A different route from Tucson to San Diego

[Shellback1]

We normally take RT 8 to cross to San Diego from Tucson, but the mountains on 8 with the bridges crossing over the valleys have MDW white knuckled all the way, and she's not driving. I really can't blame her much, last Dec we were crossing over on a bridge and with the wind blowing somewhat but it was raining and the oil surfaced on the road. A small Ford PU passed me and as he hit the valley on the bridge a wind gust caught his bed and pushed him over the two lanes and into the guard rail. He was ok, maybe an accident in the tuck also. When I reached that area there wern't any gust so we made it ok. There have also been times I had to delay crossing for days to let the wind die down.

Are there any other routes anyone can recommend?

[OldChief7155]

I-8's about the only choice except going up to I-10 and across. LOTS of extra miles and I-10 gets some very bad winds, but no steep grades to speak of.

If I-8 scares her, stay off the 2 lane road that go out of Borrego. She'll have terminal white knuckles on it.

[Shellback1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldChief7155 I-8's about the only choice except going up to I-10 and across. LOTS of extra miles and I-10 gets some very bad winds, but no steep grades to speak of. If I-8 scares her, stay off the 2 lane road that go out of Borrego. She'll have terminal white knuckles on it.

Thanks Chief, that's kind of what I thought.

[1ciderdog]

I used to live in San Diego and crossed those mountains on I-8 many times in either a motorhome or towing a 5th wheel. Only occasionally did the cross winds bother me or my spouse to the extent it appears to bother you so I'll ask you if the suspension and steering on your unit might need service? When in those mountains I did often slow down to make it easier to control the motorhome over some of the bridges.

[Shellback1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog I used to live in San Diego and crossed those mountains on I-8 many times in either a motorhome or towing a 5th wheel. Only occasionally did the cross winds bother me or my spouse to the extent it appears to bother you so I'll ask you if the suspension and steering on your unit might need service? When in those mountains I did often slow down to make it easier to control the motorhome over some of the bridges.

No Bob, the suspension is fine. I take the RV every year from NH to CA and back. Really last year was the only scary time for me when that pick up slid across 2 lanes sideways like he was on ice. My wife just doesn't like the feeling of going over the bridges. I tell her to close her eyes.

I was just wondering about other routes.

[1ciderdog]

Do you have or have you considered a product like Safe-T-Plus or safe steer to help control the RV in heavy cross winds? As OldChief mentions I-10 from Tucson and then down I-15 would add several miles but worth the considering the option if it makes the spouse more comfortable.

[two2go]

Years ago, I drove a 20' class C westbound on 8. I'm glad traffic was light because I needed both lanes to stay upright at 30 mph. With no other route, just pull off until conditions improve or go really slow. I've since taken a 5th wheel and a class A over both directions without incident, but winds were light.

[Shellback1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by two2go Years ago, I drove a 20' class C westbound on 8. I'm glad traffic was light because I needed both lanes to stay upright at 30 mph. With no other route, just pull off until conditions improve or go really slow. I've since taken a 5th wheel and a class A over both directions without incident, but winds were light.

I know what you are talking about. Another time I was on my way back and even truckers would not take a chance we were sitting in the casino parking lot. Like I said one time the winds would not stop and I had to delay crossing for 5 days. Believe me I hit a lot of winds in my travels thru TX, NM, AZ but on flat ground it is not as bad as when you are about to cross over a high bridge and you lose the cross wind protection of the mountain. No problem, I'll keep going that way, this will be my 6th year.

Ron

[Sprdtyf350]

We used to go 4 wheeling, hunting, and camping in the area near Ocotillo Wells. It has been a long time since I have been through there but back in the 70's a flash flood came down the mountain and took out a huge section of I8, the railroad tracks down on the desert floor, and a good chunk of Ocotillo Wells. It was quite amazing to see what water can do.. And I remember the bridges with the wind fences in place. Love that place..