| Author | Message | ||
| Gary Stadler (Boogiethecat)
Rating: N/A |
I go from San Diego to Reno every year, and I take I-15 to 395, then finally to I-80 to Sparks. It's a nice scenic drive that takes me exactly 12 hours. A buddy (who has never driven a big vehicle) is trying to talk me into taking I-5 all the way up to Sacramento, and then taking 80 East to Reno. He says it's longer mileage-wise but much faster because there's only one grade (plus the grapevine) instead of the constant up-down, up-down that my current route takes me on. Any thoughts? | ||
| Robert Wood (Bobwoodsocal)
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That part of I5 is BORING. Been up 395 to Reno many times, I used to make deliveries to IGT in Sparks. If it were me, I would go 395. MUCH prettier. Who cares how long it takes? Bob | ||
| Stan Rating: N/A |
Gary: IIRC when I came into LA on I 5 from the North there was a sign that only cars were allowed on I 5. | ||
| Gary Stadler (Boogiethecat)
Rating: N/A |
I know that I-5 is B-0-r-i-n-g... I've driven it many many times. But I do care how long it takes for this particular trip, because going 395 is a straight 12 hour drive for me with no help, and getting there is the mission, not sightseeing. If I could cut a bit o' time off the trip I'd absolutely do it... Stan, I'll have to call the CHP and ask what that's about. Can't imagine not allowing biggies on 5, unless the pass is snowed out or something...??? | ||
| sdh3 Rating: N/A |
Ive never driven either route, but streets and trips suggests 5 to 80 as the preferred route, and the shortest route, putting it at 9 hours | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Rating: N/A |
My copy of S&T says, SD to Reno: I-5 to I-80: 642.3 miles I-5 to 99 to I-80: 641.6 miles I-5 to 395: 556.8 miles 90 extra miles is a tough call. If it takes you 12 hours on the 395, that's avg. 46mph not counting stops. You should make better time on the Superslab, I'd think. Pedal to the metal, bb | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean)
Rating: N/A |
Gary, I think you are better off sticking with 395 -- taking 80 over the hill is more of a climb. Maybe we'll see you in Black Rock this year. We're talking about going. -Sean | ||
| Gary Stadler (Boogiethecat)
Rating: N/A |
Interesting... assuming I-80 was all a grade and I was to go 35 the whole thing, it would work out to 11.5 hours going that way if I did all of I-5 at 70. That might be a lot easier than the constant up-down-up-down of 395, especially since I'll be towing a 3000 pound trailer. Hmmmmm. What is I-80 like from Sac. to Reno? Is it all a giant grade? Sean, if you do come, look me up, I'll be easy to find. I'm doing an installation waaaaaay out there a mile from the edge, in line with the man and the temple. Also this is mine, super easy to see day or night from anywhere...  | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean)
Rating: N/A |
Gary, I doubt you could do all of I-5 at 70. First off, it's posted less than that through most of LA and Sacramento. Second, even if it were posted higher, you will only average 45-50, at best, in LA. Third, you will have to cross the Grapevine. So you will have perhaps 80-100 miles where your speed made good will be more like 50. I-80 is flat from Sacramento to Roseville, then begins a gradual climb through Auburn, moving to steeper and steeper grades (inlcuding some up and down) up to and including several miles of 6%, on and off, to Donner summit. Coming down the back side you will also encounter 5-6% grades that will have you back down to 45 or so to be safe. For us, it is a no-brainer, since we seldom run over 60 on the interstate even when it is allowed, so 395 would be faster. If you consistently drive 70 when so posted, then it is probably a wash or maybe a very slight difference in favor of the interstate. However, 395 is likely less stressful, and many, many things can conspire to eliminate any small advantage the interstate may have (stall in LA, traffic jam on the grapevine, etc.), whereas I-15 to 395 is generally less congested and has more viable "escape routes." About the only place things can go wrong is Cajon Pass, and even then there are alternatives. Just my $0.02. -Sean | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean)
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Almost forgot... We've been the length of I-5 in our coach -- there are no housecar restrictions on I-5. In fact, a road will not qualify for inclusion in the interstate system unless it can accommodate all standard ICC-approved vehicles (by standard I mean as opposed to LCV's). Also, AFAIK, the entire state highway system is open to housecars up to 40' in length (although combination length may be restricted in certain places). I know your coach is not over 40'. For those with longer coaches, all travel is restricted to the "national network" plus certain approved roads, as outlined here: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/bus-mh/ -Sean | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Rating: N/A |
Gary - Having worked this route hundreds of times, I can tell you that the average running time in a bus from Fresno to Reno is between 5 1/2 - 6 hours, depending on traffic in Sacratomato. Average running time, again in a bus, from Fresno to San Diego is between 6 - 7 hours, depending on how bad the I-5 LA parking lot is. So, depending on traffic, you're looking at 11.5 - 13 hours coming I-5 > 99 > 80. Whatever route you take, you'll spend some time rowing it along with the gearbox. . . If you do come up I-5 to 99, you could stop for fuel in Fresno at this inexpensive (relatively!) fuel station on the north end of town, and I'll treat for a Pepsi.  RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA |