Driving a 40' RV through West Los Angeles

[Georgianne]

We are purchasing a 40' diesel pusher. We plan to tour America and Canada over time. At some point we want to drive it to Los Angeles, near LAX airport, to pick up family and go camping. My husband is concerned about the legendary LA traffic. Any suggestions? Also, can we drive the motorhome up the famous grapevine on highway 5, driving south to Los Angeles, or do we drive around it?

Also, we have inquired about RV driving schools. We have been told you must have your own RV. That means we pick up the RV up in Alabama then drive it back to California with no experience driving an RV. How did other newbies handle this? Thanks?

[goin2drt]

First answer is yes you can drive up and down the grapevine (5fwy).

Once you drive that far you will be pros by the time you hit LA. Traffic here sucks and sucks bad especially during certain times. I find it best to just get in the second lane over from the right so you don't have to mess with the merging on ramps and then give yourself enough space. Most important don't be running late, just take your time and you are fine.

Lastly we were newbies to the RV as I am sure all of us were. I personally spent a few miles just driving around my town where there wasn't any traffic and I could just take it slow. You learn quickly how far you have to swing out watching your mirrors and driving really slow. Just case you cut it too sharp you can always stop and back up. Never happened but it could.

My one piece of advise, just take turns really slow. It is a house. Good luck.

[pplwizard]

Ha ha.... I live here... Do the grapevine once a month and believe it or not I have picked up friends at LAX in my motorhome.
I have a 40' Fleetwood Providence 2006 with a Caterpillar 350 turbo diesel. So you should be able to do it.

[bradvoorhees]

Were new too, just went on our first trip in our 40 through what I think is some of the worst traffic in the country as well, I-5 from Joint base LM to just north of Marysville here in Wa state. Did really well until we got home then backed over our street sign....lesson learned, use my wife as a spotter. Luckily no real harm done but ego. I ran off to Lowes bought new lumber and fixed the sign. Until I master backing up, I will never try again with out support.

[Cuffemdude]

Here's a video I watched several times before we picked up our 40 in April... And we had never owned an RV before. Great tips for beginners. That being said, there's nothing that can substitute for actually getting out there and driving your rig. Turns and backing can be the most challenging so an empty parking lot is a great place to practice. Congratulations on your purchase!
https://youtu.be/4CeThR_A4VI

[RT 41]

We live in L A and race at Laguna Seca in Monterey Ca, We are 65 Ft long and travel up the 405 to the 5 Traffic can be tuff, just take your time and drive defensively and you will be just fine.

RT 41

[Mr_D]

from WA State!

I started with a 16' TT when I was 21, now I'm 70 with a 45' MH. Have driven Tehachapy(sp?) and the Grapevine more than once. Never had a real problem. 2nd lane from right is good as was said.

[Jerryu2ma]

Watch the video by Lazydays on you tube on driving a motorhome. It is 40 plus minutes long but absolutely great info.

[bradvoorhees]

Originally Posted by Cuffemdude

Here's a video I watched several times before we picked up our 40 in April... And we had never owned an RV before. Great tips for beginners. That being said, there's nothing that can substitute for actually getting out there and driving your rig. Turns and backing can be the most challenging so an empty parking lot is a great place to practice. Congratulations on your purchase!
https://youtu.be/4CeThR_A4VI

Thanks for the video, good info there for sure.

[jonesdg]

We have a 37ft gasser learned how to drive it pretty quick my wife is a spotter for me when pulling in and out of our drive. Keep in mind when driving don't get in a hurry. Take your time and don't let anyone rush you. Make sure you anticipate what is ahead. Give yourself plenty of room in front of you for braking. This is my first RV. The largest thing I had ever driven was a 24 ft rental truck. So respect what you are driving and the vehicles around you. Use common sense. You will be fine.

[slowmachine]

Moving from a 15-foot Volkswagen camper van to a 40-foot diesel pusher was, to say the least, a bit intimidating. Our first summer trip was 1600 miles over two weeks. About 1200 miles into it, I was feeling confident that I could actually operate the behemoth safely. I noticed early on that most people give it a wide berth to begin with, so in the places that I really needed to crowd the centerline, they made room for it. Driving in 4-lane interstate traffic, in the rain, was the worst of it. We have no special licensing for RVs, so there is no training available outside of the typical CDL schools.

[cruzbill]

Its all about timing-that is time of day and day of week. I did a quick visit to catalina island (not the RV, we took the day ferry) and hit hwy 405 at about 10am on a weekday. Same time on the way back, jammed both directions. I wouldn't try it any earlier or any later in the day.

Grapevine not too bad, but you must be aware of trucks at very slow (10mph) speeds and 'other drivers' at very fast speeds. You may have to suddenly jump over to another lane to miss a slow truck in your lane. Be hyper-aware! On the downhill. watch your speed! Use your Jake or engine /exhaust brakes and a lower gear, save your service brakes. Let them pass you by, its not a race.

One linguistic note: Watch the Angelenos use of the superfluous 'the' as a prefix before a freeway / route number. Ugh!!

We live about 450 miles N of LA; not quite far enough!

[mrfix]

I did it last year in a 38' holiday rambler towing a honda on a dolly, I will never, ever, ever, ever do it again. It was the worst driving experience I've ever had, even the state troopers cut you off.

[beaverfever]

most areas have schools for school bus drivers,this would get you the basics.
if you are only driving into la to pick somebody up and if you are pulling a toad drop the m.h. off and drive the toad in.you will be much happier.
welcome to the forum