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BlackButte's avatar
BlackButte
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016

Phoenix to Seattle in January

Will tow 36 foot DRV fifth wheel thru Phoenix to Seattle via California this January. Any suggestions for routes would be greatly appreciated as well as considerations for passes we'll encounter.

The DRV is built for winter with good insulation, heated tanks and a generator. I'm aware unexpected delays can occur for days at any time in the mountains.

I have experience hauling a heavy truck camper thru snow but not pulling a heavy trailer.

Any helpful thoughts, comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Roads and Routes

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  • BlackButte's avatar
    BlackButte
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2016
    Thanks, Romore.

    Any suggestions about towing in freezing weather? We have a polar type package but how do you keep the pipes from freezing while your towing? My slides cover the floor vents for the furnace so I can't run that while I'm towing. Wouldn't think it would be a good idea to run the propane while towing either.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Nov 09, 2016
    We took I-10 to 210 to 5 then north, it is a heavy pull up the Grapevine. An alternative would be 138 but I don't know that road.
    This is likely the best route to avoid severe winter driving conditions. The only other spot of concern would be Siskayou Pass at the CA/OR border, it can get heavy snow so watch the road reports and be prepared to wait it out. Fog and rain the rest of the way to Seattle (blech)

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