Traveling the PCH

[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.

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