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NC to Southern AZ

mkane
Explorer
Explorer
I have three routes to choose from: 1) I-40 to I-30 to I-20 to I-10, 2) I-85 to Atlanta then I-20 to I-10, I-85 to I-65 to I-10.
Routes #1 I have to go through Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis, Little Rock, Dallas, and El Paso. Route #2 through Atlanta, Birmingham, Jackson, Dallas, and El Paso. Route #3 through Atlanta, Montgomery, Mobile, Houston, San Antonio, And El Paso.
Last time I was across I-20 between Birmingham and Atlanta it was rough as a cob. Same way with I-10 through Louisiana.
I am driving a 40' MH with a toad and any current road info would be appreciated.
9 REPLIES 9

Allworth
Explorer II
Explorer II
We have not used I-20 across Mississippi and Louisiana for a couple of years now, but it used to be really rough on the trailer. Profile like ocean waves and that set up a harmonic bouncing that was really bad. Then you would hit a bad pavement joint that would knock your teeth loose.

We now stay on 10 until West of Slidel and cut up through Alexandria to the Texas border.

From NC you don't want to drop that far South, but you might want to see what you can come up with to avoid that stretch.
Formerly posting as "littleblackdog"
Martha, Allen, & Blackjack
2006 Chevy 3500 D/A LB SRW, RVND 7710
Previously: 2008 Titanium 30E35SA. Currently no trailer due to age & mobility problems. Very sad!
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mkane
Explorer
Explorer
Departing Asheville area Nov 1 bound for Sierra Vista, AZ. Going to take the I-40-30-20-10 route.

lizzie
Explorer
Explorer
We nearly always go west from NC and I-40 is our favorite route. I agree with 2gypsies about winter travel, get on I-10 as soon as possible. We still encountered snow in Van Horn TX one year. lizzie

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Explorer III
When are you planning this trip? If it's in Dec/Jan, I'd drop down to I-10 as soon as possible. I-40 can be treacherous during snowstorms. I-40 was completely closed the end of April one year.
Full-Timed for 16 Years
.... Back in S&B Again
Traveled 8 yr in a 40' 2004 Newmar Dutch Star Motorhome
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

Dennis_M_M
Explorer
Explorer
If you decide on I-40 all the way across drop south from Amarillo on I-27, than take US 60 into New Mexico, then US 70 across the state. Good four lane with virtually no traffic all the way to Las Cruces. Then drop a couple of miles down I-25 to I-10 and into Arizona.

When we go that way we stop at Trailer Village in Roswell, nice folks and a nice little park. Then we stop at Fort Wilcox RV Park. which makes for a short hop into Tucson the next day.

There is also a self serv car wash in Ft Wilcox that has a big bay that can handle the truck and fiver.
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Hank85713
Explorer
Explorer
I would take 40 all the way to AZ. The last big mess we had was in memphis but that was summer before last. Probably still there but not that big a hassle. Once in AZ depends on where in baja you plan to go. East LA or the Baja AZ? If bound and determined head south out of albuquerqe on 25 to hatch and over to 10 or take some scenic down eastern az from 40. Some hills to pull but you should not have problems see MHs on them all time. Big thing is where do you want to get to?

mfox20
Explorer
Explorer
I run from Fort Worth to Bristol TN and Asheville NC once a year in my 36ft HR Endeavor. I have done both the North and South routes several times and prefer I-40 and I-30. Maybe a few miles further but I like the scenery better. Just returned 3 weeks ago and the both interstates are good with very little construction.

As Golfcart said the I-20 route can be boring. Done that one a couple of times but have been using the I-40/I-30 route for the last 5-6 years.

Let me know if you need any campground info along 40/30.
Michael

2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor Gasser
2013 Honda CR-V Toad

Golfcart
Explorer
Explorer
Every time i go out to north carolina(From Fort Worth, Texas) I take I30 to 40 through TN. Its more miles than taking I20 but its a much prettier drive.

Ive done the south route once and was bored out of my !@#%ing mind. And yea, the roads are pretty bad.
2009 Sun Valley Road Runner 16ft
2010 Chevy Silverado 1500

USAFBILL
Explorer
Explorer
I always run I-20 when I am making that run after trying the other listed routes. Dallas is very easy and Houston is a nightmare IMO
2003 Cougar 285EFS
2000 Chev 2500 Ex Cab