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Topic: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX  (Read 2751 times) previous topic - next topic

Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

The coach is staying put, but I need to deliver a 2016 Mazda CX-9 and a dog to Portland next week. I've driven the route  four times in the last seven years,  but always in summer. I will be traveling from Lafayette, LA via Dallas and Albuquerque. What would be the best winter route? Every route I've ever taken involves a fair amount of climbing and descending with signs indicating "mandatory chain up areas." The car is FWD, I've got a pair of chains on the way which I hope not to use. The car was owned by my son's father-in-law who unexpectedly died three weeks ago. He had bought, but not installed a set of snow tires planning to visit Denver over Christmas and then move to Portland to be near his daughter and family. I'm tempted to have the tires mounted after watching three videos showing the difference snow tires make on all four. FWD with snow tires kicked the tail of AWD with summer tires, same make and model of car with the same professional drivers and identical course.

My present route planning takes me through Las Vegas, NV and the desert north to Oregon and then connecting at the Dales then following the gorge to Portland on the Interstate.  Alternate plan is I-5 up from California.

1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #1 –
Either of those should work. Main thing is check the Oregon dot cameras for any of the passes that you take.  If you head north on I -5,  check both ca dot and Oregon dot. I- 5 is kept clear most of the time up over the siskues. I have driven south and north  in the winter time and rarely had to chain up. DH drove our Southwind in 2013 and temps were in the teens in Medford and Redding. Road was clear.
If you go up through the desert, you should be able to do fine, just keep an eye on incoming weather either way you go.  I'm a native washingtonian.
Lynn and Linda Day and Harry the pug
RIP: Tank 01-2008 to 03-2020
2012 Nimbus 42' build 6555
ISX12-500hp
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
MC# 17723

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #2 –
I 84 can be wicked if snowing, and driving I 5 between California and Oregon can also be bad at Sikuyoos pass as most winter's very changeable. Couple years ago we got just by vegetables check point in California and hwy was closed for 36 hrs. Ton of snow overnight lots of stranded vehicles and many chain up stops before Redding. Central Nevada also can be bad as around 6to 7900 ft high there. Done all these routes many times in winter and had lots of issues. Check the weather ahead
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #3 –
I would put the snow tires on. If you buy cheep rims for the snow tires they are easy to switch back and fourth.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #4 –
This time of year I would take I-5.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #5 –
I agree I would take the better odds on I  5  but Oregon could be bad if they are due some heavy rainfall, as it will be snow in many places even on this interstate.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #6 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
I agree I would take the better odds on I  5  but Oregon could be bad if they are due some heavy rainfall, as it will be snow in many places even on this interstate.

More than a couple of times, this time of the year, we've gotten word that it's getting dicey up towards the Cal/OR border on I-5. We go a little north of Sacramento to Williams and take SR 20 west over a easy hill and come up the coast. It's not just The Siskiyous that can be a problem, it's the black ice possibility from Eugene to Portland. We hit it once and it was bare knuckle all the way; took us six hours! Coming south, we've done the same thing, but this time of the year, one can hit snow on the coast, yikes! Easy does it. ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #7 –
We live in the middle of your route and drive these routes all the time. We just check the weather, road conditions online and go. From Las Vegas, the fastest would be over to I-5 via 58 and up. The California-Oregon border north can be tricky if there is snow. Black ice here too but in the morning.

The most scenic route would be to head over to the Mojave and then up 395. This is the route we usually take the year around unless conditions are really bad. At Reno, you can go over I-80 Donner Pass to I-5 or if there is a snowstorm, just go to 101 and up the coast. No grades and no snow this way. Donner is a major East/West route so it is plowed constantly and does not usually have chain restrictions and even if they do, they don't apply to AWD/4WD vehicles.

You could go up from Vegas to Tonapah and Goldfield the way you planned. This is a fast route also.

I hate I-5/99 as it is depressing with the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley looking like WWIII just ended as soon as you take an off ramp so avoid it if possible.

Our RAV4 and ML320 are both AWD. We NEVER have to chain up and unless I-80 is closed, AWD/4WD vehicles are OK. All tires mounted today on new cars are legal in snow conditions. AWD/4WD vehicles DON'T have to chain up. We NEVER carry chains or even think about snow tires and we live 45 minutes from Donner Summit! We just slow a little if snowing hard.

While someone not from the west may be anxious about our mountain passes, it's just no big deal. Early morning with black ice is the only thing I ever worry about. That can be tricky as you cannot see it ahead. If it is cloudy, there is not usually any ice. It's the clear mornings but with the sun up, it's gone in a hurry. Bridges and overpasses are the worst.

So, relax and enjoy the trip.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #8 –
Pierce and all others,
Great advice. I really appreciate the local eye and experience driving these roads in various conditions. I don't have AWD on this vehicle at least from the description of it. I'll look at the tires when I pick it up and check the tread depth with my gauge. Original specs are "all weather tires" but they are P255/50/R20. I'm not a fan of the super large wheels, but that's what comes stock on this particular trim package. Will pack a sleeping bag, water, and food for me and the dog.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #9 –
I'd also recommend carrying chains, sometimes required to pass, even if not required to put.on.  Also do not be afraid to spend a night in a motel if required, the roads usually are open by morning.

I've had the best experience with cable type chains, rather than chain chains.  This also holds true for my rv.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
Pierce and all others,
Great advice. I really appreciate the local eye and experience driving these roads in various conditions. I don't have AWD on this vehicle at least from the description of it. I'll look at the tires when I pick it up and check the tread depth with my gauge. Original specs are "all weather tires" but they are P255/50/R20. I'm not a fan of the super large wheels, but that's what comes stock on this particular trim package. Will pack a sleeping bag, water, and food for me and the dog.
Yes, I feel badly for not remembering to advise water, sleeping bag, food. On many roads here, there will be no cell reception for quite a few miles so be prepared for that. I also read too fast translating your FWD for 4WD. Yes, a set of chains, flashlight and gloves will be handy.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #11 –
I've ordered a set of chains just in case. Also to meet California rules.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #12 –
Its kind of rotten to do, but. I delivered a vehicle over there once myself. This time of year the roads are horrible on the passes. I bought a set of chains at Walmart and took with me. I never did use them so I just took them back when I was all done with the delivery. If I would have needed them, it would have been money in the bank.
92 Grand Villa
Silver 6v92
 side isle.
build# 3973

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #13 –
I would avoid the passes, taking I-10 west then the 101 north.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer
 

Re: Best winter route to Portland, OR from Dallas, TX

Reply #14 –
Tom,
I ended up following your recommendation and ran into heavy rain but no snow.  I5 was under a winter storm warning and there was moisture everywhere so took 101 from just north of Sacramento. Lovely drive.

Thanks for the help.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.