Traveling the PCH

[trudylundgren]

Have any of you traveled California 1 lately? I haven't been on the that road
since I was a
kid and Lisa has never been on it. We would like to see some sights along the
way --
Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Carmel, etc.

We will be going from Ventura to Pacifica to our next job and would love to take
the scenic
route. Will our PT 40 towing a car be able to navigate the highway without
risking falling
into the Pacific Ocean? Or do have to travel 101 again? Any advice will be
greatly
appreciated.

Thanks,
Trudy

Trudy Lundgren
Lisa Wade

1985 PT 40 Ð The Catbird Seat

917-699-7757
139 Rainbow Drive, #3964
Livingston. TX 77399

[Pete Masterson]

I've traveled portions of CA 1 in my 'bird in the past couple of years. 

From Ventura to Morro Bay (near San Luis Obispo) is relatively easy. From north of San Simeon (Hearst Castle) to Carmel/Big Sur is difficult. 

Going north, you'll be on the "land" side, so you're less likely to take a side trip into the ocean than might be the case going southbound.

See <http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks...strict.htm> for a list of restrictions for over 45' bus and motorhome restrictions. (Technically, it won't apply to you sans tow.)

I note that Hwy 1 is restricted for 88.3 miles from .58 mile north of Hearst Castle to Rio Road near Carmel.

Personally, I wouldn't want to take a 40' RV over that route. I doubt it would be much of a pleasure.

To maximize your coastal experience, I'd tend to follow Hwy 1 to Morro Bay, thence Hwy 41 over to Hwy 101 (this skips the Questa Grade on 101). Then take CA 183 from near Salinas back to Hwy 1 (or take CA 68 if you want to go to the Monterey Peninsula). Then north on Hwy 1 to Pacifica.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On May 22, 2008, at 9:58 AM, trudylundgren wrote:

Have any of you traveled California 1 lately? I haven't been on the that road since I was a 

kid and Lisa has never been on it. We would like to see some sights along the way -- 

Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Carmel, etc. 

We will be going from Ventura to Pacifica to our next job and would love to take the scenic 

route. Will our PT 40 towing a car be able to navigate the highway without risking falling 

into the Pacific Ocean? Or do have to travel 101 again? Any advice will be greatly 

appreciated. 

[Jack & Donna Smith]

I traveled that road several times, years ago, in my MG sports car
going to the pebble beach races. Great road for the MG, but probably
not the best for a 'bird. I consider hwy 1 north of San Francisco
even prettier than the southern part. But also twistier!
Jack Smith
1973 FC 31
SoCal





--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "trudylundgren" wrote:
>
> Have any of you traveled California 1 lately? I haven't been on the
that road since I was a
> kid and Lisa has never been on it. We would like to see some sights
along the way --
> Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Carmel, etc.
>
> We will be going from Ventura to Pacifica to our next job and would
love to take the scenic
> route. Will our PT 40 towing a car be able to navigate the highway
without risking falling
> into the Pacific Ocean? Or do have to travel 101 again? Any advice
will be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Trudy
>
> Trudy Lundgren
> Lisa Wade
>
> 1985 PT 40 Ð The Catbird Seat
>
> 917-699-7757
> 139 Rainbow Drive, #3964
> Livingston. TX 77399
>

[Rick A.]

Trudy/Lisa....
Two years ago I drove my PT40 on Highway 1 from the Hearst castle to
Monterrey. I
asked 10 california people before doing it and all said it was OK. I had no idea
they knew
I was from Texas and they must have all wanted me to fall off the cliff.
Absolutely do NOT take a 40ft motorhome on that stretch of highway. On some
corners you will have to back up and change angles half way through. On other
corners
the rock cliff walls will be within inches of scraping the top of your bird. We
had to
disconnect the tow car in one corner.

Rick Archie
85PT40 "Fort R"
Fort Worth

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "trudylundgren" wrote:
>
> Have any of you traveled California 1 lately? I haven't been on the that road
since I was
a
> kid and Lisa has never been on it. We would like to see some sights along the
way --
> Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Carmel, etc.
>
> We will be going from Ventura to Pacifica to our next job and would love to
take the
scenic
> route. Will our PT 40 towing a car be able to navigate the highway without
risking
falling
> into the Pacific Ocean? Or do have to travel 101 again? Any advice will be
greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Trudy
>
> Trudy Lundgren
> Lisa Wade
>
> 1985 PT 40 Ð The Catbird Seat
>
> 917-699-7757
> 139 Rainbow Drive, #3964
> Livingston. TX 77399
>

[Pete Masterson]

Hey, that's exactly what I was trying to say!!! "Not advised!"

In California, there are certain roads where large vehicles may be likely to have trouble operating safely within their marked lane. These roads are generally posted with a sign reading:

"Tractor-Semis over xx feet kingpin to rear axle not advised." The "xx" can be a value from 30 to 38 feet. A 45' bus or motor home is considered equivalent to a 32' kingpin to rear axle. (In reality "over 40 feet" is the true measure rather than 45 feet.)

Technically, a 40' Blue Bird is not subject to the "not advised" signs, but _any_ "not advised" sign for kingpin to rear axle posting should be given serious consideration of a route you should avoid, especially if you have a vehicle under tow. 

Most non-freeway routes in California may have uncomfortably close height clearances if they are not regularly traversed by large trucks due to growth of trees, etc. Caltrans (highway department) does try to observe a minimum fixed object clearance of 14+ feet, but many trees frequently have small branches hanging down below 12' or less. There can be cases, particularly on hwy 1, where cliffs protrude or other fixed objects might only have a few inches of clearance -- you will clear, but probably have a near-mystical experience as you pass the obstacle!

On busy routes, large trucks keep plants "trimmed" but on back roads, such trimming is a result of smaller vehicles -- usually smaller than a Blue Bird. (It is not a comfort to hear the rustle of small branches dragging across the roof.) I often hear my aerials 'twang' while traveling over roads not frequented by large trucks. Fortunately, I have not encountered any really serious size branches in California (but the streets of Denver didn't do my front AC any good).

BTW, Rick, I've always suggested "not advised" but on some lists (all-rv for example) there are responses from people driving a 26' SOB Class C that will write, "I did it, and it was fine." Of course those folks are clueless about the differences between their little vehicle and a real bus.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On May 22, 2008, at 11:14 AM, Rick A. wrote:

Trudy/Lisa....

   Two years ago I drove my PT40 on Highway 1 from the Hearst castle to Monterrey. I 

asked 10 california people before doing it and all said it was OK. I had no idea they knew 

I was from Texas and they must have all wanted me to fall off the cliff.

   Absolutely do NOT take a 40ft motorhome on that stretch of highway. On some 

corners you will have to back up and change angles half way through. On other corners 

the rock cliff walls will be within inches of scraping the top of your bird. We had to 

disconnect the tow car in one corner.

<snip>

[Dorn Hetzel]

How do you think a 35FC would fare on most of those?

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 2:56 PM, Pete Masterson <"aeonix1@mac.com"> wrote:

Hey, that's exactly what I was trying to say!!! "Not advised!"

In California, there are certain roads where large vehicles may be likely to have trouble operating safely within their marked lane. These roads are generally posted with a sign reading:

"Tractor-Semis over xx feet kingpin to rear axle not advised." The "xx" can be a value from 30 to 38 feet. A 45' bus or motor home is considered equivalent to a 32' kingpin to rear axle. (In reality "over 40 feet" is the true measure rather than 45 feet.)

Technically, a 40' Blue Bird is not subject to the "not advised" signs, but _any_ "not advised" sign for kingpin to rear axle posting should be given serious consideration of a route you should avoid, especially if you have a vehicle under tow.

Most non-freeway routes in California may have uncomfortably close height clearances if they are not regularly traversed by large trucks due to growth of trees, etc. Caltrans (highway department) does try to observe a minimum fixed object clearance of 14+ feet, but many trees frequently have small branches hanging down below 12' or less. There can be cases, particularly on hwy 1, where cliffs protrude or other fixed objects might only have a few inches of clearance -- you will clear, but probably have a near-mystical experience as you pass theobstacle!

On busy routes, large trucks keep plants "trimmed" but on back roads, such trimming is a result of smaller vehicles -- usually smaller than a Blue Bird. (It is not a comfort to hear the rustle of small branches dragging across the roof.) I often hear myaerials'twang' while traveling over roads not frequented by large trucks. Fortunately, I have not encountered any really serious size branches in California (but the streets of Denver didn't do my front AC any good).

BTW, Rick, I've always suggested "not advised" but on some lists (all-rv for example) there are responses from people driving a 26' SOB Class C that will write, "I did it, and it was fine." Of course those folks are clueless about the differences between their little vehicle and a real bus.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On May 22, 2008, at 11:14 AM, Rick A. wrote:

Trudy/Lisa....

Two years ago I drove my PT40 on Highway 1 from the Hearst castle to Monterrey. I

asked 10 california people before doing it and all said it was OK. I had no idea they knew

I was from Texas and they must have all wanted me to fall off the cliff.

Absolutely do NOT take a 40ft motorhome on that stretch of highway. On some

corners you will have to back up and change angles half way through. On other corners

the rock cliff walls will be within inches of scraping the top of your bird. We had to

disconnect the tow car in one corner.

<snip>

[Gary Smith]

Dorn,
I took it with my 30' SOB 3 years ago, from N to S, with a toad attached.
It's a beautiful drive, but I would not recommend you do so with the Bird,
either with or without a toad. There are not many scenic spots where you
can safely pull into a parking lot and be able to get back out (they are
great for a passenger car) without having to do some backing. Take the trip
in your toad, where you will have many available stops and can enjoy the
journey.
Gary
SOB
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dorn Hetzel"
To:
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 3:33 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Traveling the PCH


> How do you think a 35FC would fare on most of those?

[Dorn Hetzel]

we're pretty much toadless. my f350 would not make a very good toad

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 3:52 PM, Gary Smith <"gl_smith@ix.netcom.com"> wrote:

Dorn,

I took it with my 30' SOB 3 years ago, from N to S, with a toad attached.

It's a beautiful drive, but I would not recommend you do so with the Bird,

either with or without a toad. There are not many scenic spots where you

can safely pull into a parking lot and be able to get back out (they are

great for a passenger car) without having to do some backing. Take the trip

in your toad, where you will have many available stops and can enjoy the

journey.

Gary

SOB

----- Original Message -----

From: "Dorn Hetzel" <"dhetzel%40gmail.com">

To: <"WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com">

Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 3:33 PM

Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Traveling the PCH



> How do you think a 35FC would fare on most of those?

[Pete Masterson]

The 35' FC is a somewhat more maneuverable than a 40' PT. So, it would fare a bit better -- but it also depends _a lot_ on your experience. As one poster commented, he's from Texas -- and, frankly, from what I've seen of Texas, there's mostly fairly straight roads that don't present a lot of challenges.

For myself, I know that there are roads I encountered in my first few months of ownership that I found very challenging -- then when I went over one such road a year later, I found that it was hardly challenging at all. Amazing what a 15000 miles of driving the bus does for you....

So, if you're comfortable with curvy roads, CA Hwy 1 will have it's moments, but (northbound, especially) shouldn't be more than a lot of work. Southbound (when you're next to the cliff that drops 300' into the ocean) will tend toward heart failure. When I'm on roads like that, I need ear plugs so that I can concentrate on the road without the distraction of my DW's screams about "going over the edge." (The perspective from sitting up high severely magnifies the feeling of running off the cliff, especially for the passenger side.)

I'd suggest taking the road on a non-holiday week day, when the traffic is less busy. Also, be extra-polite and pull over to let the other folks by. CA law requires pulling over in a marked "turnout" if you have 5 or more cars following behind -- but I'll usually take any safe wide-spot to let even 1 or 2 cars by me when I'm on a particularly torturous road.

So, my inclination is to say, it's possible, but probably not advised. I've seen a fair number of RVs on CA 1 over the years. But most of those I've seen are less than 30' in length.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On May 22, 2008, at 12:33 PM, Dorn Hetzel wrote:

How do you think a 35FC would fare on most of those?

On Thu, May 22, 2008 at 2:56 PM, Pete Masterson <"aeonix1@mac.com"> wrote:

Hey, that's exactly what I was trying to say!!! "Not advised!"

In California, there are certain roads where large vehicles may be likely to have trouble operating safely within their marked lane. These roads are generally posted with a sign reading:

"Tractor-Semis over xx feet kingpin to rear axle not advised." The "xx" can be a value from 30 to 38 feet. A 45' bus or motor home is considered equivalent to a 32' kingpin to rear axle. (In reality "over 40 feet" is the true measure rather than 45 feet.<snip>

[sfedeli3]

Hi Trudy,

We drove from Cambria (Hearst Castle) up to Pacifica in 2005 with no
problems- just slow and easy does it around the curves near Big Sur.
Fortunately you are on the inside, against the hill. We did
occasionally see some odd expressions on people's faces coming the
other way. We spent the night at Carmel by the River RV park- try to
avoid it. The park was really far from town and tough to get into. We
were the biggest coach there and could only fit into the maintenance
lot. On the way up PCH, there were several places to pull off and let
not-so-patient followers pass.

Shane Fedeli
85PT40
Hershey, PA


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "trudylundgren" wrote:
>
> Have any of you traveled California 1 lately? I haven't been on the
that road since I was a
> kid and Lisa has never been on it. We would like to see some sights
along the way --
> Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Carmel, etc.
>
> We will be going from Ventura to Pacifica to our next job and would
love to take the scenic
> route. Will our PT 40 towing a car be able to navigate the highway
without risking falling
> into the Pacific Ocean? Or do have to travel 101 again? Any advice
will be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Trudy
>
> Trudy Lundgren
> Lisa Wade
>
> 1985 PT 40 Ð The Catbird Seat
>
> 917-699-7757
> 139 Rainbow Drive, #3964
> Livingston. TX 77399
>