Chains and Rocky Mountain driving

RonKStevens · March 30, 2024, 03:17:14 PM

I am debating a trip west through the Rocky Mountains to California in August, but I am unsure of the chain laws. I have driven plenty of mountain passes on the east coast, but I know there is a difference between 3500ft and 7500ft. I am also concerned since I changed the final gear, my bus does not like going uphill at all. It handles 3-4% okay, but above that it really slows down.
I want to visit the San Francisco area, so coming and going using the southern route is not possible since that would put me over my 1000 miles that I am permitted to drive in California.
I just looking for what the I-80 will look like in August. I might also drop down into Denver and take I-70 east.

windtrader · March 30, 2024, 03:24:51 PM

I drove my bus from Denver to Sacramento. I was advised to head north then. take the 80 all the way rather than 70. It was an easy drive, no need for chains and the elevation was not any concern during the summer.

rusty · March 30, 2024, 07:08:08 PM

August is typically our hottest month. The pull up to the tunnel can be taxing in hot weather but doable. Then comes vail pass that is another good pull but doable. The last thing you will need is chains that time of year..
Taking I80 is a good way to go but why drive all that way to see a lot of nothing in Wyoming. You will enjoy the colorado mountains.
Wayne

Van · March 30, 2024, 07:14:38 PM

Rusty coming from the big city wyoming is always nice to see the wide open space maybe do 70 on the retur trip

rusty · March 30, 2024, 07:32:34 PM

Yes but the hardest pull is east bound from Silverthorne up to the tunnel. I would go west bound I70 and east bound I80.
Ps how you doing Van
Wayne

Van · March 30, 2024, 08:39:48 PM

Yep you're right about that east bound pull, agreed!

getting better little each day. Still on the O2 though, hopefull not needef in the future.

RonKStevens · March 31, 2024, 06:52:03 PM

What about 70 West of Denver?

I am planning a northern/Southern route. Either I will be entering from the south, then head north to San Francisco, and back east on a northern route (70 or 80) or the same thing in the opposite direction.

David Anderson · March 31, 2024, 07:02:29 PM

Quote from: RonKStevens on March 30, 2024, 03:17:14 PM
the southern route is not possible since that would put me over my 1000 miles that I am permitted to drive in California.
.

What does that mean?

David

Van · April 01, 2024, 10:35:54 AM

You don't want to be south in August stay north where it is a little cooler

freds · April 02, 2024, 11:27:26 AM

I tend to travel when and where chains are unnecessary.

How ever I am considering buying socks instead...

RonKStevens · April 02, 2024, 09:51:39 PM

Quote from: David Anderson on March 31, 2024, 07:02:29 PM
What does that mean?

David

As a 2002 model my bus is not compliant with CARB laws and prohibited in California. However, I am able to use a "low mileage exemption" as long as I drive under 1000 miles per year in the state of California. I submit mileage records every year to show that I qualify for the exemption, just in case I make the trip that I am now planning. Needles CA to the Cajon Pass is about 950 miles routing to the different places that I want to stop on my trip.

usbusin · April 03, 2024, 01:57:03 PM

I did not think that CARB applies to private vehicles.

Who says 1000 miles?

I have not heard of private motorhome registered vehicles being restricted to travel in California.

Commercial, maybe so.

lvmci · April 03, 2024, 03:08:06 PM

Stevens... the trip that I am now planning. Needles CA to the Cajon Pass is about 950 miles routing to the different places that I want to stop on my trip. ?...

RonKStevens · April 03, 2024, 03:23:48 PM

Quote from: usbusin on April 03, 2024, 01:57:03 PM
I did not think that CARB applies to private vehicles.

Who says 1000 miles?

I have not heard of private motorhome registered vehicles being restricted to travel in California.

Commercial, maybe so.

CARB applies to all vehicles, commercial or private. When I bought my bus I wasn't sure and the information online I found a bit ambiguous so I called CARB directly. I explained that it was a private vehicle not being used for commercial purposes. They requested the VIN and since the age was older than a 2010 engine I was prohibited from entering California, but I could qualify for the low mileage exemption if I drove under 1000 miles per year in California. So since then each year I report my mileage and show that I have traveled 0 miles in California to keep my status current and I receive a document showing that I am compliant. I did not want to risk receiving any fines, or be prohibited from entering the state. CARB is a pain but I wanted to make sure that I was legal.

RonKStevens · April 03, 2024, 03:27:38 PM

See https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/LowUseFAQADA.pdf for a fact sheet from CARB regarding the low use exemption.