Hmm, I'm getting some good ideas from this thread, too, thanks! Sure would like to avoid I-5 if possible.
I have one additional consideration, which is that I don't want to overnight anywhere it will get below around 30º because I don't want to winterize my rig (both ends of the trip stay well above freezing, so no need to otherwise).
Las Vegas to Eugene looks like a bit much for a days' drive with the short days (plus I'll be towing). So I'm wondering if there's a good stopping point at "lower" elevation somewhere in between? I don't mind a good long day of driving, but I should probably call that like 8-10 hours for this trip. No problem driving in cold weather, but just looking for a reasonable pit stop for the one night (doesn't need to be a campground). I have a good sleeping bag, but the pipes like it to stay above 27º or so
I can head up whenever there is a decent weather window, but still, it's looking cold at anything over around 2000' or so.
I'll do a bit more map shopping, but maybe some of you already know of a good (or lack of a good) stop between Las Vegas and Eugene? (Or Las Vegas and Portland.)
I actually really enjoy 395, but don't see anyplace "low" to stop partway along.
If nothing else works, I'll go "around the horn" and do I-40 to 58, over Tehachapi, then up I-5 to Portland (I'm starting from the area near Needles, CA).