Advice please I10 Fl to NM

[ParTheCourse]

Will be traveling I10 from Florida to New Mexico in a couple of weeks. Have heard stories about poor road conditions through Louisiana. Thanks for advice about any part of the trip.

[wagon217]

Have driven that route a few times in the past year. I-12 going through La. is the shortest route through La. That route is heavily traveled and to me is rough, but if you slow down a bit and take your time its worth the trip.

[Wayne M]

it has gotten better over the years, believe me. They are trying. If you plan on visiting New Orleans I'd suggest checking to see if the Ponchatrain bridge is open for your rig (I have not travelled that route) or go into New Orleans on the West side using I-10. I-10 on the east side is a roller coaster ride and I had to slow down to 25 mph towing a 40 ft 5th wheel. I would not take my newer MH in on the east side.

If you are not going to visit NO, use I-12 as a bypass and save a couple hours. Watch your speed over the tchafalaya bridge. It is about 18 miles and helicopter/aircraft patroled.

On the East side of Houston the roads are fair, with some narrow spots across some of the bridges, (Liberty Bridge for example) and construction is on-going. going out of Houston on the West side is very good. New 4 to 5 lane roads have been completed with just a little construction going on. Further out past San Antonio the speed limit jumps up to 80 mph if you have a mind to go that fast (I don't)

Enjoy your trip. If you stop around the Houston area, give me a holler. I'm 40 miles south in Texas City - near Galveston.

[historyljc]

I find I 10 from the Mississippi line to I 12 is rough. Also a couple of rough areas for 10 -15 miles west of Baton Rouge. Just west of the aforementioned Tchafalaya bridge is a rough section and another right at Lake Charles. Watch the construction areas mentioned by Wayne and you're good to go.

[Nancy & Bill]

We just drove I-10 east from Palm Springs (we're in beaumont, TX now) and found it to be quite doable. Wind was an issue a couple of times in western TX, but road is pretty good.

[ParTheCourse]

Thanks everyone, got all the Flying J's plugged into the GPS, trying to Plan campgrounds now, especially Passport America types.

[GaryKD]

Hi Mike,
At least your coach is under warranty (08). I will not travel west on I10. In 2006 I traveled that route and it just about shook everything apart. This is after I slowed down to 45 MPH. I do I10 West about once every 10 years. It has always been terrible. This year I will also wind up in NM. I will not take I10. I will spend the time and fuel to go north to I20 to get past Dallas.
good luck,

[skigramp]

There is a fantastic rest at about mile marker 200 in LA ... it is on the edge of the Tchafalia swamp ... and they serve free Community coffee ... great parking (including overnight) for RVs there

All the the rest stops on I-10 in Texas have free wi-fi ... there is a fantastic rest stop near Columbus, TX where I have stayed all night ...

You will find lots of Passport America campgrounds along this route ... Cochise Terrace in AZ is especially nice ... you have to pay by cash or check to get the discount ...