Community Forums

sbleiweiss · 10-13-2016, 09:59 AM

Just drove from Sedona to SF. One day of trip was basically through the heart of the Mohave Desert. Weather was fine in October, but wondering about the sanity of this route in the summer. Is there a better route that avoids hot desert weather? It is the Kingman to Bakersfield stretch I am most concerned about.

Rambeau · 10-13-2016, 10:53 AM

Hard to miss the desert when you start in the middle of the desert.

F4Gary · 10-13-2016, 10:58 AM

Drove it last June. It was 111 degrees in Needles. Workhorse handled it just fine, even with the dash air on. Hardest part was that long uphill grade out of Needles (westbound). Engine temp got up to 219.

It's a dry heat!

Dennis_K · 10-15-2016, 04:30 PM

As long as your cooling system is performing as it should you should have no problems. Keep in mind that there are thousands of us who live in this area without overheating problems. The heat is probably harder on your tires than the engine.

sbleiweiss · 10-16-2016, 10:29 AM

Thanks Dennis. Good point. My concern is more than the engine. As you know, the nice thing about motor homing is being able to pick and adjust your route. I was just seeing if there were better alternatives. So far, no one has suggested one. Since you live in that area, can you suggest good campgrounds along the route?

1ciderdog · 10-16-2016, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

Just drove from Sedona to SF. One day of trip was basically through the heart of the Mohave Desert. Weather was fine in October, but wondering about the sanity of this route in the summer. Is there a better route that avoids hot desert weather? It is the Kingman to Bakersfield stretch I am most concerned about.

I have property east of Kingman and travel that route several times a year - simple answer is there is not an alternative. Just make sure vehicle is serviced and tire pressure is as it should be. And not drive fast.

kenhouse123 · 10-16-2016, 04:38 PM

I take Hwy93 from Kingman north to Boulder City. Many good campgrounds in/near Boulder City including Forever Resorts campground on Lake Mead. I would then take 15 south to Barstow and connect with 58 west to Bakersfield.

adamfolger · 10-16-2016, 05:46 PM

Leave Kingman in the evening and drive all the way to Bakersfield. Go south on 99 to Wible rd. and stay at Camping World. They have two power hook ups for free. If occupied just boondock there. No problem. If you can make Bakersfield before 10pm stay at Bakersfield Rv resort http://www.bakrv.com/on Wible rd. just before Camping World. Other best rv park is River Run Bakersfield River Run RV Park - The Place to Stay in California

F4Gary · 10-17-2016, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenhouse123

I take Hwy93 from Kingman north to Boulder City. Many good campgrounds in/near Boulder City including Forever Resorts campground on Lake Mead. I would then take 15 south to Barstow and connect with 58 west to Bakersfield.

That adds 40 miles, an extra stay, and he still has to drive through the same desert.

A Country RV Park in Bakersfield is nice too.

Dennis_K · 10-17-2016, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

Thanks Dennis. Good point. My concern is more than the engine. As you know, the nice thing about motor homing is being able to pick and adjust your route. I was just seeing if there were better alternatives. So far, no one has suggested one. Since you live in that area, can you suggest good campgrounds along the route?

I have traveled that way many times. There are other ways but not any better. Not much between Kingman and Bakersfield. When I go that way I usually stop at Orange Grove RV Park east of Bakersfield. If you can't go that far there is a descent KOA east of Barstow on I-15 (about 3.5 mi off I-40). The hottest part of that route will be near the Colorado river.

RVThere · 10-17-2016, 11:24 AM

I did that route this past July going from Sacramento to Santa Fe.

Highest daytime temp was in McFarland, CA at 113. Toughest climb was Bakersfield to Mojave at the end of the day - really had to watch my temp gauge on that climb and change gears accordingly.

We stayed overnight at the Flying J in Barstow and left at 3:30AM to drive across the desert while it was relatively cool. Was in Kingman, AZ by 7:30am.