Community Forums

viper · 04-13-2017, 02:51 PM

Which road is in better condition, fewer chuckholes etc?? Some say Hwy99 because it was redone 3-4 yrs ago, but others have said it's deteriorated now and I-5 is in better condition with more recent repairs.

I realize I-5 is faster and no small towns to go thru.
Anyone used either road recently? Appreciate your suggestions. Thanks

Viper

Skip426 · 04-13-2017, 04:41 PM

I was on I-5 three weeks ago , Bakersfield to Canadian border . the repairs that were being done there , to Sacramento, last year are breaking down too.
Haven't been on 99 for five years so I can't comment .
I-5 is worst at the underpasses , where they don't repave to keep the height the same as original.

ph7ptzero · 04-14-2017, 11:32 PM

Drove from San Diego to Oregon via I5 to near Sacramento (then cut over to 101). Had been advised that 99 was better, but did not take advise. I5 had a few pretty rough spots like someone said mostly at overpass crossings. One silver lining - hahaha - since we were towing, speed limit was 55 which saved us from being more best up.

ph7ptzero · 04-14-2017, 11:34 PM

Meant beat up.

Arch Hoagland · 04-15-2017, 12:11 AM

I run up and down 99 a couple times a year. Excellent most of the way.

Marty & Yani · 04-15-2017, 01:24 AM

I drive from Riverside to Tracy a couple times a year, I think the I-5 is in much better condition than the Hwy 99.

HavingABlast · 04-15-2017, 03:50 PM

We recently took the 99 northbound from where it splits off of the 5 north of the grapevine all the way up to the end at Redbluff. It was much more pleasant than any of my I-5 northbound trips. But then again, we were not in a hurry. Good thing, since my home state has an idiotic 55 mph limit while towing anything. My apologies for the rant...it is just that while I following the law, I am passed by a bunch of tractor trailers. I don't advocate the truckers getting ticketed. I just wish that they drop the law if it isn't getting enforced.

I would take the 99 anytime over the 5 (assuming that I didn't need to be closer to the coast for some reason).

twogypsies · 04-16-2017, 07:51 PM

We just did 99 north this weekend from Bakersfield but just in a car. The pavement was fine for us.

Grower15 · 04-19-2017, 04:35 PM

We travel 99 quite a bit and prefer I5. If you drive 99 be mindful of rush hour in Fresno, Modesto, and Sacramento. When going to/from Sacramento we cut over to I5 at Manteca RT-120 to bypass city traffic.

twogypsies · 04-21-2017, 05:48 PM

Either direction is absolutely boring. We went up on 99 and returned on I-5. Awful. From now on our road of choice will be 395.

Grower15 · 04-22-2017, 03:34 PM

Is 395 OK for a 45' MH? Looks like a scenic drive.

twogypsies · 04-22-2017, 09:21 PM

Definitely 395 is for big rigs. It's an excellent highway amidst gorgeous scenery and plenty of RV sites along the way.

KCFDCapt · 04-23-2017, 05:58 PM

Our kids live in Reno. We love the trip up to see them. Going in June for the grandson's HS graduation. We always prefer 395 to 99 or I5. Great scenery! Many campgrounds to choose from. Some spots are free, some provide no hook ups but do have security patrols (casino camping) and some great campgrounds in the Bishop area. Yes, there are 3 high passes to go through and the Walker River gorge is curvy, but slow down and enjoy the drive.

If you are traveling north, fuel up in Bishop and if you need it by the time you cross the state line, the Topaz Lake Casino has gas and diesel, and an RV park.