This may sound stupid but here goes. We have never been to Oregon yet and can anyone tell us what the area is like? Is it like driving thru CA? I know we have to carry chains going into the state per our DM but any other info would be appeciated!!!

 

Depends on which way you are going in from. From Cal. you have some real serious ups and downs, some like 12 miles 6%. Coming from Idaho just one major one, Cabbage, that will make a real beliver outa ya especialy in winter. Other than that it is just regular trucking, just make sure you have at least a temp. Or. PUC before you get into the state or they get real cranky.

 

Just don't forget the proper permits. They are a high fine state.

 

The big thing as stated is to make sure you have the neccessary permit to run in Oregon. This can either be a plate or a paper permit. If you do not get one before entering the state you can purchase on at the port of entry (first scale house you come to). If it is closed you had better sit and wait for it to open to get that permit.

The permit is cheap (less than $20) but the fines are really up there.

The next thing is to check the weather reports often. If you have a weather radio so much the better.

Other than that it is reaaly no different than running in any other mountain state. Just do not take the hills for granted and you will be fine.

 

Oregon is real pretty but they have (along with WA and CA) the most rudest truckers out there. I was amazed when I went out east how many people way, flash, say thanks. Out here, you're lucky if some guy doesn't come so close that they almost take off your bumper when merging over. I drive on the road from Portland-Sacramento every day of the week. After you hit mm148 heading north it's pretty boring after that with some cities to go through and farm land, the the first 148 miles of 5 is pretty up and down. Not a lot to worry about though. If you have any questions about road conditions, dial 511 on your phone!

 

Thanks for all the info!! Havent driven in snow yet so this should be an experience..a slow one at that! Hope everyone is having a safe trip!!

Trudy

 

no snow yet, you should be fine for awhile, heard it's icey in the higher elevations, but up and down 5 theres nothing.

 

Watch your speed; it is a 55mph state.

Be prepared to stop at the scales, they don't use Prepass or if they do they never turn it on.

Don't let another trucker talk you into taking those mountains lightly, if the signs say gear down and do a certain speed (base on your weight usually, sign will tell you) then do it! We have seen numerous trucks coming down those mountains smoking like a chimney, even saw one with a Bear escort and the idiot kept telling the Bear on the CB it's okay my brakes have cooled down now. You couldn't see the rear of his trailer from all the smoke. :shock:

 

Movinit said:
Thanks for the advice. On the steeper hills, how slow do the signs tell you to go?