Expert: Jason Curodeau - 8/13/2009

Question
Hi, Firstly I'd like to apologise for the million questions I'm about to ask but as this is our trip of a lifetime I'd really like to get it right! So here goes,
We're flying from London to S/F on Sept 16 and collecting an 18ft RV from San Leandro on the 17th. I understand from previous posts that getting out of S/F will be a nightmare but it's too late to worry now.(We have a 15 foot campervan in England so are used to driving slightly bigger vehicles) We're driving straight to Lake Tahoe for 3 nights and are then heading from the east side of the lake down to Yosemite. What temperature are these to places likely to be? Also are all the roads suitable for the RV? After 4 days we're going to Mammoth lake via the Tioga pass for 2 or 3 nights and then to Sequoia. Again are the roads going to be Ok?  From Sequoia we're going to Death Valley which is going to be a huge trip. There looks to be a road going across the Sierra Nevada (J41) without having to go all the way down, or would it be better to take the 178? Or would it be safer to go down to Bakersfield and then back up? Having spent a couple of days in Vegas, we leave there on Oct 4. After this we have no campgrounds booked or any real plan.  The RV has to be back in S/F on the 10th. My boyfriend likes to surf but ideally we'd like to bypass LA completely and pick up the coast at around Morro Bay. Where would you recommend we go? Also is it OK to park overnight at the side of the road in rural laybys or parking lots? And again what will the weather be like? Sorry to keep asking but what ever sites I look at the weather seems to vary wildly. We fly out of S/F on the 16th but I think we're Ok for things to do there. So to summarize, my main queries are temperatures, suitability of roads, whether it's Ok to park at the side of the road overnight and finally any suggestions of nice places up the coast.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Many Thanks, Liane. X

Answer
Liane,
Sounds like your in for a great trip. As far as the temperature goes, it shouldn't be too hot around September and October, but we have had some crazy weather lately. I just took a motorcycle trip from Joshua Tree up 395 and across the Tioga pass to Auburn. I also went around Lake Tahoe and then across the valley to Fort Bragg. The temperature stayed above 100 degrees f. You are likely to see high nineties with the nights cooling down.
You will know pretty quickly what roads you want to take. Especially once you get up into the tioga pass. Eighteen feet is a pretty decent sized motorhome, my parents spend about 9 months every year in a 30 footer and they tow a big truck so you should be okay if you stay on the main roads and don't take too many off shoots. If you want to take a road like j41 it is pretty similar to most of the roads in Sequoia just remember to use the turn outs and let other cars pass and stay in low gear on the downhills.
If I were you, I would forget about the coast south of San Francisco. You have the time so I would find a road that is North of Lake Tahoe and cut across to the coast that way. There are lighthouses and old cattle ranches nestled in the cliffs. There are also many little towns that have great little coffee shops and produce stands. The roads are tight and curvy but there are tons of pull outs and you don't need to take highway one the whole way but I would. By the time you are ready to head towards the coast you should be pro's at driving the motorhome so it shouldn't be bad. If you do go to San Francisco from the north I would head east toward the 101 at Point Reyes Station, the roads south of there through Marin are very tight and usually congested. Also bring warm pants and a thick sweater because it can get very cold on the coast. I was freezing on my motorcycle but it was well worth it. Once you get North of Sacramento California changes, so any of the roads going through the state offer great sightseeing.
As far as I know you cannot just park anywhere and sleep at night. You can sleep at truck stops and Wal-Mart parking lots though. Also, if you stop at the Forest Service headquarters they can clue you in to some great spots. Many of the fire roads in national forests are good to stop and park for the night as long as it is not posted otherwise. The Forest Service people are a different breed. They are not primarily concerned with policing our parks and monuments like the Rangers are so they actually enjoy the lands they serve and are usually helpful and kind with others who share their appreciation.
I hope that I was helpful and if you have any further questions feel free to send them. Enjoy your vacation and all the great experiences you are bound to have.
Jason Curodeau