciate advice from anyone with recent experience, in particular towing your AS at high altitude. The routes are I-80 to Reno over Donner Pass, then south on 395, Hwy 50 thru Lake Tahoe to 395, the south, or south to Bakersfield then east to 395 skirting the high elevation passes.

We've used our 2001 Suburban 5.3 as a TV up to 4,800 elevation with no problems. Anyone with experience using this TV at 7,300 ft or higher?

Thanks for the advice,

Paul

[wkerfoot]

The routes you mentioned are all open all year long, but prettiest is through Yosemite and down from Tioga Pass (the first scene in the Long, Long Trailer). Winter storm warnings expected from Tuesday through Thursday this week. Keep an eye on the CalTrans road condition site.

Bill

Originally Posted by Road Geezer

Hello out there,

My wife and I are planning to cross the Sierras next week (Oct 10) starting at Jackson Rancheria and ending up somewhere around Bishop, CA along Hwy 395. Looking at maps of the area, there appear to be three routes that seem reasonable, and I'd really appreciate advice from anyone with recent experience, in particular towing your AS at high altitude. The routes are I-80 to Reno over Donner Pass, then south on 395, Hwy 50 thru Lake Tahoe to 395, the south, or south to Bakersfield then east to 395 skirting the high elevation passes.

We've used our 2001 Suburban 5.3 as a TV up to 4,800 elevation with no problems. Anyone with experience using this TV at 7,300 ft or higher?

Thanks for the advice,

Paul

[ROBERT CROSS]

Paul,

We made the same trip on 395 last October. Our route was North from Simi Valley on 14 to Mojave picking up 395 at Inyokern, picking up 80 in Reno heading East to NY.

I don't see that 80 East from Sacramento would be a problem.
I can't comment on 50 out of Sacramento thru Tahoe, but there should be someone here with experience on 50 from Placerville to Carson City.

We used 395 because we had heard it was well worth the effort and we weren't disappointed. Scenery is great, opportunities for some interesting side trips.

You will probably be a little slow with your 5.3 Burb 27' AS combo, but if your not in a big hurry, (and you shouldn't be on that route), it is a great trip.

Good Luck.....Sweet Streams

Bob

[batman]

We have done all three with our 2002 GMC Yukon pulling our 1964 22' Safari.

HWY 50 is the most scenic or the 3. However it is the narrowest and twistiest of the 3 as well. The drive is beautiful with the river the mountains and then you come around that corner and Lake Tahoe comes into view. Wow, slow down and take the 2nd pullout and take in the view.

HWY 80 is a breeze almost anytime of year. Large all weather, multiple lanes but a little ruff in spots. 2nd most scenic of the 3 but the ride south on HWY 395 is much more scenic than HWY 99 or 5 south. In fact it is beautiful. 395 can get snow!!!

HWY 58 over Tehachapi Pass is not a bad route. Easy multilane hwy that seems well maintained every time we have been over it. The scenery is not as stunning however it is quite different and nice in its own right.

Check the weather report at NOAA's National Weather Service NOAA is the best.

We have driven 80 and 58 in the blowing snow with ice but not 50 yet. If the weather is bud I would recommend 58 to 14 then 395.

Dennis

[tyggeln]

As the posts have said, watch out for the weather this week.

I have driven the AS in winter conditions, but remember to get tire chains. That means a set of chains for the tow vehicle PLUS a set of chains or light duty cables for at least one set of the axles on the trailer. It's not just safety, it's the LAW!

Also a good thing to have are waterproof work gloves, coveralls and waterproof ground pad or tarp.

Your rig should be provisioned for a trip, but don't forget other winter precautions like antifreeze in bottom of tanks in case you need to spend spend a night in sub freezing conditions.

I probably missed lots more but you get the drift (no pun intended!)

Chris