I'm more 'cautious' about Austin than Dallas for traffic problems/ congestion and delays.
Though having lived in the Dallas area for close to 27 years before we went full-time, I'm comfortable with Dallas traffic even while towing. And know dozens of ways to get off the freeway and get through almost any part of the city.
That's why I recommend US-77 vice I-35, and US-79 toward I-20 or I-30. Cutting north on US-69 at Jacksonville or going as far east as Henderson and US-259.
No need to cut back to Waco. TX-31 is a good road - I usually drive it a couple times a year from Waco to Shreveport.
