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01-18-2015, 01:30 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Central California
Posts: 15
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Traveling to Hemet, CA
We are needing to go to Hemet (family there) from central California. Plan on taking 99 south to Bakersfield. Am concerned about the downhill grades between there and Hemet, CA. Is there a route where I will not encounter the "Grape Vine" on I-5 or the "Cajon Pass" on I-15? Just a little concerned about those grades, as we are pulling a 21 ft Keystone Bullet behind a 2003 Ford Sportrac. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.
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01-18-2015, 02:59 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Auburn, Ky
Posts: 147
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If you must be on the Grapevine, be all the way to the right with hazards and take it slow.. That's about the only way I remember heading to Southern California from Central.
Good Luck.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
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TV: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD (Big Red)
Toy: 2019 Flagstaff V-Lite 30WFKSV (B**** Magnet IV)
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01-18-2015, 03:10 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,234
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About your only other choice is 58 up and over Tehachapi. BTDT with a 36' 12000+ pound fiver. Given a choice of that or the grapevine, I would do the grapevine. IIRC it's more truck friendly with lanes for slow traffic.
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2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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01-19-2015, 08:46 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 2,897
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You could also head over to the coast at Ventura if you are that worried about the Grapevine. It will take more time, but you will eliminate the grades of taking I-5. The route will take you through Taft and Maricopa on the way to Ventura.
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402 Montana
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC
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01-20-2015, 05:08 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Central San Joaguin Valley, CA
Posts: 2,117
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As already stated, you can take SR 46 or SR 166 from the central valley to U.S. 101 on the coast. Smaller grades, but the roads are two lane and more winding.
If you go over Tehachipi and then from Mojave take SR 14 (Antelope valley Hwy) the grades (downhill after you climb Tehachipi) are much less challenging. SR 14 will take you back to I-5 south of Santa Clarita (San Fernando Valley). The coast will be the longest, albeit the most scenic. The traffic/construction in Santa Barbra is a challenge.
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Jack & Marty
2018 Laredo 298 SRL
2011 F-250 SB Crew Cab 4x4 6.7L
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01-23-2015, 09:07 AM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Camarillo
Posts: 92
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Maybe a silly question, but it seems to me there is a general concern about going over the grapevine. Why?
I've been over it, only twice, with our truck and trailer and it really wasn't bad at all. Lot's of trucks but I just sit in the slow lane and take it easy. If people want to pass they can go around me. Road is not too great either but I have no fear of going over it again.
Parts can get windy however.
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2013 Cougar 28RBS
2013 Ram 1500 Hemi 3.92 axle
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01-23-2015, 02:37 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Central San Joaguin Valley, CA
Posts: 2,117
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I agree, the grapevine (Tejon Pass) is not too bad. Drove big rigs over that hill both ways daily for many years. Five miles of 6% grade on each side. However, the OP was concerned and wished to avoid the steep grades because he tows his TT with a Ford Sportrac.. If his trailer brakes are adjusted properly and he descends at the proper speed, he shouldn't have a problem. But there are alternate routes with fewer trucks and better road surfaces.
BTW - ANY hill that has escape ramps for trucks gets my undivided attention and respect. Just sayin'
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Jack & Marty
2018 Laredo 298 SRL
2011 F-250 SB Crew Cab 4x4 6.7L
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01-23-2015, 07:00 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Ontario,Califorina
Posts: 415
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With a diesel use on downhill grades number 3 in drve. And in a gas engine I use drive 2. Gearing saves the brakes.
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Randy69
2010 361lev
f350 larriet 4x4
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01-26-2015, 02:06 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Vernon
Posts: 330
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We travelled to Hemet last November and came over Tehachapi with no problem at all the trucks were travelling very slow in the RH lane but we had no problems with passing when we leave in March we will probably head back the same way Enjoy Hemet
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2013 Cougar 331MKS
2007 GMC 3500 Sierra Duramax
RideRite air bags
Mor/Ryde XFactor and Wet Bolts
1982 BMW R100
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01-28-2015, 06:27 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: California
Posts: 129
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6 of one, etc.
The grapevine (I-5) takes you thru LA. Depending on the time time of day, you can count on gridlock no matter if you take 210 or 10 east from I-5.
If you take 58 east thru Tehachapi to 14, you miss 90% of the traffic stress and see some pretty desert(if that thrills you).
If it were me, I would take 58.
BTW, honk when pass thru Bakersfield. (We have a Black Bear diner now)
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Central Calif.
2010 Dodge 2500HD, 5.7 hemi
2007 Cougar 244rls
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01-29-2015, 06:04 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Central San Joaguin Valley, CA
Posts: 2,117
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To the OP - If I were going to Hemet from the central valley, I would take 58 over Tehachipi, then 14 south to 138. East on 138 (Pear Blossom Hwy) to I-15.
Brings you out below the steepest part of the Cajon grade and you don't have to drive through the many, many lights in Adelanto.
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Jack & Marty
2018 Laredo 298 SRL
2011 F-250 SB Crew Cab 4x4 6.7L
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