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Topic: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?  (Read 259 times) previous topic - next topic
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Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Leaving for the first time, heading from LA up the 395 this weekend,  and am curious what you all think my gas mileage will be.  Our ‘06 31IB usually gets about 8 mpg, towing our CRV.  Unhooking is not an option since I am a solo driver.  Trying to plan enough fuel stops to accommodate the climb so any experience you’ve had would sure help me in my planning.

Thanks in advance,

Jules
'O6 IB Anniversary Model
Sue, My Copilot
Carlie, our canine princess
Re: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Reply #1 –
"...heading from LA up the 395 this weekend,  and am curious what you all think my gas mileage will be."

Your mileage will drop somewhat as you climb up Cajon Pass but there are gas stations on Hwy 395 where it leaves I-15 [Adelanto], even though you shouldn't need it that soon. Next chance at a distance would be Kramer Jct. where 395 crosses Hwy 58. Beyond there is Ridgecrest and Lone Pine. There's plenty of places to get gas all along your route.  ;)

Wish I had a $ for every time I've driven that road. There's a nice RV Park just before you reach Lone Pine, called Boulder Creek. I like it there.

Boulder Creek Resort in Lone Pine, California - Home

When you get north of Mammoth you may want to investigate June Lake Loop!   :o

Gas will be cheaper in Nevada!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Reply #2 –
The Sherwin Grade (north of Bishop) is a pull; going northbound on 395, it's about 8 miles or so of steady rise from the lower elevations up to Sherwin Summit, which is about 6500'. The road is four-lane, well-surfaced and maintained (395 is likely one of the best roads in CA, and certainly one of the most scenic!), with pullouts on the either side of the summit. Sherwin, like any grade that's not just a simple landscape lump, is a fuel sucker; it's a given that your mileage will be in the dumps. If it's hot - and it likely will be - turn off your cab AC going up the grade.

YMMV, as always.

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Reply #3 –
I would get gas before going up 'the hill' as gas in the mountains is pretty pricey.
Quote
Lazy Bones wrote "There's a nice RV Park just before you reach Lone Pine, called Boulder Creek." I also like this campground.
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646
Re: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Reply #4 –
Jules, how far north are you going?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Reply #5 –
Fuel prices vary wildly along 395,  Gas Buddy  is your friend.

Steve
2015 TK
Re: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Reply #6 –
Avoid needing fuel in Bridgeport.  It is often the most expensive gas in California.

We will be leaving for this same route from San Diego to Bend and on to the Cascades in six weeks, towing the Jeep.  I expect to see about 8 (+/- .5) mpg.

Have a great trip!

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Reply #7 –
I got my best mileage ever  (11 mpg towing) on 395 South.  Of course, a 40 mph tailwind had nothing to do with it.   I usually get about 7 on that route between Kramer Junction (US 395 & SR 58) and Carson City.   There is a convenient Carson City Costco   at US 395 & US 50,  the cheapest on that route.

Here's another vote for Boulder Creek.   When CG's in Bishop were closed enroute to Quartzsite in Jan, that was my first stop.
Gas was less painful  Lone Pine to Bishop compared with Bishop - Minden.
Great route
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Reply #8 –
We stayed at Boulder Creek about 5 years ago in our HiLo trailer. It was pretty nice.  Another option, a little further north, are the Brown’s campgrounds:

Browns Campground – Bishop, California RV and tent camping
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
 
Re: Driving up the 395–gas mileage?
Reply #9 –
I usually fill up at the Giggle Springs gas station/mini mart in Bishop before tackling the Sherwin grade. An added plus is they also have a good selection of wine if that’s your thing.