driving on coast of california

rdjensen · 02-07-2012, 06:18 PM

We have a 30' motorhome towing a car and are wondering if going up the coast on highway 1 is the best way to go.
Is it too narrow etc.
Or should we go on highway 101 instead?

acadianbob · 02-07-2012, 07:17 PM

Plenty wide I think but parts of it are VERY twisty and curvy; might be a slow go and a little frustrating depending on your temperament. It is also difficult to pass in a lot of areas and you might have some frustrated motorists behind you . .

bsmall · 02-07-2012, 07:22 PM

What part of Hwy 1 are you talking about taking?

bird_dg · 02-07-2012, 07:23 PM

The drive is beautiful, however sections of the highway are very narrow. I drove the section from Jenner to Fort Ross without the trailer (left it at Casini Ranch in Duncan Mills) and we were commenting on how we were glad we did. At least along this section, it is very tight with few if any turnouts. I would recommend 101, depending of course on your destination.

**bikendan** · 02-07-2012, 08:44 PM

like bsmall asked, which section of highway 1?

there are 3 parts of highway 1 that most bigger rigs avoid.
between Hearst Castle and Carmel, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Stinson Beach and from Fort Bragg to Leggett.

most use 101, it's a great highway with no problems for bigger rigs.

carbonman · 02-07-2012, 09:52 PM

Driving up the coast is beautiful though very winding and lots of ups and downs. It takes a long time to get somewhere with a big rig. Pull over for the locals, they appreciate it.I would recommend using 101 for the long stretches and jump to 1 for your destinations.

PS Don't try to keep up with the logging trucks, you will blow up your transmission.

ScottG · 02-12-2012, 11:11 PM

As others have said, 1 is very twisty and so much so that the driver really doesn't get to see much because the drive is just so intense. Plus, you will grind A LOT of rubber of your tires.

rdjensen · 02-16-2012, 05:57 PM

I think we have decided from your responses that we will use 101 in California.
In Oregon 101 is the coastal highway, what would it be like there, or should we us Interstate 5 and take toad to coast from there.

**bikendan** · 02-16-2012, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdjensen

I think we have decided from your responses that we will use 101 in California.
In Oregon 101 is the coastal highway, what would it be like there, or should we us Interstate 5 and take toad to coast from there.

the Oregon 101 is much like the California 101. it can slow you down some in parts of it, but nothing like California's Highway 1.

you'll have no problems with an RV. and parts of California's 101 are also coastal.

bsmall · 02-16-2012, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdjensen

I think we have decided from your responses that we will use 101 in California.
In Oregon 101 is the coastal highway, what would it be like there, or should we us Interstate 5 and take toad to coast from there.

Hwy 101 thru Oregon is a fine easy Hwy. I have pulled from the Ca border to Tillamook and back without any problems... I would do 101 in Oregon before I-5, the Oregon coast line is absolutely beautiful....