Community Forums

Donhdm · 06-23-2022, 01:26 AM

Heading to Bakersfield from Sacramento - Question, which is better for traveling, I.E. road condition, traffic, safety etc. Leaving on a weekday driving 35' gas Class A with Ford Ranger in tow. I suspect I-5 is the better road to travel but is it worth the extra miles. Haven't been very far down 99 in more than a decade but I have on I-5.

Arrived home from round trip to Utah 2 weeks ago, $1,800 in fuel costs and a gallon isn't going down any time soon. Don't they know I'm retired which is just another term for unemployed.

All knowledgeable comments regarding these roads are appreciated.

Winger2 · 06-23-2022, 05:32 AM

I have driven LA to Sacramento by car about 50x, by rv maybe 12x. the 5 is like taking the express train and 99 the local. I suggest taking the 5, wider roadway, less exits, less local traffic, better road conditions

shootist · 06-23-2022, 06:38 AM

I just drove kettleman city north on the 5 a month ago. Pretty rough shape. There were stretches I stayed in the fast lane because of it. Knocked my clock off the wall, that's only happened once before.

dmitch44 · 06-23-2022, 08:55 AM

99 for sure

puttin · 06-23-2022, 09:10 AM

I've traveled both and agree that 99 has many more exits (and entrances)- and they can be dangerous for people with poor merging skills. You Will see more of Old California and one of our favorites was Bravo Farms. Take 5- less distraction and nerve wracking.

Hmbrewr · 06-23-2022, 09:37 AM

I've done both, I prefer 99 only because it is only a few blocks from my house in Modesto. There are more places to fuel, eat, and things to see along the way. I Second Bravo farms also. OTH 5 is a little faster, but you also have the people who are driving 80 plus MPH. When I drive 5 I just get behind a big rig whose speed I like, keep a safe distance and cruise. To me 5 is a boring ride. Though It really is your choice and how comfortable you are with your rig. Safe Travels

edge68474 · 06-23-2022, 09:51 AM

We drove that route 4 years ago. When we were on I-5 I thought let's try 99 for something different to look at. That part worked fine but IMO the road was rough and lots of traffic. On the way back, After Bakersfield, we went over to I-5 as soon as we could. You can relax some on I-5.

dizcom · 06-23-2022, 10:01 AM

About the same last time we drove them. The 99 was picking up in volume for some slow downs but seemed in good shape otherwise. I would use either one.

RM travelers · 06-23-2022, 01:40 PM

Like to here more about 99 vs I5 as this Sep plan on driving Bakersfield to Stockton in Class A gas. I’ve done both yrs ago. 2016 in MH did 99, it was alright, lots of traffic but also had lots of gas stations. 2018 did 99 in PU, road was really rough. Shook U a lot in PU, can’t imagine in MH. Last time on I5 was 2007 in PU. It was crazy. Yes doing +80, weaving in & out 18 wheelers doing CA limit 55. A lot of close calls. Please let us know how both are now. We will be driving fm TX to CA if gas doesn’t get too much higher & wild fires let us.

Sfrick · 06-23-2022, 01:52 PM

Drove that section on I-5. EVERY overpass had large potholes underneath in the slow lane. I transitioned to the fast lane when I came upon one if Traffic would allow. It felt like the axle would be damaged. Very Bad

Skip426 · 06-23-2022, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sfrick

Drove that section on I-5. EVERY overpass had large potholes underneath in the slow lane. I transitioned to the fast lane when I came upon one if Traffic would allow. It felt like the axle would be damaged. Very Bad

Someone told me that , they don't allow a repave , on an underpass , because the don't want to reduce clearance to the bridge structure .
Kind of ridiculous considering most are over 15' clearance. JMHO of course

10 annual trips up the I-5 , 4 down , haven't torn out and axle YET or disturbed the alignment on the toad .
But it does feel like it could .

Donhdm · 06-23-2022, 11:07 PM

I appreciate all of your comments and sharing your experiences on both roads. I think I'll hedge my bet a little. I use I-5 in MH and Toad but 3 weeks later I do the same trip but in a car and will use 99 to check it out.

As I said, just did a round trip to Utah, once out of CA the roads were great, smooth and long stretches with little traffic, easy to maintain 70. One caution were winds in some areas. Fortunately I had installed an auxiliary 1.75" anti sway bar along with F53 chassis standard 2" anti sway bar - Big difference. They don't make one for the front of the 2022 V8 chassis but when they do it will be the first thing I install. I previously installed a Safe T Plus steering stabilizer. Not sure what's worse, CA roads or going from $4.39 to $5.89 a gallon coming back into CA.

Thank you everyone for you thoughts and advice - Great people out there.