Driving a 63 MCI into CA

[DominicM]

My work has asked me to go to CA for a 6 week project. for what they are paying I can't afford to stay at a hotel so it looks like I am taking the bus or not going.  How friendly is CA Authorities to visitors driving a 63 MCI with a 8V71, pulling a trailer?   Im assuming that CA is kinda strict and I don't want to loose my house for a 6 week project.

Thank You
Dominic

[TomC]

If it is converted into a motorhome, then you're exempt from all smog laws. If it is still a seated bus, then no you cannot bring the bus into California. Good Luck, TomC

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

I drive my 1967 Eagle into CA all of the time (sans trailer) with no problem and have been doing it for over 12 years.  Where will you be working?  LA area?  Are you looking for an RV park?  Several people on here have been staying in parks in the LA area with bus conversions if you need ideas.

[usbusin]

67 MCI 5A
I live in Nashville,  and Reside in my 5A in Big Spring TX for work at the moment,  Will update as I move around.

According to his tag line he lives in his bus.  If it is registered as a motorhome, no problem.  Come on in and enjoy beautiful California (away from the big cities that is).  The central coastal area is beautiful where we live.

[lvmci]

Are you going to SoCal, central, Bay area or northern CA? lvmci...

[DominicM]

The location will be Fontana CA.  Nothing is in stone at the moment but if I do go Yes I will be staying in a trailer park someplace close to Fontana.   I believe it is east of LA.

[Handyjim]

If I remember correctly, there's an Elks lodge in Fontana. Pretty good hookups. California metro areas are kind of scarce for RV accommodations at affordable prices.

[DominicM]

The affordable price for lodging is the only thing holding me up from going.  The hotel rates were around 175 a night, and thats a definite no go.  So depending on the RV slot  cost for 6 weeks will depend on if I go.

[dtcerrato]

It's been years but we stayed multiple times in a Regional park called Featherly in Riverside CA just off the 91 freeway. It's a two week stay limit. We liked it as a staging area in & out of that great SoCal megalopolis.

[lvmci]

Hi Dominic, in Van Nuys there is Balboa RV park, it was $55 a nite, might be more in Fontana,  San Bernardino that area closer to that part of the basin, at $25 a night with full hookups is at Antelope Vally Fairgrounds, in Lancaster, clean, but just a parking lot, lvmci...

[DominicM]

Another question is I have a Side by Side, would it be worth the time and energy to bring it? is there anyplace to ride in the area or would it be a waste to bring it out there?

[Beluga Bus]

Most mountain fire roads are for registered vehicles only. But if you are willing to tow it over the pass the high dessert offers many miles of ohv trails.
Matt

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Fontana is where Leisure Coachworks is located. They do RV and bus renovations. If you call Jon Goldstein, the owner, he may be able to guide you as to where to stay.  It is not the best neighborhood to live in, but I would not worry about living in a bus out there.  Also remember, the Elks Club, generally has a 2 week limit in many places.  I would find a suitable RV park out there instead if you go.  Also, if you need anything repaired on your bus, he provides free hookups.

https://leisurecw.com/

[Geoff]

I have a street legal SxS I run around with here in Prescott AZ, but can only use off-road in CA.  The people I know in the LA area have to trailer their SxS for long distances to be able to ride them.

[DominicM]

Mine is  SXS is registered OHV in TN,  but I have a feeling I will have a lot of free time on my hands while I am there. 


The bus is in decent shape, and runs great. I guess the next hurtle is finding a camp ground.