Community Forums

gramasue · 10-16-2014, 08:58 PM

Traveling in a 32 ft diesel, class A motorhome, which is the better route to take from Sacamento CA to Bakersfield CA--5 or 99?

UFO Pilot · 10-16-2014, 09:07 PM

Road wise, I think I-5 is in better shape at the moment.

Belgian · 10-16-2014, 09:27 PM

5 is a better road but I enjoy 99 because there is more to see. 99 usually has more construction though. on the 5 a lot of people drive 80+ on 99 it's mostly 60-65. Much more relaxing on the 99. JMHO

UFO Pilot · 10-16-2014, 09:31 PM

I also prefer 99 when is isn't under construction, but that rarely happens. Get in the right lane on I-5, set the cruise at 60 - 62 and enjoy the drive.

skater · 10-16-2014, 10:00 PM

WE just drove 99 from Lodi to Bakersfield last week. It was under construction and very bumpy. We would avoid 99 in the future and stick to I 5.

RV Wizard · 10-17-2014, 01:58 AM

Hello and

. We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy our website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.

vsheetz · 10-17-2014, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

I also prefer 99 when is isn't under construction, but that rarely happens. Get in the right lane on I-5, set the cruise at 60 - 62 and enjoy the drive.

agree. I often drive up and down the 5.

twogypsies · 10-17-2014, 10:33 AM

You could also take Hwy 50 east to 395 south to I-40. 395 is a beautiful drive - one of our favorites. Not crowded like 5 or 99 would be.

GraciesDaddy · 10-17-2014, 01:23 PM

OK... All good possibilities here. But what do you do to get to Kingman? The 5 or 99 to Bakersfield, then the 58 to Barstow & I-40? Seems like way too many cities for my taste.

My alternative: I-80 through Reno to Fernley, U.S. 50 to Fallon and South on U.S. 95. Once you're in Tonopah, you can continue on 95 OR take U.S. 6 East to Nevada 375, a.k.a. The Extraterrestrial Highway! Drop a note into the Black Mailbox [that's now white] and keep an eye out as you pass Area 51! Turn right/South onto U.S. 93, to I-15 and into Vegas.

U.S. 95'll get you to Vegas as well, just not as fun! There's free casino overnighting in Hawthorne and a decent CG in Beatty, if you take the U.S. 95 route.

The reverse of the E.T. Highway route is what I take from Alabama to Burning Man — save the Reno portion; just to Fernley. Caveats: Make sure all your lights are functioning, do NOT speed and watch your temp gauge. Since you have a diesel, you should make it from Fernley/Fallon on one fill-up to the Love's at 93 & I-15.

1ciderdog · 10-17-2014, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GraciesDaddy

OK...
My alternative: I-80 through Reno to Fernley, U.S. 50 to Fallon and South on U.S. 95. Once you're in Tonopah, you can continue on 95 OR take U.S. 6 East to Nevada 375, a.k.a. The Extraterrestrial Highway! Drop a note into the Black Mailbox [that's now white] and keep an eye out as you pass Area 51! Turn right/South onto U.S. 93, to I-15 and into Vegas.

U.S. 95'll get you to Vegas as well, just not as fun! There's free casino overnighting in Hawthorne and a decent CG in Beatty, if you take the U.S. 95 route.

The reverse of the E.T. Highway route is what I take from Alabama to Burning Man — save the Reno portion; just to Fernley. Caveats: Make sure all your lights are functioning, do NOT speed and watch your temp gauge. Since you have a diesel, you should make it from Fernley/Fallon on one fill-up to the Love's at 93 & I-15.

I've taken both those routes and enjoy not seeing lots of traffic but I think you need to add to take 93 on down to Kingman from Las Vegas.

GraciesDaddy · 10-17-2014, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

I've taken both those routes and enjoy not seeing lots of traffic but I think you need to add to take 93 on down to Kingman from Las Vegas.

Point taken, 1ciderdog... Kinda took that as a given, y'know

Glenn and Kathy · 10-18-2014, 09:31 AM

If you are going down I5 to catch the 58 at Bakersfield I would suggest that you not wait to catch the 58 off I5. you can avoid lights and traffic by exiting the 5 at lost hills and taking Ca hwy 46 east to hwy 99 down to hwy 58. You will go thru W#asco on hwy 46, but it is quick and easy, the only cities you will hit taking this rt and then I40 will be Bakersfield and Barstow, and you will hardly notice Barstow. We make the run from Paso Roble thru Kingman several time a year and have found this to be trouble free.

Glenn

Dennis_K · 10-18-2014, 10:38 AM

I took the I-5, 58, I40 route many times as it is the fastest way. Now that I am retired I take the Nevada US95 route, no traffic and I don't have to drive 55 while towing once out of CA. I use Whiskey Flats RV park in Hawthorne.