Southwest trip

jhabb wrote:
Our family is headed west in June. We are going from PA to the southwest. Driving via I-70 to Utah, to Arches, Canyonlands, 4 Corners, Monument Valley, then Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce, Salt Lake City then up to Yellowstone National Park. (Getting a long trip in before our oldest goes off to college.) My question is has anyone done this type of trip with a 2014 F150 5.0 L truck and a 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 254DSX camper or something similar? How was the trip with this type of set up - any issues with canyon roads or making it over mountains with this trailer and tow vehicle? Any roads or areas that we should be concerned about hauling our trailer?

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Use for Guidance This Photo Album just helps with whats out there.

Photo Documentation of One Couple's trip to the SouthWest and RockiesJust a great TRIP with Greater PICTURES.

First you will have no problem with your rig - when you have reservations just SLOW DOWN. You are from PA. and the roads out west are easy as are the mountains, IMHO, if you drive it here you can drive it anywhere.

With the Kids you might want to just skip Vegas, the desert SouthWest is HOT an Vegas will really not add much but will burn days that can be used in more exciting locations.

2gypsies wrote:
You'll find every kind and size RVs and trucks touring the West. You may not climb hills fast but you'll get there.

How long do you have for this trip? You have 10 major parks listed (also include Grand Teton Nat'l Park which is right next to Yellowstone). Staying at least 3 days at each park is 30 days. Then there's 4 or more days to drive out and back...that's 38 days. You'll want to stop at more places along the way that you'll see... possibly up to 40 days by now. Do you have the time?

Let's get into the meat of your trip - I-70 to Utah - you do know that 70 goes through the heart of COLORADO! You have left out a state that offers more smiles and fun per mile than most - might just suggest if the kids are the focus of the monumental effort then this state has a lot to offer, especially for the KIDs - Lakes - Rivers - Mountains - Cool Beautiful Weather!

Just one more link on Colorado and surrounds Maybe I'm just giving you too much info but let me sum things up.

Utah in the Summer is HOT!!!! really HOT, so keep that in mind, Kids LOVE water so plan around it. The West is really BIG - so it takes time to get to places - State Parks are GREAT - Even if you only get to see a location, you have a good set up and you can/will come back - almost every location has it's secretes - Ask Locals for Info - make sure everyone has BOOTs - really good boots so they can explore and enjoy - CAMERA - Memory - and take lots - small works because you will always have it.

I could go on and on but this is your Adventure - It will be GREAT,

BOL,

agesilaus wrote:
I doubt you'll have any problems, we hauled a TT with our F150 5.4 L all over the area that you are going to with no problems at all. Of course we've upgraded now. But you should be fine.

One comment: unless you really want to see the four corners, which is really a paved fenced in area with an entry fee, I'd skip it. It's out of the way too.

you beat me to it. and the marked location is off by a bit anyhow.
bumpy

You'll find every kind and size RVs and trucks touring the West. You may not climb hills fast but you'll get there.

How long do you have for this trip? You have 10 major parks listed (also include Grand Teton Nat'l Park which is right next to Yellowstone). Staying at least 3 days at each park is 30 days. Then there's 4 or more days to drive out and back...that's 38 days. You'll want to stop at more places along the way that you'll see... possibly up to 40 days by now. Do you have the time?

I agree with all the above .......

No problem

Skip the Four Corners for sure - use the time someplace worthwhile

We made a similar trip in our 2003 F-250 5.4l in 2011. You have more power and less weight, I'll bet. We had a great time. Going to do it again in 2017. We were towing a 25' Terry tt. You'll have a great time.

Make campground reservations at Grand Canyon, Zion and Yellowstone National Parks now. You shouldn't have any problems driving in the mountains. And I totally agree with skipping Four Corners.

I doubt you'll have any problems, we hauled a TT with our F150 5.4 L all over the area that you are going to with no problems at all. Of course we've upgraded now. But you should be fine.

One comment: unless you really want to see the four corners, which is really a paved fenced in area with an entry fee, I'd skip it. It's out of the way too.