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UVATubaMom's avatar
UVATubaMom
Explorer
Jun 28, 2018

2nd trip w/ TT, Jax FL to Bitterroot MT... several questions

I am pulling out Friday afternoon heading for MT, 2576 miles. This will be my 2nd trip, my 1st was 3 months ago Richmond VA to Jax FL. Yes, I realize this is a haul and a big bite to chew, but I am determined to get there. My Great-Uncle is 85 and I want to record his family stories before he is gone, he is the last of his generation.

I am planning to "Walmart" it all the way across as I plan to only stop long enough to eat and sleep. I have a list of items that I need from Walmart so that I can buy a small something at each one that I stop at. ;) I found a website that lists Walmart's that allow stopping and I have created a list to stop at as I get tired. Any other tips?

Big question is what route to take from Omaha NE to Billings MT. Should I drive up to Sioux Falls and across or cut diagonally across NE?

One last question is why my Awning doesn't roll in all the way? It is out about an half inch to an inch at the top. My TT is a 2018 Coachmen Coleman 21 RD.

Thanks
Tuba Mom

6 Replies

  • CharlesinGA's avatar
    CharlesinGA
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2018
    RRinNFla wrote:
    Nebraska highway 2 does something of a NW to SE diagonal and goes through the surprisingly scenic Sand Hill region. However, you won't see a Walmart, but state forests and parks may be an option.


    Edit, I see I'm late to the party, you are probably nearly there by now. Hope this helps someone else who reads it however.

    I've driven NE highway 2 from Nebraska City to Alliance. Its a good road and MIGHT shave some time, certainly some miles. Nebraska Nat Forest at Halsey is a good stop as it is about a quarter mile off the highway to the campground, it is cheap, has many sites with power, and the best, cleanest restroom/shower building I've ever run into. $11 a night and worth it to take a long hot shower and get a decent break from driving.

    Otherwise, yes, go up to Sioux Falls and head west on I-90

    Charles
  • RRinNFla's avatar
    RRinNFla
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2018
    Nebraska highway 2 does something of a NW to SE diagonal and goes through the surprisingly scenic Sand Hill region. However, you won't see a Walmart, but state forests and parks may be an option.
  • Keithk3628's avatar
    Keithk3628
    Explorer
    Jun 29, 2018
    Is the awning manual or electric is my first question.

    And seeing in your profile the TT is a 2018 might the dealer explain or fix this as it is probably under warranty
  • mat60's avatar
    mat60
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2018
    I was hoping someone would help him with his Awning because Im having a bit of a problem with mine.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Jun 28, 2018
    Why not just google/Mapquest/etc the shortest route?
    Avoid cities during rush hours , no different than driving a car.
    You don’t have to limit yourself to Walmarts for overnights. Lots of other places to stop too. Cabelas and Cracker Barrel are a couple. Bet Bass Pro allowsas well. And I’ve used rest stops for the night across I 90 multiple times. Only place I’ve been hassled about overnighting in a rest area was in the Midwest. And even that may have changed now with the new trucker driving laws.
  • BarabooBob's avatar
    BarabooBob
    Explorer III
    Jun 28, 2018
    I have traveled through Nebraska several times and have not found diagonal roads to anywhere. You will have to go north and then west or west and then north. Highway 212 goes diagonally across Montana but it will not save your many miles versus taking I90.
    Personally though, I prefer the two lane roads instead of the I with its 80 mph speed limit.

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