Cross Country Trip - Route Advice?

[Gull81]

Hey all,

I am going to be moving from SoCal to North Carolina in late June. Throwing the drive into google maps routes me through the i-40 and gives me a drive time of about 36 hours.

However, reading elsewhere I have heard that it may be best to consult the pros on tips for these types of drives. Anyone know if I-40 is the way to go, or whether the 36-hour estimate is correct? Doing the math I find it's about 2500 miles. 36 hours would be about 70mph - Which seems to me to be neglecting traffic and detours. I will be planning for about 40 hours, over 5 days.

Any advice appreciated!

 

[patkelly4370]

That's how I would go (OTR truck driver)

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[ProLee]

I would recommend taking the Las Vegas to Denver route, there is a lot of National Parks that you can visit on your way. Better scenery IMO...plus you can make a pit stop at the Grand Canyon, Zion, or any of the other National Parks. I've done the I-40 numerous times and it's got a couple of good spots but not as much as the I-70 route. Might as well take your time and enjoy your trip if you have the time.

Glad to here that your leaving this state also....I'll be leaving soon too.

 

[Gull81]

I would recommend taking the Las Vegas to Denver route, there is a lot of National Parks that you can visit on your way. Better scenery IMO...plus you can make a pit stop at the Grand Canyon, Zion, or any of the other National Parks. I've done the I-40 numerous times and it's got a couple of good spots but not as much as the I-70 route. Might as well take your time and enjoy your trip if you have the time.

Glad to here that your leaving this state also....I'll be leaving soon too.

I don't know if they are open due to COVID -19. I am going to be traveling with my dad, and I think he just wants to make good time, but I will look into that.

How long does the trip take in actuality?

 

[cb1111]

You can either do the I-40 route through Vegas and Oklahoma or the I-10 route through Dallas. Both are about 2600 miles depending on your start and end points.

How long it takes depends on many variables - when you get up in the morning and when you plan on knocking off at night.

You'll also want to figure in several rest stops.

Let's do a little calculation. Realistically, I'd calculate 50mph average speed although you may actually end up doing 65+ most of the time. One accident/work zone/detour and your average drops.

Also, realistically, you'll leave at 0800 and drive until 2200 - you need 8 hours of sleep, so with breakfast and whatnot, 10 hours of downtime equals 8 hours of sleep.

You'll need to figure in an hour for lunch and another hour for various gas/bathroom stops, so 12 hours of driving or about 600 miles per day.

2600/600 = about 4 and a half days.

One way to decide on the route is to check the weather forecasts along the way.

Remember that the 4R isn't the most comfy boulevard cruiser, so 12 hours behind the wheel may be a bit exhausting.

I'd also suggest planning for halfway decent hotel. Not only is security better (and you'll have stuff in your car) but it will be more comfortable. Also, plan in advance for where you are planning on stopping overnight. The last thing you want to do is end up in some dive that is the only dump within 500 miles.

 

[Oldmanb777]

Are you in a hurry, or do you want to enjoy the trip? Do you want to make a fun adventure out of it, and enjoy the sights along the way, or just get there. The interstates are for just getting there. There is more than a lifetime of neat stuff to see along the way, if you want to. Or just race blindly through on the interstates.