Tucson to Organ Pipe Routing

Question

A little late to ask, I know... We will be traveling from the Tucson area to Organ Pipe Nat'l Monument tomorrow. Our RV GPS wants to route us via I-10 to I-8 west which is somewhat north of where we are to AZ-85 south, a trip of some 197 miles, 3 1/2 hours. Google maps on the other hand picks a route that takes us a little south to AZ-86 west instead of I-10/ I-8 This latter routing is about 162 miles and 3 hours, a significant savings of time and distance. I should note that the driving times given are roughly the same for either route according to our Garmin RV GPS. However, Google maps offers a shorter time taking the easy 86 route.

My question is if the 86 route is OK for us towing our 34' fifth wheel with our diesel dually. I have no reason to believe it would not be. Has anybody driven AZ-86?

Thanks.

roy_lynne · Answer

We plan to do that in reverse and we are going on 85. It looks perfectly flat but desolate. I think the reason your being routed to the freeway  those things are programmed to go to the nearest freeway

akrv · Answer

Az 86 is OK road for you narrow in some spots and no shoulders 10 ft lanes. Stay to the speed limits .

itsyrv · Answer

Wow, you really need a new GPS if it routed you via I-10 and not even I-8! The I-10 to I-8 to 85 is the smoothest route best suited for Big RV's.

Taking 86 is fine so long as you realize it' a smaller two lane desert road that isn't glass smooth. There's slow traffic in areas (rural Native American communities) but otherwise, a fairly straight route. Whatever you do, don't speed especially in areas where children are around! Although Border Patrol respected the Native American community's no stationary checkpoint, you are subject to an inspection like a traffic stop.

But, you really need to get a new GPS; I-10 and not even I-8 geezzzz.

russontheroad · Answer

ItsyRV wrote:Wow, you really need a new GPS if it routed you via I-10 and not even I-8!  The I-10 to I-8 to 85 is the smoothest route best suited for Big RV's.Taking 86 is fine so long as you realize it' a smaller two lane desert road that isn't glass smooth.  There's slow traffic in areas (rural Native American communities) but otherwise, a fairly straight route. Whatever you do, don't speed especially in areas where children are around!   Although Border Patrol respected the Native American community's no stationary checkpoint, you are subject to an inspection like a traffic stop.But, you really need to get a new GPS; I-10 and not even I-8 geezzzz.I errored when making my original post. I omitted the fact that my Garman GPS routed me to I-8 from I-10.  My apologies. I have edited my original post to more accurately reflect the routings.

doxiemom11 · Answer

We took 86 from Why AZ to Tucson area with our 36' towing.  Absolutely no problem at all.  A refreshing drive without all the traffic.  No steep inclines/declines.  Pavement in decent condition.  We traveled at 55mph most of the way.

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