Community Forums

Tallguyone · 05-23-2022, 05:26 AM

I am planning a trip from Tallahassee to Jackson Wy. in second week of June. I think I have planned, from Tally, to Birmingham, then to Memphis, then I-55 to St. Louis, Out of St Louie, to KC, Up I-29 to Nebraska City, over to I-80, to I-80-I-76 split down to Keenesburg, Co( to pick up crazy sister-in-law, she will ask more questions then a 5 year old), then up to Fort Collins, then 287 over to Laramie. Then I-80 to Rock Springs/Green River. Then up 191 to Jackson. I am driving 2016 Ventana 4040 DP, with 2021 Dodge 1500 Toad. Any suggestions? Is this a good route? Anyone know grades I might expect? I am a true flat-lander, but I have driven all over Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, in rental cars and trucks, never a motorhome. I am an experienced pick-up truck/trailer driver. Any help will greatly be appreciated. Thanks!

rk911 · 05-23-2022, 07:37 AM

the grades may seem daunting but are all doable. we did I-80 from Chicago to Sacramento in our 40’ gasser towing our Jeep SUV last year and gained a lot of experience starting at Cheyenne.

best advice:

- climb and descend in the same gear & EZ on the brakes. our cruise control actually handled some of the gentler grades (<5%).

- have your RV serviced before your trip paying special attention to your tires, suspension and engine cooling.

- purchase the hard copy and/or e-book versions of the https://mountaindirectory.com.

good luck and safe travels.

twogypsies · 05-23-2022, 01:12 PM

All the grades are written up in the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers & RVers' - a worthwhile reference to get.

With your motorhome you won't have any issues. Millions of RVers have driven the roads you plan.

Sunrise Camp · 05-23-2022, 04:19 PM

We did the drive up 191 to Jackson from Rock Springs last fall, you will not have an issue. Have fun, Jackson and the surrounding area are really fun !

Tallguyone · 05-24-2022, 06:19 AM

Thanks to all the replies. Great information and advice. Its funny! The guy I bought my Newmar from, was positive I would loose my mind trying to drive my MH anywhere! He made one trip to Montana from Virginia, and his wife said it finished him from ever having a DP ever again. Its such a dream to drive. I guess its all in your self confidence and your need for adventure!

twogypsies · 05-24-2022, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tallguyone

Thanks to all the replies. Great information and advice. Its funny! The guy I bought my Newmar from, was positive I would loose my mind trying to drive my MH anywhere! He made one trip to Montana from Virginia, and his wife said it finished him from ever having a DP ever again. Its such a dream to drive. I guess its all in your self confidence and your need for adventure!

With your attitude you'll do just fine! We both drove ours - taking turns daily.

UTTransplant · 05-25-2022, 06:48 AM

If people think they can drive an RV like a car, they won’t be happy. Either they will try to drive too many miles or drive too fast. I absolutely enjoy driving my MH. Great windows to look out, power to climb mountains (and we only have a 6.7L Cummins in a 40’ with a Grand Cherokee toad), and an exhaust brake to help on the downhill stretches. I sit the cruise on 62-63 mph (the sweet spot on my rig for economy), and enjoy the trip.

The OP has the right idea.

Isaac-1 · 05-25-2022, 08:10 PM

I have done 287 from Ft Collins to Laramie as well as I-80 across Nebraska threw Laramie and as far was as Rawlins, WY in the last few years. Both routes are good, 287 once you get out of Ft Collins is a nice road, was light traffic when I last drove it about 5-6 years ago, much of it is 2 lanes, and no steep climbs, though there are some places where you may suddenly be exposed to wind gusts as you go around curves, or through cuts. Much the same can be said about I-80 east of Laramie though. When I was westbound on that section of I-80 in 2017 an 18 wheeler tanker truck about a mile behind me caught one of those wind gusts and ended up overturning in the median (I stopped at the rest area and started wondering why there was no more traffic coming up the road behind me).