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Topic: Big Bear or Bust (Read 337 times) previous topic - next topic
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Big Bear or Bust
Next week will be my first attempt driving my 30IB, towing my CRV, up to Big Bear from Orange County, CA. I have driven up and down many times in a car but this will be my first time in my rig.  I know to go the "back" route and am wondering if you might have any other suggestions to the drive.  My CRV is set up for towing including braking joined to my RV.  I am also very careful when descending to lower my gearing to minimize the use of my brakes.  Going up hill, I know to let my engine rev high enough for max power.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. 
'O6 IB Anniversary Model
Sue, My Copilot
Carlie, our canine princess
Re: Big Bear or Bust
Reply #1 –
I'm at Big Bear Lake right now enjoying a cup of coffee in Serrano Campground. Beautiful weather this week.

I drove up the back side Monday morning. First time taking the LD up that way. Pleasant drive through Lacerne Valley. The climb is pretty steep with some pretty sharp turns. Without a toad I had no trouble with my 27'.

I spoke with a camp host yesterday who has a 37' Class A with a toad. She and her husband disconnect and drive up/down  seperatley.  Makes sense considering the sharp turns and steep climb. If youre traveling solo, then I'm not sure how your rig  will do. There's always 330 to 18 or 38 from the front.

Best of luck. Let us know how you do. Hanging out til Saturday just kicking back and riding my 45 year old 10 speed along the lake.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Big Bear or Bust
Reply #2 –
I took my 97 TK up and down to big bear on the 330 without the toad easily.  Last month towed my 4000 pound Cherokee up the 38.  It was harder on the LD than I should have been but I was able to stay at speed and use the occasional turnout to let a couple of cars pass.  The dw drove down the toad as it was easier on her.
1997 TK
Re: Big Bear or Bust
Reply #3 –
Just made it home from Big Bear. No Toad, not sure if we ever will.   :(

Came back down the backside to Lacerne Valley the same way we went up. Took the steepest grades in 2nd and 3rd. Quick as a wink, we were down to the valley floor. Sure beats the front way for switchbacks. I didn't time the decent, but the distance was only about six miles and went by without a hitch.

Heading back up next month and then on to Zion in July.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Big Bear or Bust
Reply #4 –
Thanks for all your input.  We did change our plans as my spouse thought it a little too cold for her Southern California Beach blood.  Perhaps we'll go in the summer.

Jules
'O6 IB Anniversary Model
Sue, My Copilot
Carlie, our canine princess
Re: Big Bear or Bust
Reply #5 –
Jules,

Interestingly, I truly enjoyed the weather as did my wife. We live in Long Beach so really enjoy the proximity of the lake.

Looks a little cooler for next week, but our climate preferences are not all the same.

Though it got a bit breezy, it was nothing a long sleeve shirt couldn't take care of.

Perhaps we'll see you up there in August. Should be warmer by then for sure. Not sure where you plan to stay, but the prime sites at Serrano are going fast.

Have fun wherever you go.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Big Bear or Bust
Reply #6 –
Spent Memorial Day weekend in Big Bear.  No problem getting up & down towing our 2013 Lincoln MKX.  Just used "Tow Mode" and kept it downshifted the entire time.  I'm not sure what the "back roads" includes, but we took 10E to 330 to 18 (and in reverse going down).  I was very impressed as this was our first experience with a toad.