Driving from Albuquerque to Sacramento area (Grass Valley) (Bakersfield, Brea: moving van, bars)

[WelcomingBreath]

We will be driving a 26-ft moving van and a flat-bed truck towing a tractor from Albuquerque to Grass Valley next week.

Any ideas about the best route for those vehicles?

Online mapping shows highway 40 through the desert to I-15 (which goes through Vegas) to LA and getting I-5 from there.

A trucker suggested I-40 to Barstow, then 58 to Bakersfield, and from there I-99 to I-5 to Sac.

[lilchik]

Originally Posted by WelcomingBreath

...A trucker suggested I-40 to Barstow, then 58 to Bakersfield, and from there I-99 to I-5 to Sac.

Yes, definetely this way!

[UltDragon]

Definitely take I-40 West to Hwy 58. Then it's probably best to go up 99 north and take Hwy 46 west over to I-5. Hwy 46 is a bit better for large vehicles than Hwy 58 is between Bakersfield and Buttonwillow. Then you can catch I-5 north up to Sacramento. Do try to avoid I-5 north on Sunday nights-I've been heading south and seen the traffic back up for miles on the northbound side for no apparent reason.

[shinka]

If I were you, I'd try to avoid driving through CA until you absolutely have to. CA has a maximum speed limit of 55 mph for all trucks and towing vehicles. Going into Nevada and through Arizona would be a better choice. It's a little further, but it will get you there faster. Very helpful if you have kids, or have to drive with someone you can't stand.

[Kingsnkali]

Depending on your towing rig situation (brakes, gas range etc.), I would go to Vegas and then northwest on 95 till you hit I-80 east of Reno. Go over Donner summit on I-80 and then down the big hill (mountain!). Grass Valley wouldn't be far north from I-80 at that point. This would be a MUCH less traffic option, but only if there was NO SNOW in the forecast for the Sierra Nevada.