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11-10-2020, 03:16 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Qualicum Beach
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #26399
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CA Highway 1 safe for 42' Monty?
Hi, I am planning a trip in 2022/2023 for 365 days and want to return up the CA, OR, WA coast on highway 1, including through Daly City and the Golden Gate Bridge.
IF you know from experience that parts of this are NOT doable in a 42' Monty I would like to know.
I plan on getting on #1 in San Luis Obispo CA and staying on it all the way to where it changes to 101 at 271 and then follow 101.
Time frame is 2023 late Mar to early Apr ending up at the Canadian Border May 4, 2023.
My concerns are snow/ice, clearance, tight curves, and places to stay. We are full timers and are rigged for boondocking for up to a week at a time before we need to dump.
__________________
2018 Keystone Montana 3811MS
2017 Ford F450 diesel dually
600AH Battle Born Lithium Batteries, 1,080 watts solar
3,000 watt hybrid inverter with 120A charger
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11-10-2020, 04:43 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Folsom, California
Posts: 552
M.O.C. #21903
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I've either driven my old 33' Seabreeze towing car on trailer, or towed my Monty entire length of highway 1. Only one slight incident where folding stairs on Seabreeze scraped roadway during sharp right switchback heading north on 1 close to the 101 merge. Slow and steady gets you there. No snow, ice, or clearance issues. Boondocking is tough because no overnight parking along highway. Lots of RV parks except around San Francisco.
We're spending long weekend on Highway 1 in Pacifica starting Friday.
__________________
'05 F250 6.0 Bullet Proofed - Sold
'17 F350 6.7 Lariet
'02 Montana 3280RL Upgraded a bunch.
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11-10-2020, 07:24 PM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Shady Cove
Posts: 154
M.O.C. #18031
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I drove long wheel base semi's no power steering twin sticks hauling up to 60ft long rebar cages all over that area. Also drove our 37 ft 3 axle motorhome with a bike lift for Harley dresser towing a Geo Tracker behind.
You should be just fine
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2015 GMC Denali 2500hd D/A
2016 Montana 3160rl Legacy
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11-10-2020, 07:43 PM
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#4
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 85
M.O.C. #25489
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I came down HWY 101 heading south to San Francisco in October 2017, remember the date as it was the week Tom Petty died and of the shooting in Las Vegas concert. I took the turn off HWY 101 at Leggett to PCH CA-1 driving a GMC Explorer conversion van. I was really surprised by how tight, twisty and narrow the road was. I have a 40 foot monty now and I personally would not consider taking it on the PCH CA-1 from Leggett to SF. that's just me. I would really like to hear how it goes if you give it a try. I will say it was a beautiful drive. Good luck and safe travels.
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Joe & Rita, Boise ID
2014 3402RL, Morryde pin box, dual AC
2020 RAM 3500 Mega, Dually, 4:10, HO CTD, Aisin.
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11-10-2020, 08:05 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Qualicum Beach
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #26399
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hblick48
I've either driven my old 33' Seabreeze towing car on trailer, or towed my Monty entire length of highway 1. Only one slight incident where folding stairs on Seabreeze scraped roadway during sharp right switchback heading north on 1 close to the 101 merge. Slow and steady gets you there. No snow, ice, or clearance issues. Boondocking is tough because no overnight parking along highway. Lots of RV parks except around San Francisco.
We're spending long weekend on Highway 1 in Pacifica starting Friday.
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That sounds encouraging. I found an RV resort right on the ocean. Super expensive but it is San Francisco and we will probably only go there once.
Thanks.
__________________
2018 Keystone Montana 3811MS
2017 Ford F450 diesel dually
600AH Battle Born Lithium Batteries, 1,080 watts solar
3,000 watt hybrid inverter with 120A charger
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11-10-2020, 08:06 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Qualicum Beach
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #26399
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky23
I drove long wheel base semi's no power steering twin sticks hauling up to 60ft long rebar cages all over that area. Also drove our 37 ft 3 axle motorhome with a bike lift for Harley dresser towing a Geo Tracker behind.
You should be just fine
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Thanks
__________________
2018 Keystone Montana 3811MS
2017 Ford F450 diesel dually
600AH Battle Born Lithium Batteries, 1,080 watts solar
3,000 watt hybrid inverter with 120A charger
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11-10-2020, 08:41 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
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2023? Shouldn't you plan ahead further?
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
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11-10-2020, 08:58 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Qualicum Beach
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #26399
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Montana Man
2023? Shouldn't you plan ahead further?
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I might need to, but we (Canada) just got news a vaccine (partly developed in Canada) will be available 1st Q of 2021. I am fairly sure the entire population of North America can be done in about a year (it's a 2 dose vaccine). Herd immunity is defined as 70% to 80% immunity so that will happen before I want to leave (May 2022) and I am confident the border will be open by then.
__________________
2018 Keystone Montana 3811MS
2017 Ford F450 diesel dually
600AH Battle Born Lithium Batteries, 1,080 watts solar
3,000 watt hybrid inverter with 120A charger
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11-11-2020, 07:45 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Folsom, California
Posts: 552
M.O.C. #21903
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bcrvman
That sounds encouraging. I found an RV resort right on the ocean. Super expensive but it is San Francisco and we will probably only go there once.
Thanks.
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That's where we're going, its the only one right on the ocean. Been going there since we started RVing in 2002. Tight spaces but million dollar spot.
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11-11-2020, 11:51 AM
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#10
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,365
M.O.C. #4831
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I assume you have Googled CA-1 and read the experiences. I have driven it numerous times in a car (once in a Porsche was the greatest). It is tight, narrow (no breakdown shoulder area), no guardrails, few turnouts, with plenty of switchbacks to keep your attention. You should assume you won't be breaking any land speed records. In Big Sur (south of Monterey) and Muir Woods (north of San Francisco) plan on 20 MPH max. You will want to time the switchbacks for when there is no oncoming traffic as you you will have to cross the center line with the truck to keep the RV out of the ditch or overhanging rocks. In other areas you can speed along at 35-40 MPH. Do take advantage of any pullouts to let the line of traffic behind you get by (and signal their frustration :-) )
If you are comfortable in driving your rig, knowing where all the wheels are at all times, prepared to concentrate on just driving (no sight seeing for you - just your passenger) and enjoy a challenge, this is the road for you. If you have an easily spooked passenger the good news is your are going north and all the cliff drop offs are on the left. There is just the rock walls to keep them occupied.
This is a fun trip and I envy you. Hopefully CA-1 doesn't have anymore landslides between now and your trip. The last one took almost two years before the road was opened again.
I know of the park in S.F. you are referring to. I have never stayed there (we don't take the RV to S.F.) but I have a friend who has stayed there frequently (his mom lived nearby). Tight spots and exorbitant prices but spectacular views.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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11-12-2020, 08:55 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Folsom, California
Posts: 552
M.O.C. #21903
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl n Susan
I know of the park in S.F. you are referring to. I have never stayed there (we don't take the RV to S.F.) but I have a friend who has stayed there frequently (his mom lived nearby). Tight spots and exorbitant prices but spectacular views.
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We belong to Thousand Trails with added Trails Collection. Space at that park costs us $20/night (because it's a premium park). Biggest problem is getting a spot since they limit the number of spaces for members.
Of course we pay monthly dues just for that privilege. We feel we get more than our monies worth being a member.
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01-31-2021, 05:40 PM
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#12
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Newbury Park
Posts: 131
M.O.C. #11329
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Big Sur
If you are still thinking about Hwy 1, part of it is gone after the storm a few days ago in the Big Sur area.
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01-31-2021, 06:27 PM
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#13
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,365
M.O.C. #4831
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ANd it won't be oipen soon I expect. The last wash out took two years to repair.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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01-31-2021, 08:10 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: West Richland
Posts: 1,253
M.O.C. #17164
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I towed my old unit from just south of San Francisco to the state park just south of the Hearst mansion. Crew cab and 30 some foot fifth wheel. Really tight and twisty, yes we did it but it was mainly late afternoon/evening and late into the night. Lots of one lane roads with temporary stop light signals due to mud slides washing out part of the lanes back in the late 90’s maybe really early 2000’s. Good thing minimal traffic bad thing very slow. As said before a sports car would be a lot more fun. Just make sure you have lots of time and don’t worry about speeding. I was happy to get up to 15/20 mph before having to slow back down. Good luck and enjoy the views if during the daylight, if either of you get squeamish with heights beware that you may not enjoy this route.
Happy roads to you.
Tom
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02-01-2021, 09:32 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Cuyahoga Falls
Posts: 699
M.O.C. #18572
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White knuckle driving. No sightseeing for the driver. Hwy washes out frequently.
Hmmm ? Doesn't sound enjoyable to me. Your call.
__________________
ATC/NAC Jerry A. Burkholder, USN (RET.)
Rule #1. The Chief is always right.
Rule #2. When in doubt, refer to rule #1.
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02-01-2021, 11:16 AM
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#16
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Livermore
Posts: 492
M.O.C. #17391
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I would not tow down Hwy 1 Its a nice drive in the car or truck. I have seen some BRAVE souls do it just not very enjoyable. I would go down 101 then find a road to cruise to the coast where you want to park then drive around.
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02-01-2021, 07:16 PM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: 1000 oaks
Posts: 953
M.O.C. #19630
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I have taken my 35' Dp motorhome with a towed across the GG bridge and down through downtown SF and then to Highway 1 and all the way south to Lompoc without an worry or incident. I have pulled my Montana up and down Highway 1 several times. It is not a worry to do this. It is not that narrow a road. I have also gone up and down in my Corvette and it is much more pleasurable to do it in that car.
Since the washout though it will not be possible for a couple of years.
__________________
2011 2955RL Gen-Y Executive Kingpin
2022 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Alison
4X4 Crew Cab/Standard bed.
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02-02-2021, 01:27 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lincoln
Posts: 860
M.O.C. #8154
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First off, I am the friend that Carl is referring to. I am born and raised and still live in the area. The RV park you're probably referring to is actually in Pacifica, SF RV resort. All of the ocean front spots fell into the ocean years ago and are closed. Those remaining are tight with no views to speak of even though it's a short walk along the coast.
I am very familiar with the entire route on Hwy 1. There is no way I would pull any part of it from San Louis Obispo to Leggett, with the minor exception from the Golden Gate Bridge to Pacifica which I've done numerous times.
Hwy 1 in Marin county is especially popular with bicyclists. Getting around them in a small car is tough enough....a 5th wheel, no thanks.
Hwy 101 gets to the coast in Fortuna. North from there is spectacular. My suggestion is that you take 101 and venture out to coast if you want either for day trips or stays. For instance, take Hwy 116 from Petaluma to Bodega Bay. We've camped at both towns frequently. Head back to 101 via Santa Rosa. In Willits, take Hwy 20 to Ft Bragg, another great coast camping spot. To illustrate my point, Hwy 20 from Willits to Ft. Bragg is only 30 miles, a truck route, that will take over an hour. Easy drive in your rig but slow.
Even if you decide to give it a try, Ft. Bragg to Leggett is not doable in your rig. I highly suggest you rethink your plan and stay on 101.
Ken
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02-02-2021, 09:51 AM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,700
M.O.C. #12947
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This is really strange. About a week before this slide, I heard this song on the radio:
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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02-03-2021, 05:16 PM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: home base IL, OTR anywhere
Posts: 533
M.O.C. #19382
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I've wondered about this route as well, as the responses are about 50/50 pro/con. For me that would be a no go... DW would freak, and you would have to pry my hands off the wheel. I don't need that kind of stress. I've been on it in a small car, and that required 100% attention all the time... in a 40ft+ 5er with a PU...no thanks.
__________________
2017 RAM 3500 Laramie CCLB Dually CTD Aisin, OEM auto level rear air-ride, B&W hitch
2020 3813MS Legacy Cobalt FBP, MORryde 8K IS & pinbox, PI EMS,DIY mods by in-house "craftsman", RV security system Mk1 Beagle Alerter
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