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Old 05-21-2023, 08:06 AM   #1
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Another route question

I am on a six week trip in our 2023 Greyhawk 27U starting from Scottsdale AZ, west to San Diego, then up the coast to Paso Robles and from there east all the way to upstate New York. Because of such a long trip we are traveling heavier than normal with food and clothing. I am also towing a 4 door Jeep Rubicon. Traveling from AZ to San Diego on I8 I was concerned about the steep mountain passes. They weren’t too bad but did slow me down at times to about 45mph. I used tow haul on the downgrades. Now I am facing a choice going to Paso Robles of tackling the grapevine on I5 or taking the longer and slower route 101. Has anyone done both the I8 from AZ to CA and the grapevine? How do they compare? From what I read the peaks on both passes are the same at just above 4100 feet. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
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Old 05-21-2023, 12:56 PM   #2
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Take 101 to Paso Robles. End of story. It is not longer and with either route you have to go through LA which is the worst part. Besides, 101 is a much more scenic drive. To me, it's a no brainer. There is only one significant grade on 101, Cuesta Grade between San Luis Obispo and Atascadero. I have driven this a couple of times in my 1997. Just shift down and take your time. Avoid the grapevine if at all possible. Lots of trucks and steep grades.

You didn't say how you are going east from Paso Robles. If you are thinking HWY 58, forget it. Use 41 or 46.

I know all the roads in CA.
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Old 05-21-2023, 01:05 PM   #3
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Thanks SmokeyBear - there is also a moderately steep grade from Thousand Oaks area down into Ventura County. I will take the 101 as you suggest. Heading to Barstow and then Las Vegas from Paso Robles. I have made that drive before and take the 41/46.
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Old 05-21-2023, 01:43 PM   #4
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Sounds good. 46 to 99, South to 58, East to Barstow. Be sure to stop at Blackwell's Corner. Also, there is construction going on at James Dean Intersection, but it should not be a problem.
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Old 05-28-2023, 03:52 PM   #5
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Took your advice and went the 101. No traffic and very easy. Also took your advice and took the 46 to 99 south through Bakersfield to the 56. What a great route! Thanks for your help.
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Old 05-28-2023, 10:36 PM   #6
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Glad I could be of help. Did you notice the James Dean Memorial, and intersection, and Blackwell's Corner AKA James Dean's Last Stop.
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Old 05-29-2023, 07:50 AM   #7
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I saw Blackwell’s Corner but didn’t stop. I will next time. I didn’t see the JD memorial. I will watch for it next time also.
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Old 05-29-2023, 08:04 AM   #8
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The JD Memorial is at the Jack Ranch Cafe. It is being bypassed by the new 4-lane they are constructing. I don't know what will happen to it. James Dean was killed at the intersection of 41 & 46 a 1/4 mile east of there. I know it's being changed too, but don't know how. Botton line: The next time you pass by there it will all be different and probably unrecognizable.
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Old 05-29-2023, 11:03 AM   #9
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Just read about his crash. Interesting stuff. Do you happen to know anything about Utah roads. I will be traveling from St George to Bryce Canyon. Thanks.
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Old 05-29-2023, 12:25 PM   #10
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Just read about his crash. Interesting stuff. Do you happen to know anything about Utah roads. I will be traveling from St George to Bryce Canyon. Thanks.
I have read a lot of literature about the accident as I have a personal connection. Won't go into it all but I once worked with the daughter of the other driver. She had some interesting stories.

I will say a lot of what is out there, maybe 25% or so, is bunk and mythology. Yes, he was speeding, maybe 100+. Yes, the other driver tried to avoid.

It's been years since I was in that area of Utah and my memory is very vague. Plus, I wasn't driving. We were in a pickup towing a Travel Trailer, maybe 5th wheel, can't remember, so your Class C should not be a problem. If that is any help.

One thing, though. If you want to go east out of Zion, through the tunnel, it is restricted for motor homes, and you may need an escort for an extra charge.
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Old 05-29-2023, 01:28 PM   #11
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We did that area last summer. You can travel east through Zion and the tunnel but there’s a small fee and you have to wait a short time for them to halt two-way traffic to allow you to drive down the center. Do check the Zion NP web site for the max height limit. There are some fairly good switchbacks on the western end, but just take it slow. From Mt Carmel Junction to Bryce is a piece of cake. Beautiful country and good highway.
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Old 05-29-2023, 04:31 PM   #12
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I think I am going to avoid the tunnel and take the I15 up to the 20 to the 89. Any thoughts about that? Thanks
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Old 05-29-2023, 05:14 PM   #13
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I don’t think you’d have a problem based on responses from other forums… https://www.irv2.com/forums/f42/ut-2...er-589385.html
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Old 05-29-2023, 09:12 PM   #14
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Thanks. 8 percent grade could be tough with my toad though. Hopefully not too long of a run at that steepness.
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Old 05-31-2023, 04:16 PM   #15
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Took the 20 east from I15 to the 89. Piece of cake. And I am a timid driver.
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Old 06-03-2023, 12:12 PM   #16
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Thanks. 8 percent grade could be tough with my toad though. Hopefully not too long of a run at that steepness.
If loaded or towing or both, use tow haul mode all the time. The T/H mode changes your transmission shift parameters so it shifts when needed sooner lessening the load on the engine.
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Old 06-04-2023, 07:33 AM   #17
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Yes, I use T/H all the time. It works really well. Tomorrow I will be on I70 east and will go through Vail pass. That should be interesting.
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Old 06-04-2023, 12:07 PM   #18
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Yes, I use T/H all the time. It works really well. Tomorrow I will be on I70 east and will go through Vail pass. That should be interesting.
We traversed Vail Pass twice last week-ish. Light traffic. Most potholes filled. Not bad.
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Old 06-04-2023, 03:12 PM   #19
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Great to know. Thanks
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Old 06-04-2023, 06:24 PM   #20
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I agree the 101 is the way to go. I’ve followed the same route you’ve mapped out, yes, even to Vega and then to upstate New York. Enjoy. Where in. Upstate NY are you headed?
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