First california run?

Get ready to see a state that's nothing like what it seems on TV. That's all I am going to say. Have fun! LMAO

 

Guess it depends on what show you have been watching. It's a beautiful state just like all the others. You can go there one time and have a bad experience and that can ruin it for you. You can go there 100 times with no problem and wonder what everyone is complaining about.

 

I-15 South to (Barstow, CA) CA 58 West to (Bakersfield) I-99 North to (Stockton, CA) CA-4 West to I-5 North to (Lodi, CA) CA-12 West to (Napa, CA) CA-29 South to Middleton CA.

You will hear a lot of different ways to do this. I run this area all the time these are all truck routes and avoid the Bay Area. 580 and 680 are best stayed away from if possible. The way I have this shown is exactly how I run between Las Vegas and Napa.

I drive a Century pulling doubles. Once in Cali do not exceed 62, past Tehachapi best kept under 60. I have the California Documentation to prove this at around 400 bucks for 10 mph over.

 

This is a terrible route. Your sending needlessly thru the bay area. This is possibly the worst traffic area in Ca. What you dont like the guy or what.

 

LOL, Yeah with Bay area traffic, 4 wheelers cant even go the speed limit! So you will definitely be ok on the speed.

 

Probably Too much information. Stay away from 580 and 680, for real.

1. 55 to 60 is ok. Over that is a gamble I recieved 2 tickets for 63 mph (1) Baker, CA (2) Ludlow, CA. $210.00 each.

2. CA law ask if its clear and safe to change lanes to the right when your Approaching a Officer or Highway worker Not broken down Trucks or cars. There is no speed reduction like Indiana.

3. Do not change lanes for on coming traffic . They can and do write you for unnecessary lane change. I change lanes for big trucks only entering the highway, all other better hit the gas or the brakes, that ticket cost me $180.00 for getting over for a CHP on 101 south of Salinas, CA.

4. The only time it is legal for a truck to not be in the right lane is for passing another vehicle, Northern CA enforces this. Southern CA right 2 lanes they leave you alone. Slower traffic to the right. And of course if it is marked "Trucks OK" or you need to be in that lane to get on or off the highway, or transition onto another highway and you get 1.25 miles prior to the interchange.

Oh yeah, theres a truck stop West of Lodi, CA on CA-12 on the section where it doubles with I-80. Also at I-5 # CA-12 Lodi, CA Flying J and 2 independants.
Lodi is about 60 - 90 minutes from Middleton.

Truckstops # Las Vegas, Barstow, Kramer Junction, Mojave, Bakersfield, Several independants going up CA-99, Fresno, Madera, Stockton, Lodi, Cordella.

 

From experience, clarification of lane rules in Cali 2/3 lanes move left to pass only and don't dawdle. recv'd citation for too long in 2nd lane while passing 1 min 36 sec observation 1.5 miles at 55 mph $210.00 on I-80 at Auburn. 4-lanes trucks are ok in lanes 3/4. Best stops before delivery are F/J Ca-12 at I-5 MP-485 or 49'er on I-80 at MP-85, $ to play

 

I would take the CA-120 to get to the 5 rather than the CA-4. That way you don't have to run the 99 between Mantica and Stocton and deal with the often bad traffic through there. That stretch of highway usually sucks. It might be a little faster and less stressful on the 120.

 

I just put what PC Miler suggested on practical miles! I rather hate CA! Try to stay the heck out of the place! And I meant to say PASS I40 but what the heck. He got better info rather late but better from someone who runs the area! Don't give me a ration of it as I used a truck routing program!

And yes watch that over 62 MPH! I can tell you that 65/55 is $480 plus $390 for tailgating back in 2003! Also do NOT tail gate! And if you flash someone back over and you are doing OVER 55 and he pulls in and you wind up following to closely and a chippie sees you you CAN get a ticket for speeding and tailgating! I no longer flash ANYONE back over in CA! Sorry but I found out the expensive way and CA can really KMA!

 

A good place to stop and eat in fresno is Brooks Ranch. Plenty of truck parking, and they'll let you stay overnight. There is a truck stop tucked back in on the golden state hwy about half a mile from em ... if you prefer being jammed in with other trucks