Coastal Highway - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

TRDSport · #1 (**permalink**) 12-27-2008, 03:00 AM

I'm planning a trip in March to visit a couple of the Six Flags parks and will be towing a 30' travel trailer. I want to take I-1 (coastal highway) from L.A. up to San Francisco, but want to make sure this route is suitable for a rig of my size (i.e. no 10% grades or hairpin turns). For those that have driven this route, what is it like? Thanks for the info

JBH1989 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 01:52 AM

Highway 1 is a very bad idea for what you want to do. It can get very windy, narrow, and dangerous in places. The 101 will give you plenty of ocean views though. It would be great if you had a Solara though.

TRDSport · #3 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 05:54 PM

So the 101 is a better option given what I will be driving/towing?

JBH1989 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 06:24 PM

In my opinion, yes. I've only gotten up to Gilroy but it's easy road all the way up. Highway one gets very narrow and windy. 101

It joins with the 101 many times and finally separates in SLO. The 101 will get you into San Francisco.

Read this:
California Highway One Driving Guide

integraGSR · #5 (**permalink**) 12-31-2008, 01:57 AM

i agree, towing a 30' prob not a good idea. i have driven from monterey up to stinson beach once in my Integra and boy was it fun, lots of turns and hairpins! definitely not for a truck towing a 30' trailer. highway 1 is a very nice and scenic route, but it's really narrow, sometimes it's a tight squeeze in my little integra.

chrispitude · #6 (**permalink**) 01-01-2009, 10:21 PM

In its twisty areas, highway 1 is exhausting to drive in anything but a light and nimble sports car. I really wouldn't want to be pulling through those curves, especially with 30' behind me.

- Chris

JBH1989 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-02-2009, 08:34 PM

I forgot to mention, there are sections of Hwy 1 you can drive, like in Ventura and Santa Barbara that aren't windy--they're more of the scenic along the beach route. They are usually low-speed sections though.

And whatever you do, don't take 1 through Pismo Beach. You'll hate yourself for doing it especially on the weekend. All the bakos come and take over and act like they own the place--retarded looking lifted 2wd F-250s with 40' trailers by the dealer-full.

Matador98 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-03-2009, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBH1989

And whatever you do, don't take 1 through Pismo Beach. You'll hate yourself for doing it especially on the weekend. All the bakos come and take over and act like they own the place--retarded looking lifted 2wd F-250s with 40' trailers by the dealer-full.

Amen brother.

iforceV8 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-10-2009, 05:13 AM

Fun in my S2000....NO WAY with a trailer, although it doesn't stop RV renters driving up PCH at 10mphs

canddmeyer · #10 (**permalink**) 01-10-2009, 06:14 AM

Hwy-101 is way better than Hwy-1, but I-5 is even better. Neither 101 or I-5 are scenic though, and I-5, while more of a highspeed thoroughfare, has crosswinds to deal with sometimes.

As for 10% grades or thereabouts, you'll be climbing the Grapevine taking I-5 out of LA. They'll close it if it snows, but in March you shouldn't have any problem.

In some respects it might be cheaper and more convenient to fly, rent a car, and stay at hotels if you're just going to the parks. Trailers are great for lots of places, but big California cities aren't the best places to park a trailer unless accomodations are available. Hopefully you got all you need to know before you go.

Enjoy Marine World, and bring a jacket. It's about 40 minutes east of SanFran on I-80. Btw, the city of Vallejo is bankrupt, so if you need the police and they don't respond, you'll know why.

TRDSport · #11 (**permalink**) 01-10-2009, 03:20 PM

Thanks for all the input from everyone. Before deciding on taking a trailer, I played with some numbers and this was the cheapest way of doing the trip. As far as the Grapevine, I will be taking I-5 south from Sanfran to L.A. on my way back to Arizona. Do you have to go uphill when you're traveling north or south?

canddmeyer · #12 (**permalink**) 01-10-2009, 03:45 PM

What goes up must come down. The Grapevine has uphill and downhill both ways.

integraGSR · #13 (**permalink**) 01-20-2009, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRDSport

Thanks for all the input from everyone. Before deciding on taking a trailer, I played with some numbers and this was the cheapest way of doing the trip. As far as the Grapevine, I will be taking I-5 south from Sanfran to L.A. on my way back to Arizona. Do you have to go uphill when you're traveling north or south?

on my only trip from sac to LA, i thought the hill was harder going southbound. northbound didn't see to have much of a grade. southbound felt like there was more grade. but you will have to go uphill both ways.

Herbicidal · #14 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by integraGSR

on my only trip from sac to LA, i thought the hill was harder going southbound. northbound didn't see to have much of a grade. southbound felt like there was more grade. but you will have to go uphill both ways.

I pulled our Outback 26' both ways over the Grapevine. Southbound is definately steeper. There are non-potable water stations on the side of the road for overheated vehicles. We made it no problem. I drove by the tach and kept it right around 4,000 rpm. Northbound has a much longer, more gradual climb, then a steep descent into the valley. Just keep your speed down by using a lower gear and use the brakes sparingly.

Last October I drove our new car from Long Beach all the way home to Roseville (near Sacramento) on hwy 101. It is a nice drive, but does take longer than I-5. Plus if you do 101 in the southern part of the state, you bypass the Grapevine.

JBH1989 · #15 (**permalink**) 01-22-2009, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matador98

Amen brother.

Off-topic, but hey, a local!