Sacramento to Seattle I5 winter (Eugene, Medford: rental, to buy, stores)

[Rollingout]

Hi everyone, so I'm Driving a 17' Uhaul towing an auto transport north on I5. Flexible departure date window December 10th thru 15th, what should I expect/prepare for weather wise? What about the surge brakes on uhaul trailer and snow/ice? Will there even be snow? Do they keep the passes plowed down to pavement? Explain chains required and Any other advise is appreciated.

thanks

[Terryj]

Seeing how this is suppose to be a "La Nina" year, you can expect allot of snow in the mountains, just how it will be the second week of December is anyones guess but I'd be prepared for snow. The worst part of the drive will be from Yreka, Ca north (if there is snow). The Siskiyou summit will be the worse seeing how it is the highest pass on I-5, then the Mt. Sexton summit, again if there is snow you can expect it from Yreka, Ca to Canyonville, Ore.
When they post "Chains required" means you must have chains in your vehicle just in case you need them.
You can check the site at ODOT called "Trip check" they will post road conditions.

Have a safe trip

[PNW-type-gal]

U-Haul does not provide tire chains (in fact I think the rental agreement states that you can't drive in snow and ice). Pretty much everyone (including myself) ignores that.

If chains are required, you will have to chain the tow vehicle AND the trailer to proceed or you'll have to wait out the weather, which could be a few hours to several days. Find a store (like Les Schwab Tires - a west coast chain, stores from Sacramento to Seattle) which will allow you to buy chains and then return them for a full refund if you don't need them. Les Schwab will show you how to put them on - watch carefully and pay attention, it looks a lot easier in a well-lit store on a sunny afternoon than it does when you are at the top of the pass in dim light, laying in the snow and trying to remember how they go on.

I don't recommend your first snow experience be in a U-Haul while towing, but I understand the concept of "needs must." Things happen fast on ice, even at slow speeds, so go SLOW and do LESS - less steering, less brakes, less accelerator.

[Hawk J]

If the I-5 passes are bad, you might be better off going to 101 on the coast.

Drive safely.

www.tripcheck.com has Road Cams.

[mamh]

Hi
Have family in Napa, so have driven both roads..the kicker on 101 is it adds a full day to your travel time..It can be just as wet,slick and in parts snowy as some of 5..Friends from up here hit ice south of crescent city 2 years ago christmas and totaled their car..101 also is subject to mud slides..
the other thing that hasn't been mention is 5 from Medford to Eugene is full of small passes and can be a problem too..
Just be carefull and give yourself plenty of time..
have a safe trip