SJ Eagle
Carlsbad, Ca
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Joined: 04/10/2011
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My wife and I will be heading back from a meeting I'm attending this week (2-7 thru 2-10)in San Francisco. We stayed in Carmel on the way up but would like to hit Big Sur next weekend on the way home to San Diego. We have a 40ft DP and a Jeep Wrangler.
Icing on the cake would be finding some 4-wheeling trails through the forest by being California, I know that's asking a lot.
Any help you can shed would be great. I've seen the Big Sur Campgrounds & Cabins as well as Kirk Creek Campground on the web but if you've been there or have others I would be greatful!
Thanks,
Steve
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Executive
California/Arizona/South Dakota
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Joined: 02/07/2008
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None of the State Parks in Big Sur accept the bigger rigs. Most of their interior roads are not wide enough for the swing. We were told they had big enough sites but the ranger laughed when we pulled up. Ever tried backing 1/8 mile uphill then having your DW stand out on Hwy 1 to stop traffic so you can exit...not fun..also, make sure your rig is UNDER 40' as the CHP has been patrolling that stretch pretty well.it is a restricted roadway..could be an expensive trip.....good luck.....Dennis
* This post was
edited 02/06/12 11:27pm by Executive *
Dennis and Debi
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SCVJeff
Santa Clarita, CA.
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Try Big Sur Campground and Cabins. It's been years since we've been there, but they will know what can and can't get on the highway.
Jeff - WA6EQU
'06 Itasca Meridian 34H, CAT C7/350
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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Joined: 11/21/2005
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no place near the coast for forest 4-wheeling. inland or Pismo is about it.
not sure if you know what you're in for with a 40'DP and toad, going down that section of PCH and back home.
not for the faint of heart!
Dan- Firefighter , Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur , Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever , 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
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Gemstone
Yuma, AZ
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From the CA DOT site concerning Hwy 1:
CA Legal trucks only; however, travel not advised if KPRA
length is over posted value. KPRA advisories range from 30 to 38 feet.*(KPRA = kingpin-to-rear-axle).
Truck Network Map of Central Coast
I realize that a 40' DP does not have a king pin, however the distance or overall length is what counts. I'm sure that some folks have driven a 40 footer southbound (the ocean drop off side)...wonder how the passenger would relate their experience....looking out the window to a foot or 2 of roadway, then a drop of 100's of feet as they negotiated some of the tight curves ?
Regards, be sure to write back...tell us how the trip was.
Gemstone
'06 Elite Suites TK3, '95 KW T-600, '04 Dyna Low Rider, '06 Softail Deuce
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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I agree. Traveling on the southbound side with a big rig is not for the faint of heart. Even if it is legal. But I doubt a 40 footer and toad, will be legal.
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Deetour
Washington
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Joined: 06/01/2011
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Vulcaneer wrote:I agree. Traveling on the southbound side with a big rig is not for the faint of heart. Even if it is legal. But I doubt a 40 footer and toad, will be legal. X2
Additionally, there are the bicyclists to deal with. They think they have the right of way and you better be prepared to stop for them...
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dmatt
Ventura County, CA
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Here is a great website listing campgrounds up the coast in the Big Sur area: Big Sur Camping
Don, Jackie and the Boyz
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lmsteck
Northern California
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We've been to Big Sur Campground and Cabins, I'm sure you won't fit there. Small campground with very tight turns. The MH restriction for CA HWY 1 is for rigs over 40 feet, not including tow'd (MH's, 40 feet and less + tow'd restriction = 65 feet total length). As stated before, the roads are very narrow.
Definition of an Over-Length Motorhome per DOT
Over-Length Bus & Motorhome Map for Big Sur area per DOT
Over-Length Bus & Motorhome Map for Approved & Restricted Routes
Carmel By The River RV Park I think this is the closest you'll be able to get to Big Sur. Good Luck!
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SJ Eagle
Carlsbad, Ca
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So I've read through all the post and it's obvious that the majority says stay away. I've driven some incredibly tight mountain roads, back roads, dirt roads and snowy roads in our coach. That said, a wise mans listens to those who've been down that preverbal road. We'll likely go around Big Sur, down the 101 to Morrow Bay and chill out there for a couple days. I'll say my wife and dogs the white knuckle ride!
Thanks for all the comments and advice!
Steve
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