Forum Discussion

Chief_Bob's avatar
Chief_Bob
Explorer
Dec 05, 2014

Best Route: Midland to Waco, TX

As part of a 2,600 mile trip following the Texas A&M Singing Cadets Winter Tour, I will be pulling my 38' fifth wheel from Midland to Waco in mid January. Good Sam trip planner shows I-20 to Fort Worth and down I-35. Too much out of the way. I am planning to take I20 to Abilene and then take US84 to Waco. I was intriqued by taking Hwy. 158 through Ballinger but was afraid it was too small a highway and I would lose any advantage of the more direct route (saves about 40 miles).

Anyone traveled this way? Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Roads and Routes
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Dec 05, 2014
    I have not been on those roads. But when I consider a new route I have never been on I use google maps street view and take a virtual tour of the road(s). I don't look at the whole route, but take sample views of every 30-50 miles. Most Texas highways, even secondary ones, are usually pretty darn good roads.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2014
    Take 84W out of Midland to Waco.......roughly 5 1/2 hr drive.

    Rarely do we use Interstates unless no other route available.

    Secondary/backroads are great for traveling
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    Nothing wrong with the roads going through Ballinger. There's a good Mexican lunch place on the north side of the courthouse square there with daily specials.
  • 5thwheeleroldma's avatar
    5thwheeleroldma
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2014
    I've been thru there a lot. You won't save time, might save 3 or 4 gallons of diesel, but maybe not as you have to stop and start a lot going thru small towns. I always feel the chances of a bad wreck are more on those small country roads; local people pulling out without looking, etc. Scenic, though.

    Oh, people drive hours to eat at Underwoods BBQ on west side of Brownwood, tx. We used to, but feel it has declined in recent years. Good luck, Aggie '59. (Back before the horseless carriage!)

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