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Old 01-18-2015, 01:30 PM   #1
Bigt47
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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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Old 01-18-2015, 02:59 PM   #2
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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.


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Old 01-18-2015, 03:10 PM   #3
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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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Old 01-19-2015, 08:46 PM   #4
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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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Old 01-20-2015, 05:08 AM   #5
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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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Old 01-23-2015, 09:07 AM   #6
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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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Old 01-23-2015, 02:37 PM   #7
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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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Old 01-23-2015, 07:00 PM   #8
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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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Old 01-26-2015, 02:06 PM   #9
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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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Old 01-28-2015, 06:27 PM   #10
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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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Old 01-29-2015, 06:04 AM   #11
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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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