To Pheonix from Nashivlle, via OK or TX?

[Gennaver]

Hello all,

My plan was to take I-40 west from Nashville through OK onto AZ but, my dad is worried about snow in Flagstaff and asked me to please take I-10 through TX. It would add another 11 hours of driving though. I saw the weather reports and am more worried about TX flooding.

I abruptly launch into full time will RVing with my maiden voyage being a cross country move for work but, a stop to visit my folks near Phoenix on the way.

I leave on Tuesday the 19th, in the morning.

Thankfully I'm on OvernightRV, RV forums, GoodSam here and FiberglassRV. Y'all are a good touchstone!

Jen

[mileshuff]

87/260 are very nice scenic drives. Where in Phoenix are you headed? For Scottsdale/Mesa/East valley heading south from Payson on 87 would be the preferred route. If heading to West valley you'll want to take 87 to 260 to I-17 south instead.

87 has a few winding downhill stretches near Pine and strawberry towards Payson but not bad.

If heading to Mesa/East Valley Highway 377 south from Holbrook to 260 is a better option and faster. 377 is fairly straight and level. 260 drops from 7000' to 5000' at roughly 4-6% in some areas but is a very good wide road thats an easy drive. South of Payson 87 is 4 lane divided.

Currently skies are clear over AZ and roads snow free although I'd stick to daytime driving only as black ice can form during the night.

[Gennaver]

Thank you all so much!

I leave today, as soon as I load up. I was sidelined with some flu for the last two days and got held up. Today is drive out day. I'll check the weather and update my dad. I think I'd rather just drive west on 40 until prior to Flagstaff and head south on 87/260. I'm looking at a map now and don't see 25. Then again I haven't put my glasses on yet.

I ought to get moving, since I prefer to drive when the sun is out.

Thank you all. If I can figure out how to log in from my tablet I'll check in when I stop, (joined overnight RV and hope to find a safe overnight spot.)
Jen

[sdianel_-acct_c]

watch the weather and be flexible. Should be fine.

[padredw]

I 40 to Little Rock then I30 to DFW then I20 to I10 only adds about 100 miles

Exactly what I was thinking. Certainly no need to go down to Houston. Dallas/Fort Worth are relatively easy to go around on I-20--yes the main route, not a bypass.

I just towed this route last week, never slowed down. Sure, lot's of traffic, but it flowed right along.

[TyroneandGladys]

I 40 to Little Rock then I30 to DFW then I20 to I10 only adds about 100 miles. Keep in mind that I10 in southern Arizona can have ice at times also.
IMHO keep both routes open and then the day before you leave check the five day forecast along both routes and then make your decision.

[Nutinelse2do]

Flagstaff this week should be beautiful. Mid- high 40's during the day. No storms predicted. Should not be a problem. Zip down the I-17 from 40 and into Phoenix. Have a fun trip.

[W5CI]

I ran from Ark to Ca once a week across I-40 for 20 years before i retired and was only shut down a couple of times, You shouldnt have a problem. There are no major cities to go thru going I-40 either, if you go the souther route its crazy. good luck I-40 will be fine

[scrubjaysnest]

The southern route is less likely to interrupt your trip from weather.
of coarse just about any rain in Houston causes I-10 to flood.

[dahkota]

You can always follow 40 until the weather looks too bad and then head South. We made the opposite trip in the fall and ended up cutting North from Las Cruces through Roswell to Amarillo to 40 to avoid the flooding in Texas. If the snow is bad in the Flagstaff area, turn left at Albuquerque (Route 25) then head west on 10. If it isn't, continue on 40.