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Old 08-26-2018, 08:04 PM   #1
Randallf
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Trip to los angeles, ca

looking for any problems pulling my 2017 sprinter 34 foot long . driving up the grape vine in california
i have a dodge 2500 3/4 ton diesel ,long bed 4 door truck
i will be traveling at the end of Sept,2018
any pointers would be great, thanks
i heard of a lot rumers ,
randy

I'm sorry i put this in the wrong thread. Don't know how to move it
randy,

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Old 08-26-2018, 08:53 PM   #2
Big1
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You want have any problem with that but the word is that when you do go thru CA to keep it at 55 mph, I'm leaving for Las Vegas Friday morning, I have a 35' footer and going up in the passes I don't think that I have any problem.

Have a good safe trip.
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Old 08-27-2018, 05:28 AM   #3
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The Grapevine is a serious hill at 6% for 5+ miles - but there are no bad curves. The thing that might unnerve some folks is the heavy truck traffic and trucks suddenly pulling out to pass. Climbing up southbound, there are two or three "water holes" (pull outs where radiator water is available). These are hold overs from the days when under powered cars and trucks would overheat during the climb. These offer a place to get out of traffic - if needed. There is also a rest area near the top, truck stops and restaurants just below the summit and a truckers' brake check area at the summit. Descending the mountain into the San Fernando Valley is 5+ miles of 6% with a truck speed limit of 35mph - so watch for those slow moving trucks. Like any long hill, watch your temps, watch your speed and be willing to get out of the way of the big rigs - in case he is losing or has lost his brakes.
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Old 08-27-2018, 05:38 AM   #4
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We did it 5 or 6 years ago, with a RAM diesel and 29' 5th wheel. It is a bit like a action video game. 5-10 MPH trucks in the right lane, 25-30 MPH trucks in the next lane out, I was in the third lane out going 55 MPH South bound at around 20.5K combined wieght, and the fast lane had traffic flying by at 70-75 MPH.

Having an exhaust brake for going down the other side is almost a must have with a diesel truck.

Just be alert and enjoy the action game. Chris
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Old 08-27-2018, 07:36 AM   #5
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Living in Northern California, we've gone over the grapevine many times. First, it was with our 1997 33' National Sea Breeze (7.4 liter Chevy Vortac gas engine with toad). Slow and steady gets you over. 35 mpg and that's the fastest it would go.

Much better with F250 and Montana, however I purposely get into one of the "slow truck lanes" because I don't want to push my truck. 35 to 40 mph up and down makes it a much easier and safer drive.

We're retired, so where am I rushing to?
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Old 08-27-2018, 07:45 AM   #6
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I do it all the time. No issues. Just be prepared to either go slow or go into the third lanes like mentioned above to pass the trucks.
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Old 08-27-2018, 07:50 AM   #7
Barbell
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You did not mention the age of your truck but any Dodge/Ram diesel with an exhaust brake will do the trick for you. We have pulled the Grapevine as well as the hills on I-70 across Colorado with our old ('01) CTD with no problem going up or down. Keep in mind that towing in Cal has a 55 mph speed limit.
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Old 08-27-2018, 08:08 AM   #8
KSH
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Also, the chp is serious there. I got a ticket for going 62. So now i have the radar detector and waze on just to make sure i go exactly 55 around them.
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Old 08-27-2018, 04:53 PM   #9
KimNTerry
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Yep 55 mph for all trailers in ca.
I used to pull the grapevine from Castaic to Gorman every 2-3 weeks as our favorite campsite is on Mt Pinos.

Many trips over into the central valley. Very doable with a modern truck that is not overloaded.
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Old 08-27-2018, 08:26 PM   #10
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Where in mt pinos if i may ask?
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Old 08-28-2018, 03:39 AM   #11
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Go to Frasier park exit, turn west and go up the mountain.
Follow the signs for Mt. PINOS

McGill campground Los Padres NF first come first served campground.
It is dry camping no water or power is available at the site.
The upper loop is more friendly to bigger rigs and has some longer sites that bigger rigs can get into.

Dispersed camping is also available in LPNF. Adventure passes are like 30 bucks a year good for Los Padres, Cleveland, and Angeles NF.

It is high elevation camping 7500 ft or so Air conditioning not usually required. Bring an extra blanket it can get chilly. We liked to go up there to escape the heat of the SCV. We never had trouble finding a spot up there. Even on a busy weekend.
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Old 09-04-2018, 07:49 AM   #12
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also as to speed keep it at 55 mph. yes peps go faster. but tend to get pulled over as per inforcment that day/area. but keep to the TWO right lanes ( state law here).
the state maks a killing off pick-ups towing boats. speeding and wrong lane.

no fears on the grapevine. ( donner pass, any other mt pass, etc) just like any other time, just make sure your truck is in shape. as the hill up or down grade will tax it.
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Old 09-04-2018, 08:38 AM   #13
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Annnnd just because the speed for towing is 55... doesn't mean you have to push it to 55! Go for what you and your truck feels comfortable at. And if you are doing 45 or less, use your four-way flashers as a courtesy to those coming up from behind you!
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Old 09-04-2018, 01:51 PM   #14
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My DW and I each pull large gooseneck horse trailers over the grapevine hauling a total 18-19 horses in two rigs. As others have said, watch out for slow trucks pulling into your lane and the crazy rapid lane changers passing everyone. Just plan on going slow, turn your AC off if you see (or hear the auxiliary cooling fan come on). Go down the grade at a speed and rpm that your truck engine braking is at peak. With our F450's max torque is about 2000 rpm and max horse power at 3000 rpm. I try never exceed the 3000 mark. And watch the double nickle speed!
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Old 09-04-2018, 02:48 PM   #15
packnrat
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the law says flashers on at 25 mph. going much faster it a sign you are in trouble. and are pulling over.
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Old 09-09-2018, 11:10 AM   #16
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As advised slow and steady is the smart choice on the Grapevine. Most modern diesel trucks that are running good and maintained should have no problem.
I live in So Cal . and depending on which part of California you are heading north or south the 101 coastal freeway is my choice. Only a few minor grades and much prettier and Ocean views for some of it .
I just cut across the route 46 at Paso Robles .
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Old 09-09-2018, 11:27 AM   #17
tylerj1966
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoking View Post
I was in the third lane out going 55 MPH
Please don't do this!!! All combination vehicles, ie. anything pulling a trailer, are restricted to the 2 right lanes in California. Lately I've been seeing more enforcement of this issue. Technically, combo vehicles are not allowed to cruise in the second from right lane until the roadway has 4 or more lanes in a single direction. If the road has 3 lanes, the center lane is for passing only.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/f...ctionNum=21655
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