Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum - View Single Post - Best Route Option: San Francisco to Mendocino

ADP1723 · 05-22-2022, 02:06 PM

We're planning on spending a couple weeks in Mendocino CA, but I'm having a hard time figuring out the best route to/from there. From what I've found so far, the options are taking hwy 128 from Petaluma, or heading up the 101 and taking hwy 20 over (everyone says to avoid taking hwy 1 above SF).

A lot of people have said that both these routes can be pretty tough/white knuckle, but they are typically referring to the narrow, windy roads. However, my biggest concern is extended steep grades because my '99 F350 doesn't perform too well when towing our 32ft 5th wheel up extended steep grades (hard to keep the EGT below 1300).

Therefore, does anyone know if hwy 128 or hwy 20 would be better for avoiding steep mountain climbs (i.e. - 7% grade for 3+ miles, etc.)?

05-22-2022, 02:06 PM	#1
ADP1723 Established Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: San Diego Posts: 25 M.O.C. #29275	Best Route Option: San Francisco to Mendocino We're planning on spending a couple weeks in Mendocino CA, but I'm having a hard time figuring out the best route to/from there. From what I've found so far, the options are taking hwy 128 from Petaluma, or heading up the 101 and taking hwy 20 over (everyone says to avoid taking hwy 1 above SF). A lot of people have said that both these routes can be pretty tough/white knuckle, but they are typically referring to the narrow, windy roads. However, my biggest concern is extended steep grades because my '99 F350 doesn't perform too well when towing our 32ft 5th wheel up extended steep grades (hard to keep the EGT below 1300). Therefore, does anyone know if hwy 128 or hwy 20 would be better for avoiding steep mountain climbs (i.e. - 7% grade for 3+ miles, etc.)?