Forum Discussion

hotjag1's avatar
hotjag1
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2014

Any problems heading east on I-90 to I-15 south

We will be heading to AZ in about a week and usually we take the most direct route, taking I-84 through Oregon continuing further south through Boise, ID, onto Twin Falls into Nevada.

We would like to take a different route this year and head east on I-90 through part of Montana and turn south on I-15 just before Butte. We would continue on 15 all the way to Vegas.

We have been on I-90 to Missoula, so I know about the passes east of CD'A, and can maintain about 48 to 50 mph on those grades.

My question is...Are there any grades steeper than that between Missoula and Butte. Also, what kind of grades will I encounter on I-15 through Idaho? Steeper than the ones on I-90?

Do I need to be concerned with snow or ice this time of year?

We are in a 40' MH pulling a 22' enclosed trailer weighing almost $10,000 lbs and overall length of 65'.

Thanks for any information about what to expect in weather and grade percentage.
Class A

9 Replies

  • hotjag1's avatar
    hotjag1
    Explorer II
    Oct 13, 2014
    Since no one said anything about steep grades on I15 through Montana, I am assuming that there are no significant elevation changes.

    I went through SLC about 7 years ago, and it wasn't that bad. It must have really increased in traffic since then. I will try and go through there in late morning, or after 8 pm. I don't mind driving in the dark if it means avoiding a lot of traffic.

    Also glad to know that the washout in Moapa valley has been repaired.

    Thanks to everyone for the replies. Much appreciated.
  • BigSkyBob's avatar
    BigSkyBob
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2014
    1SG wrote:
    I-15 got hit hard by the heavy rains a month or so ago and parts of it in Nevada got washed out, from what I understand. There are detours which add many miles to the trip. I would check on the current condition of I-15 through Nevada.

    Paul

    The section of I15 through Moapa Valley, NV that was washed out has been repaired and is in good condition. I always take I15 from Helena, MT through SLC to Vegas and can say it's not as bad as some folks indicate. I always go through the Ogden/SLC/Provo section of I15, which is about 70 miles, on Sunday and never had an issue with heavy traffic. This year I went through that section on a Saturday with no issues with heavy traffic. Any detours around SLC will add significant miles to your trip.
  • PF_PM's avatar
    PF_PM
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2014
    Go through Salt Lake on off hours or on the weekend to minimize the traffic you will have to deal with otherwise..
  • mockturtle's avatar
    mockturtle
    Explorer II
    Oct 13, 2014
    bluwtr49 wrote:
    I avoid SLC like the plaque, 100 miles of traffic.
    X2
  • 1SG's avatar
    1SG
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2014
    I-15 got hit hard by the heavy rains a month or so ago and parts of it in Nevada got washed out, from what I understand. There are detours which add many miles to the trip. I would check on the current condition of I-15 through Nevada.

    Paul
  • Harvard's avatar
    Harvard
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2014
    The only draw back I see on your I15 route is the 2 hours of heavy traffic through SLC. The I15 passes south of Butte are tame compared to those north of Butte.
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2014
    hotjag1 wrote:
    We will be heading to AZ in about a week and usually we take the most direct route, taking I-84 through Oregon continuing further south through Boise, ID, onto Twin Falls into Nevada.

    We would like to take a different route this year and head east on I-90 through part of Montana and turn south on I-15 just before Butte. We would continue on 15 all the way to Vegas.

    We have been on I-90 to Missoula, so I know about the passes east of CD'A, and can maintain about 48 to 50 mph on those grades.

    My question is...Are there any grades steeper than that between Missoula and Butte. Also, what kind of grades will I encounter on I-15 through Idaho? Steeper than the ones on I-90?

    Do I need to be concerned with snow or ice this time of year?

    We are in a 40' MH pulling a 22' enclosed trailer weighing almost $10,000 lbs and overall length of 65'.

    Thanks for any information about what to expect in weather and grade percentage.


    Do weather and go when you can.

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