Community Forums

ebg338 · 04-13-2011, 05:55 PM

Hello,

Wife and I are flying to Newport Beach CA to pick up our new to us RV. Wondering if anyone has recommendations on best route back to Chicago. We're on a tight schedule so looking for quickest with the least pain. I-80E? I-40E? Greatly appreciate any recommendations.

Thanks much,
Bill

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 04-13-2011, 08:31 PM

I hav'nt checked the milage, but why not do I 15 up to I 70 in Utah I 75 in Denver to Nebraska and hit I 80 to Chicago. In Newport Beach I think Ca Hwy 60 cuts across the LA basin to I 15. I have driven this route except for start point in Newport Beach. I 70 has a significant, but beautiful climb (starts East of Grand Junction) and descent into Denver (through Vail Co) I did it with 43' and toad.

Tom and Patty · 04-13-2011, 08:57 PM

I whole heartedly agree with Ronnie.

It can't be many more miles if any, and you may as well enjoy some scenery on your trip back.

skigramp · 04-13-2011, 11:37 PM

My travel software shows the shortest route is 2025 miles ... I-15, I-70, I-76, I-80 ... this route is very scenic ... it has higher elevations and steeper ascents and descents crossing the Rockies...

A slightly longer route is I-15 and I-80 ... it is 2050 miles long ... there are only two climbs crossing the Rockies and the elevations are lower ... it is definitely not as scenic.

I have travelled from San Diego to Wisconsin multiple times and have crossed the Rockies by both of these routes ... always towing ...

JimM68 · 04-16-2011, 08:30 PM

I80 across Nebraska is... snooze...

Cruzer · 04-18-2011, 04:25 PM

My vote is for the I-15, I-70, I-76, I-80 route. We've done that many times. I-80 isn't all that bad across Nebraska. At least there's places to stop and see along the way. The I-40 route is even more boring plus you have to deal with toll roads in Oklahoma.

sadiebug · 04-18-2011, 04:44 PM

Nebraska and North Dakota. You hit certain landmarks and it would tell you how long the pain. And to think we use to cross them going 55 and no toilets.

ebg338 · 04-19-2011, 07:37 PM

Update - we ended up taking 40, 44, to 55. Unfortunately we were on a short timeline so were unable to stop (kind of painful to pass close to the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest and not be able to take a peek). Did drive through some beautiful sunrises / sets.

We're also extremely happy with the new (to us) RV. '07 Winnebago Sightseer 35J. Ran perfectly, very smooth ride.

Next time...I-15, I-70, I-76, I-80.

Thanks again.