Arizona/New Mexico in the winter--lots of questions!
My significant other is retiring this fall and he plans to spend several weeks in Arizona during January-February. I will travel out with him and then fly back to work since I am not retired yet. I will have 3 weeks off for the trip.
We will be towing a 21' travel trailer with a GM pickup. This is not a new combo to us, it travels well.
We plan to leave from Tennessee mid-January.
Our tentative plan is that we will travel from Tennessee, taking I-40 to Flagstaff, then head south. An alternative route is I-30 & I-10 to Las Cruces, NM.
First question: are we going to be able to find places to stay along either one of these routes??? I know the weather is highly variable, but all we need is about 4 good days to make it to Flagstaff or Las Cruces.
Second question: If we have heat on in the trailer all evening and night, will the water lines be OK in temps down in the 20's, while traveling during the day? Can we run the propane furnace for some inside heat while driving?
Next: I would love to spend some time in New Mexico. I may never have a chance to get out there again. Are campgrounds open that time of year? We prefer city/state/federal campgrounds, but will use commercial parks if needed. We would like to go as far north as Santa Fe.
Another: Just how cold is it really in NM in the winter? We don't mind moderate cold, really. The main thing we want in the winter is SUNSHINE.
I've seen & bookmarked lots of great posts about things to do in NM & AZ. Just wondering how many of these places will be open in January in NM or northern Arizona.
In Arizona, we would like to go as far north as the Grand Canyon, then loop down through Flagstaff and Phoenix to Tucson, where we would sit in the sun for a while. :D
Again, the concern is winter temps and water supply, and a place to stay.
We have 2xTrojan T-105 batteries, so can run the furnace as needed. Generally we prefer electric service so we can use an electric space heater as needed and conserve propane, but we can go several days without electric, as long as there is a decent place to shower and conserve gray tank space.
All input and help appreciated!
We will be towing a 21' travel trailer with a GM pickup. This is not a new combo to us, it travels well.
We plan to leave from Tennessee mid-January.
Our tentative plan is that we will travel from Tennessee, taking I-40 to Flagstaff, then head south. An alternative route is I-30 & I-10 to Las Cruces, NM.
First question: are we going to be able to find places to stay along either one of these routes??? I know the weather is highly variable, but all we need is about 4 good days to make it to Flagstaff or Las Cruces.
Second question: If we have heat on in the trailer all evening and night, will the water lines be OK in temps down in the 20's, while traveling during the day? Can we run the propane furnace for some inside heat while driving?
Next: I would love to spend some time in New Mexico. I may never have a chance to get out there again. Are campgrounds open that time of year? We prefer city/state/federal campgrounds, but will use commercial parks if needed. We would like to go as far north as Santa Fe.
Another: Just how cold is it really in NM in the winter? We don't mind moderate cold, really. The main thing we want in the winter is SUNSHINE.
I've seen & bookmarked lots of great posts about things to do in NM & AZ. Just wondering how many of these places will be open in January in NM or northern Arizona.
In Arizona, we would like to go as far north as the Grand Canyon, then loop down through Flagstaff and Phoenix to Tucson, where we would sit in the sun for a while. :D
Again, the concern is winter temps and water supply, and a place to stay.
We have 2xTrojan T-105 batteries, so can run the furnace as needed. Generally we prefer electric service so we can use an electric space heater as needed and conserve propane, but we can go several days without electric, as long as there is a decent place to shower and conserve gray tank space.
All input and help appreciated!
