The flattest route to California is I-10, which still has grades, but they are not too bad and you should be fine. (Take I-8/AZ-85 to avoid Phoenix metro). The grades north on I-5 and I-15 are both fairly steep on your way north to Bakersfield, but they are uphill. I mention I-15 since I recommend I-15N, to US395N, to CA-58W to Bakersfield. There is a grade on CA-58 down into Bakersfield.

California differentiates between transients and longer term stays by law, transients are limited to 3 weeks. If you stay more than 3 weeks somewhere you have to fill out more paperwork including credit records, arrest history, and it can really get invasive and you might have to do the paperwork days in advance.

One thing I know about hills...they have a knack for finding any mechanical problems on vehicles. Recommend getting the tires, brakes, radiator and oil checked. That should eliminate most problem areas.

We also prefer going through Tehachapi instead of traversing the grapevine.

CA does interpret residency laws strangely...but IIRC there are some specific ways to avoid getting caught up in a residency fight. I used to have a text file on the subject but lost it in a harddrive replacement.

It is not a residency requirement as far I know but it does affect the taxes you pay. You pay hotel/motel taxes as a transient, but not for longer term sites. Lots of people live in California for months and do not become residents, like actors. I was told that longer term stays come under the same rules as apartments so they have more trouble evicting you and they want more assurance you can pay and not cause trouble.

NorCal Dan wrote:

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Oh yea, taxes, CA is the best at figuring out how to get your money. Workampers who are not CA residents normally shy away from working CA just because of the long reach of the franchise tax board.

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Howard had a number of posts on this subject in 2009, I think, back when they workcamped in CA.  Might want to search for that.  Or maybe Howard will chime in with the facts.

 

Bill

 

Well, here's the deal....we are not going there to work! We are only going to be parked next to my daughter and her family....she and her hubby are working and we are there for the kids....and fun!
They are travel nurses who home-school their kids....we are there to enable them to work the same shifts. We will be in an RV park....not putting down roots!

isaacoomber wrote:

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I am also planning a trip to California. Any suggestion or advice.

-- Edited by isaacoomber on Thursday 13th of December 2012 01:38:00 AM

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OK.  My original comment here was obviously a mistake on my part about your intentions here.  So, welcome to the RV Dreams forums.  Here is hoping that you get some good answers to your request.

Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Thursday 13th of December 2012 10:52:30 AM

CurveCarver wrote:

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Just for chuckles Terry.  This ad is for Watertown Canada, North of MT.

No matter what route one takes from there to CA it's a beauty for sure.

Best regards,

Bruce

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Bruce,

Thanks for pointing that out to me.  I've changed my original comment to isaacoomber.  I guess that I shouldn't try to "moderate" when on break at work.  I did a quick look and never even thought that the "ca" in the web address related to Canada and not California.

As the vernacular is with the more enlightened in this day and age, "My BAD!!!"

Terry

One thing is for certain, you can't get to Bakersfield without climbing and falling. Coming across 40 you will have a climb out of Albuquerque that will warm you up for what is to come. Then nothing remarkable until you begin to encounter unflatness at Flagstaff. A couple of medium pulls before Kingman, AZ. Then flatishness till just past Needles, CA. As you come across the Mojave there are a couple of looong pulls that aren't horribly steep but go on forever. At 80K pounds they would have me down to the low side of 7th gear and 35mph or so even with the big motor. Oh by the way, did you ever hear "what goes up must come down"? Yep them climbs have brake burning godowns on the opposite side. I'm talking about 5 or 6 mile steady slope. Then at Barstow you switch over to 58 which remains flat until the town of Mojave. At that point you climb to Tehatchapi. Not a horrible climb but a climb nonetheless. Once at Tehachapi it is downhill right into Bakersfield with one short exception, maybe two.

If you come across 10 you have a slight climb as you enter Arizona then downhill into Tuscon. Flat flat flat till California where it isn't quite as flat but there aren't any challenges. Then you get to north bound 15. You have a long pull to the top where you grab 395 flat to 58 flat until you get to the town of Mojave(read above).

If you go across 10(210) to the 5 you have LA traffic and then a hard climb over the grapevine down into Bakersfield. The worst of the three choices in my opinion. Although, it is being worked on it is still a very rough road, especially in a truck.

Remember, in California all the money goes to social programs. They stopped maintaining the roads immediately after the goal rush with the exception of the occasional "shoulder work ahead" sign. Towing speed is 55 and I don't suggest you exceed 62. I seriously doubt that they will harass you about your Florida heritage. They never bother the illegals. However, do not talk on your cell phone without a handsfree device. Not that I have any experience but, $161 plus $10 convenience fee for paying with your credit card. Be sure to check out the fruit stand just east of town on 58. They have a great selection. Fill your fuel tanks before you leave Arizona. You'll be glad you waited till late fall unless you like 110 degree temperatures (if anybody says "but it's a dry heat" I'll send you a virus!). Unlike Phoenix it cools down in the evening here.

Ok, we have to put our 2cents worth in here. Wayne worked in Bakersfield for 1 year (4 years ago), and we lived in our tt at the Bakersfield RV Resort. Have to say, they were very good to us there, and it is a nice park. I think they have even put in security at the entrance since we stayed there. Have fun with your family!

I-10 is mostly done around Tucson. There is a short section where they have one exit closed on the NW section, but that is it and it is not bad. We spent much of November in Tucson.