how safe are the backroads?

[tweener12]

Hello!
We have a trip planned next year from Reno NV to Portland OR. We've only driven the backroads once because they were so tight, it was a bit un-nerving hugging the rock wall. This time, I'm considering I-80 to Emigrant Gap and taking St Hwy 20 over to I-5. According to Google Maps, it's approximately 100 miles, so I don't have to worry about go-go juice, but I am wondering what kind of road / drive I'd be getting myself into. Has anyone been on that stretch of highway, and if so, how was it? I pull a 40' 5th wheel that 8 1/2 ft wide, so I take up the whole lane. I'm just tired of driving all the way down to Sac and adding an additional 2 hours to my trip.
Suggestions?
Beck

 

[LMHS]

The great thing about google maps is you can grab that little dude in the corner and drop him on most roads to get a "street view". Very handy to actually "look" at a road. You can even look at Interstate exchanges to read the signage. You can "drive" at the street level to make sure that you approve of the road.

 

[AbdRahim]

Also, you can check AllStays Truck app for low clearances on back roads.

 

[Buc]

Highway 20 is a nice drive, but I have only driven it in a minivan with no trailer. It’s definitely much narrower west of I-5.

 

[Rich W.]

I often drive 20 the other way to get from Grass Valley to EB I-80 and have no issues with a 35’ coach towing a jeep. It’s 2 lanes but a big enough highway that semi-trucks use it too. In fact when they have to shut down WB I-80 West of the 20 exit, Hwy 20 is the detour they use for all WB I-80 traffic. That creates quite a traffic snarl but it works.

I would also suggest taking 99 out of Yuba City to Red Bluff to get on I-5. More direct and easier than taking 20 to get to I-5. I’m headed to Redding tomorrow and thats the way I’ll go.

Here’s another tip. When entering Marrysville on E 12th St (which is also Hwy 20) there are two left turn lanes to get on B St. (also 70) to stay on 20. Get in the right lane to turn left and that will not only make the left turn easier, but you have to be in the right lane on B St. to stay on 20 to get to either 99 or 5. There are two more right turns as you make your way around that little lake then it veers left and heads west. Stay in the right lane all the way.

You could also turn right on 70 from 20 and take that to 99 and Red Bluff. Not quite as direct but less “city” driving. That’s a good way to go, but don’t follow your gps on the Woodruff Rd “short cut” from 20 to 70. You wouldn’t like that at all.

 

[Rich W.]

Today I drove Hwy 20 from Grass Valley to 70, then north to 99 and I-5. I took the Woodruff Road short cut and it was fine for my rig (wide enough lanes but no shoulders), but there is a RR crossing right at the bottom of a levee crossing so it makes an abrupt change from steep to flat at the tracks. I’m not sure that would be ok for a 5th wheel as the bottom of the overhang would get very close to the bed, and maybe even contact it. Not good.

This was why I recommended against it. I put my suspension on “High” and didn't scrape my hitch but I bet it was close. And there are more deep gouges in the pavement and skid marks than I’ve seen anywhere else. So my advice is as stated above - you are taking 20 to 70, take the extra 15 minutes and go through Marysville.

On Hwy 70, it was a very nice easy drive, even with construction (it will all be 4 lanes eventually) and 99 is in great shape on this end (not so much south of Sac). Also 20 from Grass Valley to Marysville is in great shape with a lot of new sections easing the grades and straightening the curves.

Happy and safe travels!

PS: There is this leaving Marysville NB on 70 but its no big deal. Looks ugly but the semis do it all day long - 14’ 1”.