The Grapevine on I5

[Dr. Hexx]

Pinnacle 38FLWS pulled by a Ford F350 dually. We are currently in Santa Clarita for a week before heading north on 5 to an RV park in Santa Nella on Sunday, April 6th. I’ve been watching the CalTrans advisories daily and have yet to see a day where there are no high wind advisories (trailers, etc advised not to use) going through the grapevine area. How screwed am I if I make that attempt. I’m not worried about the Pinnacle or my F350 dually being able to make the trip. I am worried about the wind however. Are these advisories saying there is always high wind or just be prepared for the possibility. If I just take it slow will I be ok?Being from the Houston area I’ve not had a lot of experience in mountain passes with the possibility of high winds.

Any advice, do it, don’t do it? Possible alternate routes etc would be appreciated.

 

[Route 66 Traveler]

I used to drive tankers over the Grapevine. The warning signs are not always accurate, especially during snow events. You could start going North and pull off into the truck stop that is just before the climb begins and ask a few truckers in the restaurant or fuel island what the current conditions are like. That’s one place a CB radio comes in handy.

When starting on the downgrade watch for very slow trucks in the right lane. I used to start down at 15 mph with the exhaust brake on. I was always at max weight, 80,000 pounds. When I pulled my travel trailer I would start down at 35 using the transmission to keep the speed down, using the brakes when the rpm’s started getting too high. It’s a long downgrade so take your time… starting at a high speed will get you in trouble real quick. With your setup you should do fine. Have a great trip.

 

[Tunce the traveler]

I always follow the truckers in the right lane all the way down. Being in hurry WILL get you in big trouble. My Touareg is 4,800 lbs and trailer weighs in at 5,500 lbs. I’m usually in 2 nd. gear all the way down