New Mexico Routing

[exportman]

I drive a 32-foot motor home and have a toad. I have 2 questions about whether the roads are OK for me given my RV size.

1) From Artesia to Alamagordo is hwy 82 OK and not too narrow?
2) How about Roswell to San Antonio on hwy 70 to 380? Are the roads narrow or mountainous through Capitan?

Thanks so much

[eubank]

All depends on your destination thereafter. A few weeks ago, I was seeking route from down in west Texas to just south of Albuquerque. Because the traffic on I10 is so bad after I20 joins it, I chose to go up through Carlsbad, Artesia, Capitan, Carrizozo, San Antonio.

The New Mexico part of the trip was not a problem. Yes, somewhat narrow at spots, but nothing I couldn't do with our motorhome.

What was a problem was in Texas: Pecos via US285 to the border is a total mess.

😞
Lynn

[2gypsies1]

As Second Chance stated... that little section between Cloudcroft and Alamogordo is the only iffy issue you'd have with all the highways you mentioned. Depending exactly where you want to end up at, you'd have options rather that 82 through this section.

Coming from east to west through Cloudcroft you'll have 6-7% downhill for 16 miles. It's a 4300' drop in elevation. It has curves and two run-away truck ramp. I'd advise routing yourself another way, if possible.

[exportman]

Thank you for the prompt response, Second Chance. Exactly what I was looking for.

[Second_Chance]

82 through Cloudcroft involves a tunnel or two and some decent grades. Some folks opt for 380/70 through Ruidoso, instead (as I would with my fifth wheel). Unless you want to end up as far north as San Antonio, you're still fine on 70 from Alamogordo to Las Cruces. You may be a bit slow going up Organ Pass, but lots of folks do it all the time.

Rob (native southern New Mexican)