Mt passes on California 395 N/B

lenorg · 06-20-2009, 02:08 PM

Hi..I looked in the archives, but could not find what I wanted. I am wondering about the mountain passes N/B on Rt 395 from Barstow to Carson City. Are the grades doable w/o unhooking the tow car. Thanks.

2003 Brave 34D
2001 Tracker

RJG · 06-20-2009, 08:01 PM

Hello Lenorg. Just made that trip last month towing my ranger on trailer with allison 3060 push button trans on a DP. there is road cons't from around Pearsonville intermittent to bishop was not to bad, as far as grades just gear down before start down don't know if you have toad brakes they would help, don't know your set up so its hard to say, there is a long straight run out after Mammoth Lakes, watch your speed at Lee Vining they watch it close (CHP), gets a little steep out of Lee Vining by Mono lake Just anticipate the grades and be in the gear you need before descent don't rely only on your mh brakes, there is a little run out berore Bridgeport and after Topaz after that your home free so to speak, I made it with no problem but I know the area well, dicression can be the better part of valor. so to remove the uncertanty and breath a little easer unhooking could be the answer. Drive ahead of the game
and have a great trip !! Ray..

mfire1339 · 06-20-2009, 08:53 PM

We've made the trip and towing was not a problem. Going next week if plans work out. Getting brakes fixed right now, Workhorse strikes again.

lenOrge · 06-21-2009, 12:53 PM

Thanks for the answers. One more question. Can you get to Sacramento from Carson City on Rt 50. What I am trying to do is get to Travis AFB. Thx Len

2003 Brave 34D
2001 Tracker

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 06-21-2009, 01:18 PM

Len, you can get to Sacramento via Hwy 50. It is congested before you get to stateline and thru town. About 5 miles from stateline you make a hard left so plan on being in the left hand lane...watch signs. Once that left is made about 10 miles further up 50 is a steep ascent grade for a couple of miles, but manageable with a toad. The Hwy from this grade to almost Kyburz is two lane. The downgrade side of the mountains is not too steep. Once into Sacramento take I80 West and that will take you to Fairfield and the exit to Travis. Nice small RV park in Minden at the Carson Valley Inn/Casino which is about 3 or 4 miles from the 395/50 Juction.

RJG · 06-21-2009, 01:25 PM

Yes, 3 ways to go, 2 from Carson one by way of Reno. out of Carson Hwy 89 through Jackson. Hwy 50 up Spooner summit, or Kingsbury grade through Lake Tahoe, Placerville. Hwy 80 out of reno 4 to 6 lane 65 mph. former two are mountain driving and more senic. 50 or 80 will be faster and directly to Sac. 80 easier driving. The others are 2 lane mostly except 50 untill you get over Echo summit and down aways. Ray..