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sokal's avatar
sokal
Explorer
Sep 25, 2019

East Bound I40

We are moving from Ventura Ca to Nashville Tn. Oct 15 - Oct 21

I40 the whole way. We will be a 3 rig caravan MH with toad, Pick-up with enclosed trailer and a compact car.

My question is about grade % and length are there any passes of note. I have a young driver in the pick-up and would like to know ahead of time what is ahead. I have searched for web sites with this info but have not found any.

I welcome any helpful info about this trip. Planing on overnight in CG's each night.

Kingman AZ, Gallup NM, Amarillo TX, Sallisaw Ok, Yuma TN.

7 Replies

  • CFerguson wrote:


    And congratulations on moving to TN and giving yourself a raise (ie, lower taxes, more freedoms, etc).


    I sure hope so I have lived in So California for almost 60 years, the amount of work involved in this move is crazy.
  • Thank you everyone. I guess I couldn’t find any mountain pass info because there is not much there. I have spent to much time crossing the northern Rockies and the Sierras I’m gun shy.
  • Regardless of the route, you're going to hit slopes on any of the major interstates heading east. If it happens, just slow down, downshift, uses your hazard flashers or strobe and take it easy. Believe me, you will not be the only group encountering the hills and you won't be the only slower vehicles on hills.

    As for places to stay, just do your standard research and make sure you know if they are open if planning to wiz through and stop when needed. In parts of AZ, those higher elevation campgrounds may stop operating after October 1.

    The only issue you will have is weather. Last week it snowed in northern AZ and as you drove I-40 through Flagstaff, you were greeted with snow cap mountains. The weird weather patterns are making themselves known right now so heavy rain could pummel you for a brief period.

    Otherwise, enjoy the view.
  • While not recently, I have done that road a few times and don't remember anything bad at all. There will be construction Somewhere, and try to avoid the big cities during rush hour if possible.

    And congratulations on moving to TN and giving yourself a raise (ie, lower taxes, more freedoms, etc).
  • Ashfork to Williams is 5-6% grade uphill.
    May not be in the right spot for a stop but Williams is a very fun route 66 town. Several RV resorts there with our favorite Grand Canyon Railway RV. Could be a bit cold at night in late Oct. as the elevation is 7,000'.
  • There is a little short 2 mile 6% coming into Kingman some 5% to 6% East of Kingman 40 miles and then 5% or so in the Williams/Flagstaff area, some windy down hill stuff West of Albuquerque other than that there isnt anything to write home about
  • We have driven that route more than a few times. There are no real steep climbs or descents. You can check the Mountain Directory to get specific grade information for the entire route.