RVing California: Paradise or Pitfall? Shocking Expenses Revealed!

Thank you for saying nice things about truckers young lady. I’ve been trucking for 26 years and it’s nice to have you say that

FYI regarding fueling at a truck stop. I was a truck driver nearly 30yrs. When a driver is finished fueling, they will pull forward allowing a truck that might be behind them to fuel. This is just a courtesy to the other driver. If a driver does pull forward and stops, they will more than likely go into the truck stop building for food, drink, restrooms or something else. As for your comment about not staying at rest areas, thank you! There is simply not enough parking spaces for big rigs. Even tho I'm now retired, I can speak on behalf of ALL truck drivers that they appreciate your leaving a spot for them.

As a trucker and former Cali resident (now a proud Texan), I can tall you this: 1. California HATES trucks. If they could figure out a way to ban any vehicle over 26000 pounds, they would. Insane fuel prices, very little parking (and MANY restrictions on building more parking), and that idiotic statewide 55 speed limit for anything towing a trailer. (I saw that 60!) 2. Sacramento needs an enema.

There's no state more beautiful than CA, but if I could move from here,... I'd be gone today. Place is nuts

North Carolina...my favorite state...is also where you can snow ski in the morning and surf at the end of the day.

Lived in Cali for 5 years. Marin county and northern Cali too. Been back twice. Never again. There’s too much beauty without the high tax and weirdness!!

I have been living 7 years in my rv in california. You are right it's expensive. But so much to see.

Born & raised in N California & I’ve camped & RV’d my entire life. During the fair weather months the most beautiful place to travel thru the mountains North to South is I-5 to Mt Shasta. Go east on 89 and travel over to 395 south. It will take you through NV in the Reno area. RV parks are cheaper and it’s beautiful. 395 below Lake Tahoe you will find the most expensive fuel cost in the nation due to its remoteness and California special fuel blend.

The summer of 2021 I left the RV at home (10 mpg towing) packed my tenting gear and took my grandkids to see the National Parks of the west. 8,000 miles total. We saw Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and South Dakota! We camped mostly in National or State Forests at less than $20 night, and splurged on a few motels with swimming pools;) If your viewers’ budget is tight, there are options to be more thrifty!

I'm a Californian. I-5 is in terrible condition in the Central Valley all the way to Bakersfield and beyond. It's like a dirt bike track.

California is a beautiful state, it is run by fools but there are some good fok there. Truckers are the heart beat of this country. I'm so glad to see yall giving them space. Looking forward to next week and the repairs.

Guys, you need to join the Elks. As I watch this, we’re in our 38’ DP at the Burbank elks, 10 minutes from Universal City. 50 amp & water, $20 a night. And our first drink in the lodge bar was free. I would say we’ve found a majority of CA Elks take reservations, too. Oh…and yes, CA is pricey, but so are Alaska and Canada. We’re enjoying RVing everywhere we can, while we are healthy!

I noticed your rig leaning drivers side in the opening….cant wait to see what needs fixin’!

If you're in Crescent City, you gotta go to Brookings, Oregon. It's only 30 minutes away and the ocean and river are gorgeous! Also, check out Orange Grove RV near Bakersfield. It's a really nice place to stay!

The best part about California is leaving.

I live and RV in Northern California Bay Area and agree with you all. Secret to staying overnight on the cheap is staying at fairgrounds and county parks. Half the cost of KOA. Don’t tell anyone. We stay at Lodi once every year with our FMCA club. Nice park but pricey because nothing else close and it’s nice. Have a safe trip.

I agree, Cali is so expensive. Our son lives in Richmond, just northeast of Oakland, so we have been there often. We are lucky we can park our camper on the street in front of his house while we are there. We have taken route 1, a couple of times, and it is beautiful. Boondocking is a great way to camp in Cali, and we do it a lot. We don't make reservations either. We fly by the seat of our pants. Oh, if you go to Mendocino, make sure you don't plan on fueling there. Their one station runs about 3 - 4 dollars a gallon higher than 10 miles down the road! On our trip home last fall, we found rest areas that have areas set aside for overnight campers and you aren't taking up truck areas. They were along highway 70. Happy camping!

I’m a truck driver. General truck stop etiquette for the fuel island is to pull forward after you are done fueling if you are only going to be there for ten minutes or less. If you are going to be longer , it’s best to go find a spot and park.

Yes, California is expensive, but you are right it is beautiful. You can't beat the weather most of the time. We have had some crazy winter weather. I hope you enjoyed visiting the fam. I'm a lifelong California resident and still love it.

Only a part timer but love your content, very informative. I don't miss the big city traffic, especially when you're pulling your home behind you! Glad you got to spend time with family. Stay safe.