Need P.C.H. recommendations and advice.

[AZBuck]

If there's one thing I've learned in my (way too many) years of travel, it is that if you act like a tourist, you'll be treated like one. Pay attention to the local dress, pace of life, patois, etc. Eat at local restaurants rather than the big fast food chains. Blend in rather than stand out. You'll be treated better and have a more pleasant experience.

AZBuck

[Dc0182]

We finally decided to go straight to San Francisco from Tucson, Az. We will stay there for 4 nights. We plan to rent a car while we are in town. Any Recommendations on routes? Or where we can legally park the R.V overnights?

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we are definitely going to take your recommendation and stay here!

[Southwest Dave]

We finally decided to go straight to San Francisco from Tucson, Az.

As you say "go straight to " I'm just checking you realise that this will require at least one overnight stop ?

We will stay there for 4 nights. We plan to rent a car while we are in town.

Parking in SF is problematic and expensive and the transport system is very good, I would not rent a car for the City.

Or where we can legally park the R.V overnights?

A campground/RV park is the best option for safety and enjoyment. In the past people have gained permission to park in a Walmart parking lot overnight in return for custom but (especially ) in the current climate you would need to research if its an option. You must ask permission first.

I'm not sure if it's still an option for you but given your current plan, have you considered a car and hotels might be a better option ? It would be cheaper than an RV, quicker and easier to get around, and given the fact you will be spending the best part of 4 days travelling to and from SF and 4 days there, it really doesn't leave time to enjoy what an RV is designed for, enjoying nature in quiet surroundings.

[glc]

I don't think that overnight parking at Walmart is an option now - with Covid I don't think that they are 24 hour any more, the ones here are not. Truck stops (with permission) may still be one of the only viable options.

[DonnaR57]

Tucson to San Francisco is well over 800 miles and you need to go around one of the biggest metropolitan areas. Here's what I'd do:

Take I-10 west to I-15 north. Take US-395 up to Kramer Junction, and turn west on CA-58 to Bakersfield. Take CA-99 north to CA-46 west. That will take you to I-5 north. This will take you around the majority of the Riverside/San Bernardino/Los Angeles traffic, though it can still be very soupy. You could stay overnight in Tehachapi - a good opportunity to take in the many train tunnels and the loops that the trains do in the area! - it's about 558 miles from Tucson. The next day would be about 330 miles, but you'd have LA area behind you.


Donna

[glc]

Take I-10 west to I-15 north.

I would take I-10 to CA-210 to I-215 to I-15. This is 15 miles and 15 minutes shorter.

[DonnaR57]

That's a good alternative, GLC. I would just be careful when on the 215. So many crazy exits!


Donna

[glc]

Taking the 210 bypasses downtown San Bernardino and all those 215 issues.

[Dc0182]

We did consider the hotel and rental car route but with our dogs the rv was the better option. We were going to drive the straight shot to san fran but had issues on the way and had to stay at a rest area in Lebec, ca for the 1st night.

[Southwest Dave]

By mileage, Lebec CA would of been right around the distance we would recommend for a decent, yet safe day on the road.

Thanks for checking in.