Cross-country advise (Monterey, Malibu: RV parks, rental car, rental)

[thegrandjess]

Movin to cali, not a hundred percent sure where yet but we'll figure that part out.

so... do i trade in the stang for a small travel trailer and try to trade back when i settle down? has anyone tried to do something similar? mistake?

another thought is finding a really small hitch and towing some stuff off the back of the stang. you think it could handle it? thoughts about getting stuff stolen along the journey doing this?

[jessemh431]

Have your car shipped. Either hire professional movers and fly over here or rent a truck and drive. That way, you can keep your whip (young whippersnapper term for car).

[Capt. Dan]

Does the mustang have a 289 motor in it? Will the towed trailer be loaded heavily? Will a 289 pull a heavy load over the Rockies and Sierra Nevada Mountains? Would you be willing to take the chance of ruining the mustang if it cant make it all the way? Questions you must ask yourself. You dont say how long of a drive it will be.

[thegrandjess]

these are all good questions.

i have no idea what type of motor i have. didn't really consider mountain driving. will be driving straight across the country, coast to coast, along the southern route. won't be taking any furniture so that makes it less extreme. i'd almost rather trade in so I have somewhere to sleep if I can't find a place right away, and so the cats will have room to breathe along this long journey, and especially if we want to check out towns like ojai, but i'm really worried about not being able to trade back in when i need a car again.

are there a lot of easy and safe places to park travel trailers in central coastal areas of cali? does it cost just as much to rent an rv space as it does to stay in motels?

thanks for the help y'all

[jessemh431]

Coastal central CA is very dangerous to drive on in a regular car. The bridges are wide enough for one car, let alone an RV. There are sheer cliffs and winding roads.

It is safe though. I dont know of RV parks, but I'm sure there's a list somewhere.

[moderator cut]

California RV Parks and Campgrounds page 2

[DMenscha]

In my long career as a volunteer firefighter, I've driven fire engines over just about every single numbered highway in CA. I don't think the coast road(s) are any more dangerous than any others. A 2 lane road is a 2 lane road. The consequences of not paying attention while you're driving are higher on a winding mountain road, but that sort of reinforces why one should always pay attention.

For the OP, you should know that the CA requirements for smog inspections and the vehicle use tax for cars brought into CA can be a real surprise. I'd part with your car in your home state and get a replacement in CA.

Have a safe trip

[Charles]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Coastal central CA is very dangerous to drive on in a regular car. The bridges are wide enough for one car, let alone an RV. There are sheer cliffs and winding roads.

Not sure I agree with this. I have ridden my bicycle from SF to LA, driven my Harley from San Simeon to Big Sur, and driven a regular car from Monterey to LA all using Highway 1. These roads are well maintained and meet all traffic and safety guidelines. They aren't any more dangerous than Malibu Canyon Road from Tapia Park to the Beach.

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Coastal central CA is very dangerous to drive on in a regular car.

Drive up Big Sur on any high summer day and you will see fleets of RV's and rental cars.