Community Forums

beau2x · 08-12-2018, 05:19 PM

I want to use US 285. Any problems or concerns? I'm traveling with a 34' bumper pull trailer. Thx in advance, Beau

F4Gary · 08-12-2018, 05:32 PM

Looks like a lot of it is 4 lane divided.
I'd do it.

beau2x · 08-12-2018, 05:36 PM

Thx

tilfo · 08-12-2018, 06:35 PM

It will be a good route, good road. Here in Texas along those four lane state highways, just so you know, those small towns and county sheriffs count a lot on revenue from speeding tickets.

beau2x · 08-12-2018, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tilfo

It will be a good route, good road. Here in Texas along those four lane state highways, just so you know, those small towns and county sheriffs count a lot on revenue from speeding tickets.

Thx, tilfo, I'll be sure to abide by the speed limits.

twogypsies · 08-12-2018, 11:12 PM

I think it's been talked about on these forums as being very rough around Carlsbad and south.

Jake21 · 08-13-2018, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

I think it's been talked about on these forums as being very rough around Carlsbad and south.

I heard that also.

beau2x · 08-14-2018, 08:00 AM

Thanks for the replies, but Does anyone have firsthand, recent experience?

creativepart · 08-14-2018, 08:15 AM

Travel it all the time.

Carlsbad to Pecos is used by oil truck traffic and is very rough and crowded.

Vaughn to Roswell is 80+ miles with zero stops or services. Vaughn is your last chance for gas. There are two stations in Vaughn only.

Just as you reach Roswell there is a truck bypass (70 byp) that will take you all the way south of the city and deposit you back on 285. There are dozens of traffic lights on 285 if you don’t take the bypass. No services on the bypass but if you need gas drive past the bypass and you’ll find gas right away - but then go back and take the bypass. You’ll be glad you did.

My last time thru they were doing some repaving of the truck damaged roads on the NM side of the state line. So it could be some better now.

Also, there is one rest area between Vaughn and Roswell. It’s a bad one and we won’t stop there. Always dirty and lots of signs that read “Watch for Rattlesnakes.”

beau2x · 08-14-2018, 08:18 AM

Thanks creative, I was inquiring about US285. You mentioned US287. Was that a misprint, or different route?

creativepart · 08-14-2018, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beau2x

Thanks creative, I was inquiring about US285. You mentioned US287. Was that a misprint, or different route?

Sorry brain fade. Hwy 285.

beau2x · 08-14-2018, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creativepart

Sorry brain fade. Hwy 285.

Thx again. I'm looking at an old R-M road atlas and I don't see the bypass you mention. Would you use this( 285) route south from Santa Fe, or the longer interstate?

creativepart · 08-14-2018, 08:37 AM

I also meant to mention that there’s a Walmart on the south side of Carlsbad with good gas prices and easy to reach the pumps with a Trailer in tow.

If you need gas it’s your best bet. After Carlsbad there is only Artesia and you’ll find the prices high and difficult to pull into with your trailer.

Carlsbad to Pecos is fairly long distance so best to have plenty of fuel for that stretch.