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Mean1255 · 02-03-2014, 03:09 PM

Has anyone travelled north from Austin Texas (or close) north to the Des Moines, Iowa area? I am looking for a route that I can drive my 35' Diesel Pusher with Tow and not have to concern myself with steep climbs. This will be our first trip into the cold and possibly snow covered highways in this RV so want the best route possible. I was thinking of driving I 35 all the way north but not sure if all of the bigger cities have loops so I don't have to drive in congested traffic.

Any assistance will be appreciated.

Cooperhawk · 02-03-2014, 03:14 PM

We are planning the opposite trip from Minneapolis area to Austin in three weeks. I 35 seems the best way to me. Even if you take US69 and then US169 you still have to go through major cities.

Bring warm clothes.

homeless · 02-03-2014, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mean1255

Has anyone travelled north from Austin Texas (or close) north to the Des Moines, Iowa area? I am looking for a route that I can drive my 35' Diesel Pusher with Tow and not have to concern myself with steep climbs. This will be our first trip into the cold and possibly snow covered highways in this RV so want the best route possible. I was thinking of driving I 35 all the way north but not sure if all of the bigger cities have loops so I don't have to drive in congested traffic.

Any assistance will be appreciated.

opbart1 · 02-03-2014, 03:24 PM

I35 is your best bet, you do go thru Ft. Worth using 35E, OKC, KC along the way but unless at rush hour roll right through. Do take I435 loop around KC to MO side, I don't like going thru downtown myself.

opbart1 · 02-03-2014, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opbart1

I35 is your best bet, you do go thru Ft. Worth using 35E, OKC, KC along the way but unless at rush hour roll right through. Do take I435 loop around KC to MO side, I don't like going thru downtown myself.

. Correction for Ft. worth that is 35W

Dutch Star David · 02-03-2014, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mean1255

Has anyone travelled north from Austin Texas (or close) north to the Des Moines, Iowa area? I am looking for a route that I can drive my 35' Diesel Pusher with Tow and not have to concern myself with steep climbs. This will be our first trip into the cold and possibly snow covered highways in this RV so want the best route possible. I was thinking of driving I 35 all the way north but not sure if all of the bigger cities have loops so I don't have to drive in congested traffic.

Any assistance will be appreciated.

No steep climbs, except Ardmore (more like a long hill) mountains in southern OK on I-35, but expect congestion on I-35 W through Fort Worth. OK city has never been a problem for me and you can skirt Kansas City by taking IH 335 north at Emporia, KS to IH 70 East; then IH 435 around west and North side of KC. That will take back you South a bit to get back to I 35 North. Otherwise jump on I 29 North for a couple of miles; then take Highway 92 East to catch I 35 North. Take a look at your atlas to see what I'm saying. The weather would be much more of a consideration for me. But, if you have to go, you got to go.

If you are leaving from western part of Austin: When I leave from Miller Creek RV Resort (junction of 290 and 281 west of Austin), I take 281 north to IH 20 east to FM 51 north. Not 4 lane but avoids all of DFW traffic. Puts you on I 35 in Gainesville, TX-almost into OK.

skigramp · 02-03-2014, 09:48 PM

You could encounter some significant cold weather in February ... so make sure that you have warm travel clothes (there is quite a heat loss when the weather is cold and you are driving into a head wind)

Check the level of your LP tank regularly if you have an LP furnace ... it goes quickly in lower temps when the temp drops below the threshold for your heat pump