We have a 2002 F250 7.3 (not 4x4)
We plan to travel in late fall out to Bakersfield,CA for a 6 mo. stay.....will have to go over a mountain range pulling our 5th wheel...about 14,000 lbs if fully loaded...
Do we need to do anything extra on the truck??? Have had no problems towing through Louisiana & Florida...:)
Bill and Linda said
02:32 PM Jun 9, 2012
Short answer: “No,” IMO your fine assuming that is the true weight of the trailer and your trailer tires are in good shape weight, wear and age wise; and naturally the truck's as well.However, I would, not knowing your route, get a copy of the West Coast Mountain Directory.(There is an east coast version as well.)You can get them at CW or online.It gives you a good perspective of what to expect road wise and also indications of where the roads are not as friendly as others.
Now, in the super safe department, I would have the truck and the trailer brakes checked.Especially the trailer just to make sure all is in good order. It’s not the going up, it’s the coming down thing.
(Unless you plan on going off the highway, 4 wheel drive has no impact as pertains to climbing or descending mountains.)
Enjoy the trip
Bill
bjoyce said
04:03 PM Jun 9, 2012
The flattest route to California is I-10, which still has grades, but they are not too bad and you should be fine. (Take I-8/AZ-85 to avoid Phoenix metro). The grades north on I-5 and I-15 are both fairly steep on your way north to Bakersfield, but they are uphill. I mention I-15 since I recommend I-15N, to US395N, to CA-58W to Bakersfield. There is a grade on CA-58 down into Bakersfield.
California differentiates between transients and longer term stays by law, transients are limited to 3 weeks. If you stay more than 3 weeks somewhere you have to fill out more paperwork including credit records, arrest history, and it can really get invasive and you might have to do the paperwork days in advance.
Trabuco said
04:10 PM Jun 9, 2012
That's interesting Bill! I've lived in California all my life and never knew that!
NorCal Dan said
05:24 PM Jun 9, 2012
One thing I know about hills...they have a knack for finding any mechanical problems on vehicles. Recommend getting the tires, brakes, radiator and oil checked. That should eliminate most problem areas.
We also prefer going through Tehachapi instead of traversing the grapevine.
CA does interpret residency laws strangely...but IIRC there are some specific ways to avoid getting caught up in a residency fight. I used to have a text file on the subject but lost it in a harddrive replacement.
Melstar said
12:16 AM Jun 10, 2012
Thanks to all! Yes Dan we would be going through Tehachapi. We have our truck serviced regularly. Didn't know about the residency thing....will have to check that one out. Seems a little comical with the known problems of illegals in that state!!
bjoyce said
03:37 AM Jun 10, 2012
It is not a residency requirement as far I know but it does affect the taxes you pay. You pay hotel/motel taxes as a transient, but not for longer term sites. Lots of people live in California for months and do not become residents, like actors. I was told that longer term stays come under the same rules as apartments so they have more trouble evicting you and they want more assurance you can pay and not cause trouble.
NorCal Dan said
05:05 PM Jun 10, 2012
Oh yea, taxes, CA is the best at figuring out how to get your money. Workampers who are not CA residents normally shy away from working CA just because of the long reach of the franchise tax board.
Bill and Linda said
10:59 PM Jun 10, 2012
NorCal Dan wrote:
Oh yea, taxes, CA is the best at figuring out how to get your money. Workampers who are not CA residents normally shy away from working CA just because of the long reach of the franchise tax board.
Howard had a number of posts on this subject in 2009, I think, back when they workcamped in CA.Might want to search for that.Or maybe Howard will chime in with the facts.
Well, here's the deal....we are not going there to work! We are only going to be parked next to my daughter and her family....she and her hubby are working and we are there for the kids....and fun! They are travel nurses who home-school their kids....we are there to enable them to work the same shifts. We will be in an RV park....not putting down roots!
isaacoomber said
01:36 AM Dec 13, 2012
I am also planning a trip to California. Any suggestion or advice.
-- Edited by isaacoomber on Thursday 13th of December 2012 01:38:00 AM
Terry and Jo said
08:25 AM Dec 13, 2012
isaacoomber wrote:
I am also planning a trip to California. Any suggestion or advice.
-- Edited by isaacoomber on Thursday 13th of December 2012 01:38:00 AM
OK. My original comment here was obviously a mistake on my part about your intentions here. So, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. Here is hoping that you get some good answers to your request.
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Thursday 13th of December 2012 10:52:30 AM
CurveCarver said
06:45 PM Dec 13, 2012
Just for chuckles Terry. This ad is for Watertown Canada, North of MT.
No matter what route one takes from there to CA it's a beauty for sure.
Best regards,
Bruce
Terry and Jo said
06:58 PM Dec 13, 2012
CurveCarver wrote:
Just for chuckles Terry. This ad is for Watertown Canada, North of MT.
No matter what route one takes from there to CA it's a beauty for sure.
Best regards,
Bruce
Bruce,
Thanks for pointing that out to me. I've changed my original comment to isaacoomber. I guess that I shouldn't try to "moderate" when on break at work. I did a quick look and never even thought that the "ca" in the web address related to Canada and not California.
As the vernacular is with the more enlightened in this day and age, "My BAD!!!"
Terry
Racerguy said
09:02 PM Dec 13, 2012
Might not be spam but I suspect an underhanded way of advertising. No introduction...first post on a thread with no action in 6 months...link in signature...?? I guess I'm too pessimistic.You do a great job Terry..I wouldn't be very good at it.
MarkS said
11:07 PM Dec 13, 2012
One thing is for certain, you can't get to Bakersfield without climbing and falling. Coming across 40 you will have a climb out of Albuquerque that will warm you up for what is to come. Then nothing remarkable until you begin to encounter unflatness at Flagstaff. A couple of medium pulls before Kingman, AZ. Then flatishness till just past Needles, CA. As you come across the Mojave there are a couple of looong pulls that aren't horribly steep but go on forever. At 80K pounds they would have me down to the low side of 7th gear and 35mph or so even with the big motor. Oh by the way, did you ever hear "what goes up must come down"? Yep them climbs have brake burning godowns on the opposite side. I'm talking about 5 or 6 mile steady slope. Then at Barstow you switch over to 58 which remains flat until the town of Mojave. At that point you climb to Tehatchapi. Not a horrible climb but a climb nonetheless. Once at Tehachapi it is downhill right into Bakersfield with one short exception, maybe two.
If you come across 10 you have a slight climb as you enter Arizona then downhill into Tuscon. Flat flat flat till California where it isn't quite as flat but there aren't any challenges. Then you get to north bound 15. You have a long pull to the top where you grab 395 flat to 58 flat until you get to the town of Mojave(read above).
If you go across 10(210) to the 5 you have LA traffic and then a hard climb over the grapevine down into Bakersfield. The worst of the three choices in my opinion. Although, it is being worked on it is still a very rough road, especially in a truck.
Remember, in California all the money goes to social programs. They stopped maintaining the roads immediately after the goal rush with the exception of the occasional "shoulder work ahead" sign. Towing speed is 55 and I don't suggest you exceed 62. I seriously doubt that they will harass you about your Florida heritage. They never bother the illegals. However, do not talk on your cell phone without a handsfree device. Not that I have any experience but, $161 plus $10 convenience fee for paying with your credit card. Be sure to check out the fruit stand just east of town on 58. They have a great selection. Fill your fuel tanks before you leave Arizona. You'll be glad you waited till late fall unless you like 110 degree temperatures (if anybody says "but it's a dry heat" I'll send you a virus!). Unlike Phoenix it cools down in the evening here.
bjoyce said
11:19 PM Dec 13, 2012
When going north of Bakersfield in the next few months you might find I-5 better than CA-99. CA-99 has lots of construction zones on it as they are widening to 3 lanes each way for much of the route. The lower part of I-5 north of CA-46 is freshly paved, with a bit of construction in the median, but mostly clear. We just came from Mesa AZ to Morgan Hill CA, with stops, via I-10W, I-15N, US395N, CA-58W, CA-99N, CA-46W, I-5N and CA152W. In October we drove I-5S from Oregon to CA-4E to CA-99S to CA-58E.
Wayne and Deanna said
06:38 AM Dec 14, 2012
Ok, we have to put our 2cents worth in here. Wayne worked in Bakersfield for 1 year (4 years ago), and we lived in our tt at the Bakersfield RV Resort. Have to say, they were very good to us there, and it is a nice park. I think they have even put in security at the entrance since we stayed there. Have fun with your family!
Bill and Linda said
03:35 PM Dec 14, 2012
MarkS wrote: If you come across 10 you have a slight climb as you enter Arizona then downhill into Tuscon. Flat flat flat till California where it isn't quite as flat but there aren't any challenges. Then you get to north bound 15. You have a long pull to the top where you grab 395 flat to 58 flat until you get to the town of Mojave(read above).
Mike:
Have you recently been across 10 into Tucson?I know they have torn up the bridges in that area and there was a 2 hour detour for 10 (both directions?) around Tucson but I can’t seem to get current info that I trust.Is that long detour for 10 still in place or have they made other arrangements while they replace those two bridges?We are planning a run that way to the “Q” Rally and think 10 would be best from the east as opposed to our normal 40 route due to weather. The ups and downs are not much of an issue for the rig, its that snow thing.
BTW, I’ quite familiar with the 7-low thing.Back when we would be in 5 low with a 13 speed due to the much smaller horses up front.
Thanks for the report.
Bill
bjoyce said
06:07 PM Dec 14, 2012
I-10 is mostly done around Tucson. There is a short section where they have one exit closed on the NW section, but that is it and it is not bad. We spent much of November in Tucson.
Bill and Linda said
06:22 PM Dec 14, 2012
bjoyce wrote:
I-10 is mostly done around Tucson. There is a short section where they have one exit closed on the NW section, but that is it and it is not bad. We spent much of November in Tucson.
Bill:
Thanks very much for the report.Good news for our trip.
Short answer: “No,” IMO your fine assuming that is the true weight of the trailer and your trailer tires are in good shape weight, wear and age wise; and naturally the truck's as well. However, I would, not knowing your route, get a copy of the West Coast Mountain Directory. (There is an east coast version as well.) You can get them at CW or online. It gives you a good perspective of what to expect road wise and also indications of where the roads are not as friendly as others.
Now, in the super safe department, I would have the truck and the trailer brakes checked. Especially the trailer just to make sure all is in good order. It’s not the going up, it’s the coming down thing.
(Unless you plan on going off the highway, 4 wheel drive has no impact as pertains to climbing or descending mountains.)
Enjoy the trip
Bill
California differentiates between transients and longer term stays by law, transients are limited to 3 weeks. If you stay more than 3 weeks somewhere you have to fill out more paperwork including credit records, arrest history, and it can really get invasive and you might have to do the paperwork days in advance.
We also prefer going through Tehachapi instead of traversing the grapevine.
CA does interpret residency laws strangely...but IIRC there are some specific ways to avoid getting caught up in a residency fight. I used to have a text file on the subject but lost it in a harddrive replacement.
Didn't know about the residency thing....will have to check that one out. Seems a little comical with the known problems of illegals in that state!!
Howard had a number of posts on this subject in 2009, I think, back when they workcamped in CA. Might want to search for that. Or maybe Howard will chime in with the facts.
Bill
Here's some good reading on the tax and residency subject from Howard: http://www.rv-dreams.com/workamping-taxes.html
They are travel nurses who home-school their kids....we are there to enable them to work the same shifts. We will be in an RV park....not putting down roots!
I am also planning a trip to California. Any suggestion or advice.
-- Edited by isaacoomber on Thursday 13th of December 2012 01:38:00 AM
OK. My original comment here was obviously a mistake on my part about your intentions here. So, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. Here is hoping that you get some good answers to your request.
Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Thursday 13th of December 2012 10:52:30 AM
Just for chuckles Terry. This ad is for Watertown Canada, North of MT.
No matter what route one takes from there to CA it's a beauty for sure.
Best regards,
Bruce
Bruce,
Thanks for pointing that out to me. I've changed my original comment to isaacoomber. I guess that I shouldn't try to "moderate" when on break at work. I did a quick look and never even thought that the "ca" in the web address related to Canada and not California.
As the vernacular is with the more enlightened in this day and age, "My BAD!!!"
Terry
Might not be spam but I suspect an underhanded way of advertising. No introduction...first post on a thread with no action in 6 months...link in signature...?? I guess I'm too pessimistic.You do a great job Terry..I wouldn't be very good at it.
If you come across 10 you have a slight climb as you enter Arizona then downhill into Tuscon. Flat flat flat till California where it isn't quite as flat but there aren't any challenges. Then you get to north bound 15. You have a long pull to the top where you grab 395 flat to 58 flat until you get to the town of Mojave(read above).
If you go across 10(210) to the 5 you have LA traffic and then a hard climb over the grapevine down into Bakersfield. The worst of the three choices in my opinion. Although, it is being worked on it is still a very rough road, especially in a truck.
Remember, in California all the money goes to social programs. They stopped maintaining the roads immediately after the goal rush with the exception of the occasional "shoulder work ahead" sign. Towing speed is 55 and I don't suggest you exceed 62. I seriously doubt that they will harass you about your Florida heritage. They never bother the illegals. However, do not talk on your cell phone without a handsfree device. Not that I have any experience but, $161 plus $10 convenience fee for paying with your credit card. Be sure to check out the fruit stand just east of town on 58. They have a great selection. Fill your fuel tanks before you leave Arizona. You'll be glad you waited till late fall unless you like 110 degree temperatures (if anybody says "but it's a dry heat" I'll send you a virus!). Unlike Phoenix it cools down in the evening here.
Mike:
Have you recently been across 10 into Tucson? I know they have torn up the bridges in that area and there was a 2 hour detour for 10 (both directions?) around Tucson but I can’t seem to get current info that I trust. Is that long detour for 10 still in place or have they made other arrangements while they replace those two bridges? We are planning a run that way to the “Q” Rally and think 10 would be best from the east as opposed to our normal 40 route due to weather. The ups and downs are not much of an issue for the rig, its that snow thing.
BTW, I’ quite familiar with the 7-low thing. Back when we would be in 5 low with a 13 speed due to the much smaller horses up front.
Thanks for the report.
Bill
Bill:
Thanks very much for the report. Good news for our trip.
B & L