Winter Trip Strategy

[Redtump]

We live in Central Oregon (Bend) and plan on spending next winter in the warmth for February and March 2024. We have already scouted out which parks we want to stay in and made our reservations. We know the driving routes. Our question is travel strategy. Do we:

1. Take a risk on the weather providing a good "window" around a week or so before we have to be in Temecula, CA which is our first stop. The first 6 hours traveling south can be hairy until we get far enough south then it's smooth sailing after that or :

2. Try to reserve a RV storage spot in either the Redding area or the Pahrump, NV area in November and travel part way early and store the A/S and return back to pick it up in January on the way down but not have to worry about road conditions while towing?

The main tradeoff for the peace of mind of better driving conditions is the cost of storage per month and the difficulty reserving a spot the time of year. Any advice and storage recommendations would be helpful.

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

Both are a good idea. You’re rolling the dice that the passes will be clear on the week you need to go down. I believe CA requires you to carry chains for both your truck and AS if they are over a certain weight.

At least you’re in bend though and not going i5 through Shasta. That’s a big pass. The only other one that could get snow will be the grape fine heading into LA but you could also head out to the coast and drive the 101 if that happens.

[Ndcctrucks]

The highway passes in SoCal, when they get snow, are usually cleared pretty quickly; if actually closed, usually for less than 6 hours. Also, it warms up quickly here.

[Wanderings]

Six hours of driving/towing during February road/weather conditions will be exhausting mentally and physically.

I’m based out of Bend and know the highways heading south. Much of US97 is at or above 5000’ elevation. And US 395 is high elevation too.

If time wasn’t an issue, you could wait for a weather window, but I think I’d vote for taking your AS to Redding earlier in the season and storing it until you are ready to head south.

If you choose the coastal route, I don’t recommend US 199 from Grants Pass to Crescent City. It’s a very narrow and winding road. It took me two days to recover from it!

Happy Travels!

[Redtump]

Thanks for advice. I tend to agree about minimizing risk and get a storage place reserved early. Does anyone have any specific places that they have used for this purpose?

Thanks again!

[thomasa98]

I've wrestled with the drive or store issue too. I live in northern Washington and I've driven the US97 route many times in winter, often around Christmas time. That seems to be the worst weather. Settles down in January usually. It can also be well below zero, especially around La Pine. Then there is the road deicer which will take its toll on aluminum as well as iron. HIghway departments love the stuff and put i on even if there's a hint of snow in the forecast. If you drive in winter, wash the rig thoroughly when you get to warm weather. Under the hood too.