State Route CA-18 Big Bear to North side of lake

Hey all,

I am getting ready to take my new-to-me Jayco out this weekend. I am wondering if anyone has driven this route. I am concerned about the steepness, curves, scratching up my trailer, and the decent. We have a brake controller, and I already know about switching into 3rd. Is there an alternate route that may be better?

I rode in a full size motor coach up that route back in April. It would stand to reason that my Taco and trailer can make it without a problem as that driver was whipping around those bends pretty well. However, I am second guessing myself now. Perhaps it is because we have a bit to bring with us too and I am concerned how the weight will change the ride..

Here are some of my specs:
Off Road TRD 2019 with Tow Package
Trailer dry: 3223 lbs
Trailer cargo max: 727 lbs
Truck Factory Sticker GVWR (5600 lbs)
Tire and Loading Info sticker says no more than 1000 lbs carrying capacity?
Weight of 4 riders: about 625
Not sure about my tongue weight. :/

 

The one that goes down into the desert by Lucerne valley?

 

That's the one!

 

There aren't too many roads that take one to the north shore of Big Bear; where are you coming from and heading to? On all of the sharp curves and switchbacks you won't be going fast anyway...

 

Nevada to Fawnskin area

 

That’s one hell of a road, but it was usually really well maintained. It’s been a few years since I’ve driven it though. I would avoid going up it at sunrise though. Can’t see anything.

 

But the short answer to your question is you should be fine towing up that route. But you could go to the west side of the mountain and take one of the other routes up. The grade isn’t as steep and less sharp switchbacks.

 

Coming back down the same way is probably the issue. It’s a brake burner in general. Going up, there some curves with 15 mph for normal traffic, but people go up and down it all the time. It’s not undoable. I live just 15 minutes away from the intersection of the 18 and the 247. As long as your brakes are good and you take it slow coming down it should be all good.

 

As for an alternate option there’s another way that’s all dirt, it’s through Apple valley. Use to be borderline 4x4 trail, then a few dead bodies and the winter storms hit...either they fixed the trail or nature made it better but i was up there two days ago smashing through at about 40 mph. Couple of dips and two rocks to drive around but all good, even for a trailer and the incline incline ain’t as bad. Comes out past big pine and right into fawnskin.

 

It is steep and the turns are tight but the mountain segment of the road is short. They let Semi-trucks travel the road, so towing a small trailer should be fine.

 

The 330 and the 38 are a little less windy overall and less steep, but longer and more out of the way for you since you'll be approaching Big Bear coming from the east, if you're looking for something else that is. I don't have any towing experience but I imagine you'll be okay going up the 18.

There's also a few ways to get up there via fire roads but...that's probably not what you're looking for lol

 

With 4 people, equipment in the bed of the truck and tongue weight you may be exceeding GVWR. It’s something you should look at closely. It sounds like you are hesitant and not comfortable to do the drive towing a trailer. Also sounds like perhaps you are not real experienced towing. Climbing steep mountain roads is fairly easy but coming down steep winding roads while towing is quite another thing. It’s tricky and where most accidents happen when towing in mountains. If you don’t feel comfortable listen to your gut feeling and find an alternate route. You might want to drive the route sometime without the trailer to get the feel of the road.