California 299 from Eureka to Redding - Montana Owners Club

The Oldguard · 10-03-2013, 02:38 PM

Is this a good route to take the Montana and rig on??? Any information is appreciated

49merc · 10-03-2013, 02:57 PM

Just my own personal view did it once never again. Roads rarely bother me (spent most of my career driving for my service work)but that one got me. As I remember very curvy and very slow. I personally would find another way. If I wasn't pulling the trailer I would probably enjoy it.
Bob

HamRad · 10-03-2013, 03:42 PM

Bill,
We pulled our 3295 over that route a couple of times. It is an up and down and a bit curvy road but we enjoyed it and had no trouble with it. The road is two lanes if not more. They seemed to have passing lanes in the proper places. It is a route that will require your attention but if the need arose we would not hesitate to drive it again. Good luck whatever you do. Dennis

Chiplynne · 10-03-2013, 03:46 PM

We took that route last summer and had no problem. It is curvy and has its up and downs, but thats part of moving around this country! Only warning is to have a full tank (and maybe some extra) We had about 1-2 gallons by the time we got across

**Carl n Susan** · 10-03-2013, 04:38 PM

I did it a few years ago with a smaller Montana. Lots of tight turns (you can check you trailer tires as you pass by them) between Blue Lake and Willow Creek and some ups and downs. As long as you are not in a hurry I say go for it. Definitely not a boring ride.

Rainer · 10-04-2013, 04:51 AM

One thing for sure: you'll build up your arm strength making all those turns. It's more of a sports car road than a trailer road. I've done it with both, and prefer the sports car....

dandt · 10-04-2013, 05:31 AM

Just a heads up they are doing a lot of work on it right now between Redding and Weaverville. Taking out some of the bad turns. It is controlled oneway a several spots 24/7. It is a beautiful drive and if you need a coffee stop the StrawHouse outside of Weaverville has great coffee and goodies. Always a must for us when we go that way.

Capt Kidd · 10-04-2013, 05:33 AM

There is no better route between hyw 101 on the coast and hyw 5 in the valley. Yeah it has a few curves but a lot less than any other route.

We have traveled this route for years most recently with out 3400.

rware · 10-04-2013, 03:17 PM

Any thoughts on 36 between Fortuna and Red Bluff? We were planning to do that in a couple of weeks.

catskiner · 10-04-2013, 05:04 PM

Took that part of 36 about 15 yrs. ago in a car,first the road narrowed to one lane and then we met the logging truck. We had to back up quite aways to let him by. In the Mountain Pass Book it says that stretch was designed by a mad scientist,dont know if its gotten any better.

**Carl n Susan** · 10-04-2013, 06:24 PM

Isn't Hwy-36 to Fortuna the one with the big sign in Red Bluff that says no RVs? I went by there the other day but I can't recall for sure. Maybe you should check the truck route book and see what it says.

dandt · 10-05-2013, 05:15 AM

Would not recommend 36. It is an okay road till the Dinsmore area but after that in really narrows done. They don't even paint a line down the middle because legally it is NOT wide enough to be considered a 2 lane road. Very narrow, redwood trees to the edge of road, no shoulders, and lots of switchback turns. We drive it without the 5er but NEVER with the rig attached.

Capt Kidd · 10-05-2013, 05:53 AM

We did 36 in a 28 foot class C motorhome before it was widened to what it is today. Not a big deal just narrow.

The Dukes · 10-06-2013, 07:24 AM

I would steer clear of 36W Red Bluff to Fortuna. The signs saying RVs not recommended are still there and are very SOUND ADVICE! We took this road pulling our 2955 and now we believe the signs! I wouldn't even consider it with our newer Monty. As stated in previous posts the road isn't too bad until you reach Dinsmore's. From there on is a stretch of barely one-lane wide road and several miles of 10% downgrade (as you are westbound) that is also only one lane wide. We met a low-boy rig in what was a left hand curve for him and his tractor wheels were in the right hand ditch and his rear trailer wheels were in the left hand ditch...fortunately we were going slow enough to stop, 15 seconds later and his trailer would have hit us.

Take 299, take your time and enjoy the scenery, there isn't much any prettier than the Trinity River Canyon.

Warren

rware · 10-09-2013, 04:01 PM

Ok, 299 it is. The StrawHouse looks like a nice place. Is there room to park the RV?

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by dandt

Just a heads up they are doing a lot of work on it right now between Redding and Weaverville. Taking out some of the bad turns. It is controlled oneway a several spots 24/7. It is a beautiful drive and if you need a coffee stop the StrawHouse outside of Weaverville has great coffee and goodies. Always a must for us when we go that way.

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