There are many roads and highways throughout the country that are in poor condition and in need of repair. This becomes very apparent to RV owners, especially motorhome drivers as they travel within the living quarters. On some of these “Goat Paths” rattling chinaware can be deafening, even when securely packed. However, through the years the bad roads get resurfaced and the good ones become bad. So, reporting on the current rough areas may be a relatively inaccurate picture except perhaps for the near future. But, there are roads that are not necessarily friendly for all RV’s. These range in some cases based on the type, size and weight of the recreational vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the worst roads for RVing.
California’s Scenic Coastal Route 1/101 – This is unquestionably one of the most scenic drives in the country, but unfortunately one of the worst roads to cruise on with your RV. It winds down the Pacific coast sometimes precariously clinging on the stone cliffs on a steep mountainside. The road is very narrow and has tight hairpin turns in some sections. Many of these areas are not suitable for rigs much over 22 feet or so long. The danger of slides also exists, particularly during or after heavy rain falls.
The Streets of San Francisco – While these city roads may look inviting and very picturesque, they are far from being RV friendly. The steepness of many are not conducive to most, if not all, recreational vehicles. In addition, the sharp grade angle from the level roadways will ground the rear of the majority of RV’s, even those with a favorably high departure angle. Subject to the length, some of the narrow streets may not provide adequate space to turn around should it be required.
Highway 4 to Tofino – To reach this popular British Columbia Long Beach town, with its luxury ocean front resorts, you will need to travel on highway 4. From Port Alberni to the town of Tofino, traveling with a medium to large RV can be very challenging. Not only are sections winding and mountainous, but rock cliffs at the road edge narrow as they rise. Though semi’s use this highway daily to service this thriving tourist town, it is previous knowledge and skill that guides them. Also, if you didn’t like the RV trip into Tofino, you are not going to like the trip out. Highway 4 is the only access, and the eastern direction is probably the most challenging.
These are just a few RV routes you probably want to tour only with your dingy. It’s ironic that some of the most alluring and scenic drives are also the worst roads to RV. So, what forbidden RV paths have you discovered?