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psearles · 04-27-2022, 06:27 PM

We are looking to take a cross country trip to the Grand Canyon next month (May). We are driving a 34' Class A pulling a dolly with van. We have taken many long trips back and forth to Florida but this is the fist time heading west across the plains and into the Mountains.

I'm looking for any advice on best routes and stops or worst routes and stops. It seems like route 70 is the most direct route out to there.

Thanks!

psearles · 04-27-2022, 06:44 PM

We are driving a 34' Class A with toad. We have done many trips to Florida and back, and have easily driven 8-10 hour days. However going west I know is a different type of driving and I'm trying to get a feel for what would be a reasonable timeline to drive as straight through as possible so we can maximize our time out west?

Thanks!

bookemdanno · 04-27-2022, 06:48 PM

All I can tell you to try and help you out is that it took me 2 days to get there from Dallas, TX. Drove 12 hrs the 1st day to New Mexico for stop over and then about 6-8 hours on day 2. I will tell you that I remember sitting in traffic in the park for about 90 mins before getting to the rv park in the Grand Canyon on day 2.

dizcom · 04-27-2022, 06:51 PM

5 days or so. We did this trip a few seasons ago. The thing about 8 hour drive days is that they build up after awhile. We planned 8 hour drives every day and on the way back stuck to 5 hour drives. A 5 hour drive can quickly turn into an 8 hour day with stops for fuel, stretching, and eating. 8 hour drive days can turn ugly. If you want to enjoy the drive as well as the destination, keep the drives shorter and take breaks throughout the day. Do long days early in the drive if you have to. You’ll enjoy it much more.

GOLDWINGER2 · 04-27-2022, 07:05 PM

It's going to be a great trip. While your are that far west stop by Las Vegas, NV and come visit us in California. I figure a month will get it all done.
J

Winemaker2 · 04-27-2022, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizcom

5 days or so. We did this trip a few seasons ago. The thing about 8 hour drive days is that they build up after awhile. We planned 8 hour drives every day and on the way back stuck to 5 hour drives. A 5 hour drive can quickly turn into an 8 hour day with stops for fuel, stretching, and eating. 8 hour drive days can turn ugly. If you want to enjoy the drive as well as the destination, keep the drives shorter and take breaks throughout the day. Do long days early in the drive if you have to. You’ll enjoy it much more.

Agree completely. Break it up with a long then a shorter day or a couple long then a very short would be my preference if only one driver. If two that's another story.

rk911 · 04-27-2022, 07:52 PM

when you determine your actual route figure the total mileage and divide that by 50 (average speed when figuring in traffic, construction, gas, food and other stops). that will get you total hours. divide that number by the number of actual hours in your travel day. that will tell you how many travel days you will need. safe trip.

twogypsies · 04-27-2022, 10:44 PM

Approx. 5+ days if driving 8-hour days.

Leaving from Endicott, NY via I-86, I-70, I-44, I-40 and going through big cities will be approx. 45 hours on the road.

(2350 mi. @50mph avg. for stops, meals, etc.) 50 is what we always used to figure a trip.

Arch Hoagland · 04-27-2022, 11:26 PM

Where do you plan to go to see the Grand Canyon?

4ina4x4 · 04-28-2022, 04:10 AM

We've made seven cross-country camping trips (three of them with kids) and countless runs down the east coast to Florida. If you're comfortable traveling to Florida in two full, straight days of driving, then five full days of driving is a reasonable estimate - depending on your definition of "upstate". If you mean Orange County, five days will do it. If you're coming from Clinton County, you'll want to tack on another day.

That being said, I would seriously consider adding a day of R&R after your third day of driving. Take a break and just relax. With that many successive days on the road, fatigue can easily build, and it can become a little more difficult to maintain your enthusiasm for the trip and safe driving practices. Another tip that has made our "commutes" more enjoyable is including a special treat or activity every day on the road. For us, it may be a picnic lunch in a park, stopping for ice cream or stretching our legs by wandering through a Cabela's. If you make the out and back enjoyable, the entire trip will become a happy memory.

Have fun planning and travel safely!

Mary

wildtoad · 04-28-2022, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk911

when you determine your actual route figure the total mileage and divide that by 50 (average speed when figuring in traffic, construction, gas, food and other stops). that will get you total hours. divide that number by the number of actual hours in your travel day. that will tell you how many travel days you will need. safe trip.

How long do you plan on being at the Canyon and is it your only destination. Lot of butt pain and expense for a short turn around time.

rk911 has a good formula. But as others have said, plan some short days to recoup.

TampaDave · 05-02-2022, 04:35 PM

I just love 60 through southern MO, that's a beautiful drive. 40 isn't bad till you get to New Mexico. If you want to get off the freeway, 264 through the Navajo nation is a great drive long as you don't mind being out in the boonies. 53 through Zuni is one of my favorite drives.

We stayed at Circle Pines a couple of times, it's a neat place. Especially if you're dragging kids around.

Flyer15015 · 05-02-2022, 04:41 PM

Do not use I-70 thru Colorado. Big passes (11,000'+) and steep downgrades.
Go south. But not too far, I-20 thru Louisiana and Alabama will shake your coach really bad.
Ask me how I know......

Mike in Colorado

psearles · 05-10-2022, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TampaDave

I just love 60 through southern MO, that's a beautiful drive. 40 isn't bad till you get to New Mexico. If you want to get off the freeway, 264 through the Navajo nation is a great drive long as you don't mind being out in the boonies. 53 through Zuni is one of my favorite drives.

We stayed at Circle Pines a couple of times, it's a neat place. Especially if you're dragging kids around.

Thanks for the info. We are staying on the highways going out so we can get there faster. I also don't really like the driving part of the trip, I'm a little stressed out about all the elevations on this trip.

I was planning on 40 through NM, what is bad about it?