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Reno, NV over to I-5 north

Janss
Explorer
Explorer
Soon I will be going to Oregon, entering via I-5 northbound. I know that the wildfire situation can change every day. I just want to be prepared with alternate route choices in case any roads are closed on my planned route, which from Reno is up to Susanville, then 44 and 89 to Mt. Shasta/I-5.

So as an alternate, from Reno, I'm looking at I-80 then exit onto Hwy 20 across through Grass Valley, Yuba City to Williams/I-5. I'd like to know if this section of Hwy 20 is RV friendly. (MH and tow car in signature)

Also what about Hwy 36 west from Susanville to Red Bluff/I-5?

I've done another route before that is on my list.....north from Susanville, 139/39 to Klamath Falls then 140 over to I-5.

I'm fine driving on 2-lane roads through the forest, sweeping curves, a few passing lanes, some inclines/declines. But I don't like driving on the edge of cliffs or heavy duty switchbacks. (Though I've done some of both!)

Thanks for any help!
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 32V
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
15 REPLIES 15

Janss
Explorer
Explorer
NamMedevac 70...That is my planned route, as I mentioned in my original post. I've driven it before. I really like it!
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 32V
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara

MarkTwain
Explorer
Explorer
MarkTwain wrote:
Janss wrote:
Thank you so much for all the wonderful replies! We go to the Oregon Coast annually, but planning the route is getting trickier each year. We like to drive up western NV mainly to avoid as much of CA gas prices as possible! We could always just go I-40/58/I-5. If we go the Reno route, I just thought driving down I-80 to Sac was backtracking, so wanted to know about the other routes. But it sounds like I don't want to drive 20 from Reno to Yuba City. I may end up driving 20 from I-5 to 101, but I'm planning to come back that way to show more of the coast to a relative who is joining us on the return home.

What about Hwy 36 west from Susanville. Anyone know how that route is for a motorhome towing? Last time we went this way, Hwy 44 from Susanville had just reopened a day before we got there.

CA Traveler...I remember hearing about that fire. What an awful experience! I can imagine how conditioned you are now to think about that.

MarkTwain...I didn't know people still use CBs. We have a portable one. I'll have to hook it up and see if it still works.

I'll be checking all the fire and road condition websites. Thanks again!


Buy a Cobra or Midland CB and a 5ft. Wilson antenna with a magnet base so you can place it on the top of your Cab in the center. Buy a cheap CB but make sure you buy a Wilson 5ft. antenna. Portable CB's generally do not have the capability to reach out any real distance to talk with other people. You want the capaility to reach out in the 1 mile range. Approximately $150 or less will get you all set up. Go to a CB shop so they can adjust the antenna to get maximum distance for good contact with others.

NamMedevac_70
Explorer II
Explorer II
In May 2018 I drove 44 out of Susanville to old station and then 89 north and it was a nice wide two lane with wide shoulders most or all of the way and no hair raising curves,drop offs or severe grades all the way to I-5 that I recall. I was only towing a 5X8 U haul but would tow my 28 Foot TT over the same route with no fears. I do remember one very short steep grade just outside of Susanville heading west on 36 or maybe it was 44.

Janss
Explorer
Explorer
I forgot...I don't want to take 101 up north because of the major road construction at Last Chance Grade south of Crescent City. Timed closures and long waits, and I'm thinking possibly broken up crappy section of road. Don't want everything rattled loose on my motorhome.

I'll probably go to Reno and hope for the best. Thanks for the update time2roll. Hope it stays that way.

MarkTwain...Actually, I think we do have an old CB with a very tall magnetic antenna in our storage room. I'll have to look for that. Thanks for letting me know.
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 32V
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara

time2roll
Explorer II
Explorer II
395 is listed a no restrictions even with the Beckwourth Complex fire in the vicinity.

https://roads.dot.ca.gov

MarkTwain
Explorer
Explorer
Janss wrote:
Thank you so much for all the wonderful replies! We go to the Oregon Coast annually, but planning the route is getting trickier each year. We like to drive up western NV mainly to avoid as much of CA gas prices as possible! We could always just go I-40/58/I-5. If we go the Reno route, I just thought driving down I-80 to Sac was backtracking, so wanted to know about the other routes. But it sounds like I don't want to drive 20 from Reno to Yuba City. I may end up driving 20 from I-5 to 101, but I'm planning to come back that way to show more of the coast to a relative who is joining us on the return home.

What about Hwy 36 west from Susanville. Anyone know how that route is for a motorhome towing? Last time we went this way, Hwy 44 from Susanville had just reopened a day before we got there.

CA Traveler...I remember hearing about that fire. What an awful experience! I can imagine how conditioned you are now to think about that.

MarkTwain...I didn't know people still use CBs. We have a portable one. I'll have to hook it up and see if it still works.

I'll be checking all the fire and road condition websites. Thanks again!


But a Cobra or Midland CB and a 5ft. Wilson antenna with a magnet base so you can place it on the top of your Cab in the center. Portable CB's generally do not have the ability to talk with others in the 1 mile range because of it's antenna. $150 will get you all set up. Go to a CB shop so they can adjust the antenna to get maximum distance for good contact with others.

Janss
Explorer
Explorer
Thank you so much for all the wonderful replies! We go to the Oregon Coast annually, but planning the route is getting trickier each year. We like to drive up western NV mainly to avoid as much of CA gas prices as possible! We could always just go I-40/58/I-5. If we go the Reno route, I just thought driving down I-80 to Sac was backtracking, so wanted to know about the other routes. But it sounds like I don't want to drive 20 from Reno to Yuba City. I may end up driving 20 from I-5 to 101, but I'm planning to come back that way to show more of the coast to a relative who is joining us on the return home.

What about Hwy 36 west from Susanville. Anyone know how that route is for a motorhome towing? Last time we went this way, Hwy 44 from Susanville had just reopened a day before we got there.

CA Traveler...I remember hearing about that fire. What an awful experience! I can imagine how conditioned you are now to think about that.

MarkTwain...I didn't know people still use CBs. We have a portable one. I'll have to hook it up and see if it still works.

I'll be checking all the fire and road condition websites. Thanks again!
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 32V
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara

toedtoes
Explorer II
Explorer II
Right now, Sacramento's traffic is not that bad. No major roadwork being done and many people are still telecommuting for work. This will change over the next few months as offices decide on whether to continue telecommuting or not, but right now take advantage of it.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Explorer III
This map shows as of today that most of the US is covered in smoke.

https://fire.airnow.gov/?lat=45.5173&lng=-122.6398&zoom=10
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland

Bob

MarkTwain
Explorer
Explorer
CA Traveler wrote:
MarkTwain wrote:
Given all the unpredictable fire conditions, I would take 80 through Sacramento, up I-5 north to Hwy. 20. Hwy. 20 is an easy route for RVers even though it is 2 lanes but it is a scenic trip to hwy. 101 then north to Oregon. there is an Indian Casino 1/2 way on Hwy. 20 with a big parking lot to stay over night or just pull over to rest. No charge. As far as the Sacramento traffic cluster, I just stay in the middle lane all the way. Stay out of the right lanes to avoid the turning off and merging traffic.
Good advice and a more scenic and slower route up 101.

At the end of August I would like to take 5 south from Eugene OR but it will be based on fire conditions period. In Aug 2018 we were just 2 hours ahead of the fire that swept over 5 in N CA that destroyed cars and trucks. We and they were unaware of the pending disaster and fire awareness is now burned into my brain.

Be careful, be safe.


I terms of keeping up to date on road conditions/fires, I always have my CB radio on channel 17 on the west coast which also has the national weather alert feature. The truckers have always been helpful with information on road/traffic conditions:)

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Explorer III
MarkTwain wrote:
Given all the unpredictable fire conditions, I would take 80 through Sacramento, up I-5 north to Hwy. 20. Hwy. 20 is an easy route for RVers even though it is 2 lanes but it is a scenic trip to hwy. 101 then north to Oregon. there is an Indian Casino 1/2 way on Hwy. 20 with a big parking lot to stay over night or just pull over to rest. No charge. As far as the Sacramento traffic cluster, I just stay in the middle lane all the way. Stay out of the right lanes to avoid the turning off and merging traffic.
Good advice and a more scenic and slower route up 101.

At the end of August I would like to take 5 south from Eugene OR but it will be based on fire conditions period. In Aug 2018 we were just 2 hours ahead of the fire that swept over 5 in N CA that destroyed cars and trucks. We and they were unaware of the pending disaster and fire awareness is now burned into my brain.

Be careful, be safe.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland

Bob

MarkTwain
Explorer
Explorer
Given all the unpredictable fire conditions, I would take 80 through Sacramento, up I-5 north to Hwy. 20. Hwy. 20 is an easy route for RVers even though it is 2 lanes but it is a scenic trip to hwy. 101 then north to Oregon. there is an Indian Casino 1/2 way on Hwy. 20 with a big parking lot to stay over night or just pull over to rest. No charge. As far as the Sacramento traffic cluster, I just stay in the middle lane all the way. Stay out of the right lanes to avoid the turning off and merging traffic.

NamMedevac_70
Explorer II
Explorer II
like many others he/she may be trying to avoid going thru Sacramento heavy traffic most times of day and night except

time2roll
Explorer II
Explorer II
80 to the 5 looks pretty good right now as far as I can tell. Couple hot spots around Yuba.

I would be more worried about the Salt fire on I5 or the Lava fire if it moves toward I5.

https://www.latimes.com/wildfires-map/