Howdja
La Porte, TX
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Joined: 03/19/2004
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We are considering a winter trip to San Diego in the Nov-Dec timeframe and then plan to go north on hiway 395 to Oregon in a 34 ft class A with toad. What kind of road conditions and weather might we encounter on 395 at this time of year? I did search, with no results.
I see that many campgrounds close for the winter. Are there RV parks that stay open during the winter on 395?
Bruce, Dennie and
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jambo101
Montreal
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Make sure your rig is equipped to run in snow,tires,chains,potential freezing of water lines.
"Second star to the right, and straight on till morning."
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Marv Hoag
Redding, CA
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If you insist on 395, your decision will have to be last minute based on the weather forcast. Winter storms equal snow on 395. Nights will be below freezing. At times any mountain pass in CA can be closed. I-5 can be shut down north of LA. I-5 can also be closed north of Redding. Overall the best bet in December from San Diego to OR is up I-5. Crystal ball also says you could hit daytime temps in the 70s in northern CA, who knows? Ca is 900 miles long. Not unusual to have different weather patterns.
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NevadaJim
Minden Nevada U.S.A.
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On 395 there could be snow between Alturas and Reno then again between Reno and just before Bishop and over Cajon pass that said they usually clear the roads right away as this is a major truck route between Reno and Los Angeles just watch the weather it is no worse than on I-5. Places we have stayed this route during the winter Boulder Creek Lone Pine,Highland RV Park Bishop,there is an RV park in Minden Carson Valley Inn RV park,there are a number in Reno and all are full HU parks and stay open all winter. Have fun
JimandJerry@charter.net
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trucker495
Linden, CA
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Joined: 06/05/2003
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BRING CHAINS!!!!!!
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Howdja
La Porte, TX
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Joined: 03/19/2004
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Thanks for the info folks. I anticipated possible winter closures and snow. I don't really want to mess with chains, so we will rethink our plans. We will watch the road reports and may try a portion of the route, but will most probably stick to the good ol' southern routes.
Thanks once again for the info, it's greatly appreciated.
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bryanl
Reno, NV
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Joined: 12/25/2003
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Be prepared. But the odds don't get significant until after Thanksgiving. January and February provide the highest risk of weather related road problems.
Bryan
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scabello
California
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Joined: 12/29/2004
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I would try and use 395. Just check the weather. There are times when it is "iffy" 30% chance and there are times when it is absolutely clear -- 0% chance -- no rain or snow
If it is iffy, then dont take the chance since i am the same as you -- no chains. But we travel all the time in the winter, just check the weather and enjoy.
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PopBeavers
San Jose, CA
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There are times when crossing certain mountain passes in California that you are required to carry chains. They will ask you to show them at the checkpoints. You don't have to put them on. You can just park and wait it out when installing chains becomes mandatory.
Wayne in San Jose
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Eastern Oregon highways in November/December can be just fine to downright deadly. Carrying chains is a must whenever you are driving in the area during the winter months. If you do now want the hassles of chains, then you might want to rethink your whole trip. Carrying safety equipment is really mandatory in higher elevations, and snow regions in the winter. The alternative can be skidding off the road crashing over an embankment and dying. Get the picture? Yes, you might be able to pull over and sit out a storm for a couple of days, but I have seen it where it is sunny and clear roads for a few miles and turn a corner and run smack into a whiteout. You must be prepared for anything during the winter months in the northern climates. That includes 70 degrees to 0 degrees, sunshine,snow,rain,freezing rain,ice/snow covered roads.
Donn
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