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Just reading a couple of comments, i was impressed with the rudeness of some people making comments. Thank you for doing these videos, and i think you look fine and as young as ever. Keep up the good work! You are appreciated.
I drove over the road, too,for many years and I still have and use a CB. Just got back from a 7000 mile trip with our RV. Not much traffic on CB anymore!
I've been through the Smokey Mountains several times in a car/truck and those roads scare the you-know-what out of me. I would NEVER go on those roads with an RV or towing one. I totally agree about the traffic in Atlanta. I live about 40 miles south/west of Atlanta and hate, hate, hate anytime I have to go into or around or near Atlanta.
On the other hand, I love the Smoky Mountains. We stopped our car and went on a trail with snow on the ground. We lost the trail and got lost. Fortunately, we found the road and walked back up to our car. It was not a fun experience once we realized we were lost with no supplies and no food/water.
Death Valley is horrible! I live in Ca. and can attest! The 58 due to the grades and curves is not fun either! If on the 58 take your time!! Be patient on the grades!!
Get yourself a truckers Rand McNally atlas and stay off roads marked hazardous to big trucks to avoid any surprises while exploring in an RV, especially large rvs with a trailer. Roads in the trucker atlas are clearly color marked as safe or unsafe for big rigs. Also, garmin makes truck friendly gps units labeled as their DEZL models. These will keep you away from most big truck road hazards including low bridges and bridge weight capacities.
We have an rv gps and have had it miss some concerning areas that we found by google earth. We typically look for trucks to see if it's safe. Definitely a new tool to use!!
@@kathystephens1641 I found that the truck gps was not always accurate. I referred to my trucking atlas to confirm. Following trucks is not as reliable as you might hope. Many truckers these days have little or no experience. I’ve seen many trucks get into serious trouble from lack of experience or blind trust in faulty gps devices.
We have had a Class A, and tow behind and been to every state and camped in 49, mostly after a couple of retirements. There are places where it is best to plan ahead and unhook either the car in tow, or the camper and drive the tow vehicle. I have had some really close calls negotiating hairpin turns towing a long fifth wheel. My tow vehicle, a Ram 3500 passed getting to go on Going to the Sun Road by 1", and it was an interesting trip... Now in our 70s, we downsized to a Ram 1500 Limited and a 22' Micro Minnie camper and travel is much easier now.
I am so glad you posted this video! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I never would have thought about the down grades. I’ve driven 3 different Jeeps, an SUV and rice burner back and forth across the country. Yesterday, I literally just bought my first RV!
Some very good tips and information. We started RVing in 1988 and made the typical progression from popup trailers (3 of 'em) to travel trailers (28" and 26.5') to a MH (34') and last summer, downsized to a Winnebago Via (Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis). When it comes to comparing travel trailers, full sized motorhomes and narrower motorhomes, I found the 8 1/2' wide MH a source of a lot of white knuckle driving, primarily in construction zones or narrower 2 lane roads with little or no shoulder. We loved our MH for the space, but with advancing age, I decided it was time to downsize to something narrower. Driving a rig that is only 7 1/2 feet wide makes a HUGE difference and is very relative to many of the locations you mention. When planning routes, there is an advantage to having a narrower rig as well as one that is 11' tall or less. To the point....plan trips carefully and with consideration what type of rig you are driving. Failure to do so can have some very tragic or costly consequences. Great video!
Don't forget I-80 between Salt Lake City, UT and Wendover at the Bonneville Salt Flats on a windy day! Wind blows so hard that it has wind alert road signs. We were towing a GD 313RLTS 37' travel trailer across and were white knuckle the whole way. Saw trailers blown over and every other tractor trailer leaning and twisting to the broadside wind. No where to pull over or turn around. Just went slow and prayed!
If your camper/rv is big enough to worry about accessibility get a truckers road atlas . Also, if you have a GPS that can be adjusted for commercial vehicles, set it that way. Be aware of "bridge law". That means the distance between your king pin and rear axle, the further it is the wider you need to turn to clear your rear end going around curves or objects. I'm a trucker. Safe travels 🤗
I travel through the Mojave and between LA and Las Vegas, also over the Tehachapi Pass without issue, as long as I’ve checked the prevailing winds. LA traffic is surprisingly kind to RVers, at least to camper vans. I get myself in the slow lane with the Amazon delivery vans and the taco trucks. Anyone who wants to can pass me easily. Many people wave. Because who doesn’t like Amazon and tacos?
I’m a retired truck driver and yes I-10 Louisiana is terrible, had to travel the t a lot. Now we avoid that section as much as possible, and prefer alternate routes even if they are longer.
It's rather ignorant to take one person's opinion on what you do or don't do. The west has incredible natural sceneries that you will never find anywhere else.
Did the Teatons , Yellowstone in a snow storm , Smokey mnts ,and The Great Salt Lake desert. In a GMC Mitus motor home . I must have been young and fearless and my copilot was a big rig driver . I can literally say YES on the Moose in the Teatons . When the Rangers asked us were we were from during the snow storms ,we said Pennsylvania at lake Erie . They all said go right on ahead be careful. It was a great 2 weeks on the road 1st of May .
Back in the 60s, my family drove up Independence Pass with a Buick Wildcat hauling a 30ft. Boles Aero camper. There were signs forbidding those with camper trailers to go across the pass. My dad took it anyway. Literally, we could see the crumbling edges as we drove. We must have had a guardian angel watching over us. I was petrified. We did lose our brakes coming down but my dad was able to get us stopped. My mother was so mad at my dad.
Independence can be a beast under the best conditions and you never know what the weather will be on the other side of the pass. I have seen snow squalls there in August. You really want to get to Aspen from South Park you need to go up and around, not over the pass.
Interstate 10 in Louisiana does have areas of rough road surface as the summer time heat is hard on the roads. It is very flat though. Accidents on the elevated portions over the Atchafalaya basin and headed eastward into New Orleans can result in long delays. Do not cross the Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge anytime near rush hour. Better to cross the river further south in Donaldsonville or Lutcher. If you cross in Lutcher you can stop at Oak Alley plantation on the way (well worth it). If you do cross in Baton Rouge do it on the weekends, but not on Saturdays when there is an LSU home football game. New Orleans traffic is a bear. If you can use interstate 12 between Baton Rouge and Slidell. Safe travels!
We had a 32' and didn't bother with the tunnel into Zion. Coming from Bryce and not staying in the park, we drove Rte 14 W instead, to I-15. That was a great drive...
I built a small travel trailer (12' by 7') for my family of 4 and we can zip right through most of the places you mentioned. Years ago I remember driving I10 and it was like driving over ocean waves (up and down). Luckily it was my brother's turn to sleep (he didn't get any.
Hwy 58 from Bakersfield to I15 is the extremely safe for RV travel. It does have a steep grade but easy peasy! We lived in high desert for 30 years. I15 from Vegas isn’t bad either! Road conditions on I40 from Barstow through AZ is just as bad as I20 through LA and MS.
We ended up stuck on the 58 overnight when weather turned bad at the intersection on the 58 & 14. Lots of truckers at times can make the 58 a pain to travel. 15 to Las Vegas was mentioned due to the congestion at times. It can take hours at times to go 20 miles. Bothe highways just depend on the timing. I lived in the area for 60 years.
Totally agree. Going south out of CA, 58 is the only way we take with our fifth wheel. We found out it’s better then going up the grapevine. Also, we’ve found 58 quicker route.
@@larry-katebrenner8014 The timing can also be attributed to most roads and freeways through the entire country. CA58 is a very easy road to travel. For someone who lived there for 6o years I would have expected a more accurate opinion of the area.
@@jh748 Not sure what more you want. There on times when high winds or snow or heat (depending on your timing) can impact travel. We traveled in late March and experienced high wind closure. I’ve traveled the highway in summer (without the trailer) and experienced excessive heat. The road itself is very well maintained. So if you avoid the winds, heat and snow closures the road can be easy to travel. The other thing which can impact travel there are the number of trucks. Especially when going uphill pulling a 44Ft 5th wheel and the truckers are taking both lanes going 35-40 miles an hour.
We drove down into Death Valley in a mini school bus over 40 years ago with windows open and heater on high to get rid of the heat. We did not overheat the van bus. Enjoyed your video!
All the more reason to have a small rig. Have done several you mentioned without issue or being scared. That being said I was a bit nervous crossing the Mojave Desert. Didn't over heat , but was close. Just slowed down, watched the temp and turned off the A/C going up hill to keep from overheating,
My rig is real small. 2008 Tacoma 4x4 with a slide in utility body. I have a microwave/refrigerator behind the driver/passenger seats, 2k watt Honda generator, portable 110v A/C unit and a memory foam mattress in the back with a 2.5' "basement" below the bed platform. Additionally, I have a power bank that can recharged by a 12v socket, 110v mains if truck is on shore power or a 100watt solar panel.. Definitely not a family suitable rig, but great for 1 or 2 very friendly people that can go anywhere.
Don't forget about Custer state park. Needles highway US-87 South Dakota. I Saw larger vehicles backing down the hills. Some of the tunnels 1 car at a time.
I’ve traveled both of those hwys in CA with and without the rv. The winds are what get me every time. Think I’d be used to it since I now live in NM. But nope. Used to drive the grapevine and would hit close to 100 before starting the trip up. Be safe out there. Weather has been a bit crazy these days. Another good video!!
I will agree to disagree regarding Highway 58 between Bakersfield and Barstow. We run that all the time and have never a problem. We have a 26 foot Class A motorhome. Continuing the drive Barstow to Las Vegas on I-15 is also very easy. Just take your time and enjoy.
I've lived in my Toyota Dolphin for years (probably 7 years total). Back and forth across the country. Even lived 2 years with my adult son - working together. For me, a 20' rv, set up right, is much more enjoyable than the monsters many seem to want. I've driven most of your routes and had no problem going slowly.
My old uncle bob used to rv all over us mainly east kentuckt minnesota and arizona. He wheeled his big box winny all over east tucky and the roads are shitty no shoulders deep ditches or cliffs right off side of road. Lol back in the day he rolled up the flint branch.salyersville ky before the road was a rocky creek bed he drove right up there. The bend by the cliffs he barely made around corner but never scraped once.
Hwy 1 between Big Sue and San Simeon in California. Frequent switchbacks and oversized vehicles are just plain scary. You can see the beautiful scenery only if you are a passenger.
I’m sure you meant Big Sir😂 but besides the typo it’s good to note that quite often (currently 2024) the route has a closure preventing a thru drive. Winter is very rough on this highway with numerous slides and road washouts that take part or all of the following year to repair and then winter hits again….. What a view though!!
One of the most beautiful drives in the western US. I’m a big scaredy cat but I’d drive it anytime in an SUV, Northbound ONLY. And yes I’ve driven it myself and it was foggy that day.
I grew up in Silverton smack dab in the middle of 550. I learned to drive on it in snow storms. It's not a bad drive at all, semis go over it all the time. That said it is not a joke, you need to be on your game. Most deaths and accidents are in the winter. Keys are take it easy, pay attention, stay in your lane, and pull over when you have more than 5 cars behind you (you will have angry locals passing you, Winnebago is a derogatory term applied to all RV's.) Never go down hills in a higher gear than it took to climb it, use your engine to help keep your speed under control. Do not ride your brakes! Other than that it's exactly like a freeway, stay between the white and yellow lines and you have nothing to worry about.
I had to pull a cow wagon down 550 in Co. I’d rather not do that again, but it was definitely possible. The raging Californians were the worst part. I mentioned the ragers to the ranchers - they said they’ll continue ranching.
So when planning a trip it’s best if you use a paper map. I found that just using a IPad made things harder for me. Next time I’m going to remember my McNally Road Atlas/Map.
This is especially important in national parks like Death Valley were there is no signal, not even GPS, half the time. (I don't trust the "downloaded" maps feature either of most mapping systems, plus you need GPs anyway to make much sense of where you are and is no better than a paper map in those cases).
As to Teton Pass.... The local R.V ers use Hoback Junction and you can clearly miss going over the pass.... It is driveable in an R.V. but it is steep and you will have to use your lowest gearing or face possible overheating.... It is also hard on your brakes as you have to hold your rig back on the way down.... even with low gears you have to ride your brakes.... The locals and truckers just use hoback junction route...
Highway 14 in Colorado is one of my favorite roads in all of Colorado to camp along. The most scenic and now that Starlink is a thing I can get internet for my remote job. Lot's of small campgrounds along that route are big rig friendly. Dutch George has sites right up to some great trout fishing. I pull a 41ft 5th wheel and have no issues navigating this route. My 2018 Ram 3500 with 370HP and 800ft/lbs torque has no issues pulling these grades.
You should only go to Death Valley when the temperatures are moderate, winter! It isn't recommended to drive through Death Valley in the summer because of the heat, the lack of other people traveling, no cell phone coverage, etc. If you have a break down in the summer you could be stranded for many hours in 110+ heat! It isn't called death valley for no reason. We drove I10 and the vent in the Hot Water Heater door came off! Very rough Road!!
You might want to add some comments about RVing in Alaska. We have done it three times and are very careful about choosing our routes. There are a few excellent highways, but anything off those roads can be perilous and you should get RV books on Alaska and it's roads before even considering driving to there or doing extensive travel while you are there. Remember, you are not an Ice Road Trucker!
Hwy 550 in CO, from Durango to Silverton is steep but passable with an RV. We did so a couple years ago in a 36ft Class A gasser pulling a toad. But I would not recommend the portion from Silverton to Ouray, as it's even dangerous in a car, IMHO. Another place not recommended is the Moki Dugway on Hwy 261 Near Valley of the Gods in UT. It is scary in a car. One place we did take our motorhome, but I do not recommend, is the Lefthand Canyon DR. from Boulder to Ward, CO. It's full of steep blind hairpin turns making it virtually unpassable in a couple places unless you use both lanes - which is extremely dangerous around blind curves unless you send your toad ahead to block oncoming traffic.
I did a 6200 mile trip from Florida to Yellowstone back in 2022. We worked our way up to I-90 going through Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and eventually picking up I-90 in Murdo South Dakota. We stayed outside Rapid City in a nice KOA and took the time to see Mt Rushmore. We then stopped at Devil's Tower for a day before proceeding to Yellowstone. During our trip West, Yellowstone had flooding unlike anything in history and they had to close the Northern half of the park. We camped at Madison resort outside of West Yellowstone. A system of odd/even tag numbers was used to allow entry into Yellowstone and we were turned away on the 1st day we tried to enter the park. We took that opportunity to travel to the Tetons to scope out potential routes as Coulter Bay was our next Campground. The shortest route, due to the closure, was traversing Idaho South and then Highway 22 through Wilson Pass. My tow vehicle was a 2017 Ram 1500 with 185,000 miles on it and after negotiating that stretch of highway, we scoped out an alternative route for our return in 3 days with the 2018 Keystone Outback in tow. We ended up working our way to Alpine Idaho and then North on US 26 North into Jackson Hole and eventually the Tetons. It's a 6 degree grade and very scenic. Next we went to Zion and the North rim of the Grand Canyon before heading back. Thanks for the videos, they really help.
And just recently Teton Pass fell off the mountain. I have driven over that pass a bunch of times when I lived at Old Faithful, but never in a motorhome. I did do it ONE time in a VW WQEstfalia, up and down shifting between 1st and 2nd. Never did that again.
For us driving the million dollar hwy is a monthly summer drive for camping. We have pulled doubles over this pass many times. Just pay attention to your driving and not the scenery.
From what I can tell nobody with an RV is avoiding US 550 in the San Juans. The RV's add an hour to the Montrose to Durango leg in the summer. Most notably is an RV with thirty cars behind it going 15 in a 50. Especially after passing dozens of pull outs.
Come on, I drive the I 15 between Las Vegas and Orange County, California frequently and, yes, if you are foolish enough to travel north on a Friday or south on a Sunday, you deserve the traffic that you will face. However, if you are smart enough to make the drive south on Thursday or Saturday or for that matter, any day of the week but Sunday, it's a comparatively easy drive, and likewise, if you make the northbound trip on generally any day but Friday, it also is an easy trip. The only possible exception is on the north side of the Cajon Pass as there is currently highway construction going on which can affect both north and southbound to a minor degree.
I completely agree; any freeway in any state can be classified as not rv friendly on a particular day and time of the week. Most interstates in the country as perfectly fine for rvs as they are for semi truck commercial applications.
I drove our 36' Renegade RV while towing an 18' car trailer with our Toyota pickup on it on Wy. Hwy14 from I-90 to Cody, Wy, then through Yellowstone to the KOA outside West Yellowstone, Mont. It is a challenging drive, but doable if you're careful.
Been to Wyoming, Grand Tetons, Smoky Mountains, Custer State Park and many other states, but I always study the roads were going to take first to avoid the mountains with the highest grades. We live in AZ so been on many switchbacks and use to mountain driving.
When we go to the smoky mountains we camp in sevierville or Pigeon Forge so we don’t have to deal with driving through the mountains or the traffic. Some of those mountain roads are scary just driving our truck!
Awwww you gave our Jumping Flea Market a cameo in the beginning. I don't live in Cocoa anymore but like I said before, I wouldn't camp behind the Jumping Flea Market. This was an informative video. I should do one like this for where I live now.... Lima, Peru.
Not for ten million dollars would I ever want to drive from Montrose to Durango on 550 again! We went to Durango to take the train up to Silverton and back. We had the worst restaurant meal ever in Ouray. However, all in all, the trip was great and the train ride was the best ever. I've also driven on the other roads you mentioned and the "Going to the Sun" road was second to 550. I don't remember I-10 being in bad shape but that is because I traveled it over 40 years ago.
Especially avoid I-15 Vegas to LA on Sunday's when traffic is returning to Cali. Avoid I-15 LA to Vegas on Fridays when traffic is going to Vegas. Hwy 14A Lovell to Burgess Junction is 11% grade. It's steep but there are lots of moose. Hwy 14 Greybull to Burgess Junction isn't as steep and also has lots of wildlife such as moose, elk etc. Hwy 14 is not as steep and a very doable road so don't let it deter you. If you want to have less switchbacks then take Hwy 16 but you'll miss out on all the moose & possibly elk (Burgess Junction area probably has the densest population of moose than anywhere else in the lower 48). In fact, it's very boondocking friendly and not uncommon to have a cow and calf moose wonder through your camp. We've experienced several that were literally the length of your RV away. At night towards the fall season you can hear the elk bugling. Black Hills / Rushmore - Needles Highway Hwy 87. You won't fit and turning around is always a pain. Hwy 212 - Red Lodge, MT to Cook City, Mt (another route to YNP). Breathtaking scenery but lots of switchbacks. Hwy 18 - To Big Bear Lake California. Unlike other mountain roads with switch backs this road is not very wide. There is not much of a shoulder and if your towing a 40' RV behind you and you meet oncoming traffic you need to pay attention to the tail of your RV as it could hit the side of the mountain trying to stay in your lane. This might not be dangerous depending how you look at it but it was adventurous and sometimes humurous and I'm not even sure they allow RVs through Bear Country USA in the Black Hills but we towed our 40' toyhauler through there. Forgot to clean the Weber Q and had some other food in the basement. Made for some good entertainment as we had what seemed like every bear following us. I was actually concerned I was going to run over them with the toyhauler. Fortunately, they didn't break the basement door. Thanks for the info on the tunnel for Zion! Did not know that.l
I'm surprised you didn't mention US 129 in Tennessee between Maryville and Deal's Gap, aka The Tail Of The Dragon (318 curves in 11 miles). I really hate I-10/12 in Louisiana. I drove over the road big rigs for a few years and that was a often traveled road. I remember once going in to a scale, I hit a hole that literally bounced me out of my seat and I nearly hit my head on the roof. It was terrible. I've often said that Louisiana and Arkansas have the worst roads in the US. It really makes me appreciate the good roads in Tennessee! I pull a East to West Alta 2350KRK, overall length around 28 ft. The most scared I've been (so far) was going west on I-84 going into Pendleton, OR. Steep grades and sharp curves! And that was with a smaller trailer. I'm more experienced now, and I'm not hesitant to slow down.
We inadvertently took the Teton Pass road thinking we were avoiding rough roads in Yellowstone. We have an F150 and it struggled more than it has on any other route. 10%grade for 5-6 miles up and then 10% grade down.
Former full-timer -40ft pusher and a toad - Buy a Truckers' map from Hagstrom and use it. You'll be glad you did! If the 18 wheelers can then so can you. If they avoid it? Take the Toad and leave the big-rig at the r.v. park.
And the potholes. We used to drive hwy 99 instead of I-5. More towns, but the road was in better shape. Have you driven it lately? It's been a few years for us.
I regularly drove a 53 foot RV/tag along Jeep combo on the Cross Bronx Expressway and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in NYC. You don't know what dangerous is until you've experienced this. Every other place was a piece of cake compared to that nightmare.
Last year we travelled to Williams AZ from Orange County CA. Highway 40 from Kingman to Williams Arizona was terrible, full of potholes and bumps. My windshield popped out both sides and I had to tape it, not to lose it. I don't know if they have fixed it yet.
I lived in New Orleans for 50 years and I dread the thought of ever having to drive any type of vehicle on I-10 ever again. The road rage is also another factor.
I drove 40+years In a semi as an o/o..yep plan your rt and a 2nd or 3rd rt..be safe..yes I do own an rv..1997 dodge ram 2500 havey spk..with a slide on lance 900. 11.3
The million dollar highway in Colorado is called that because it cost 1 Million dollars to build it! Like anything else, pay attention to what you are doing when you drive over the Million Dollar Highway. It is a fabulous experience to drive this route! Like doing anything, common sense is anything BUT common!
Agreed some of your areas are tough, Atlanta and Chicago are a pita U=I've had no problem with most ateas out west. If you want nast try the Alkan. Top of the World and the Dempster Highway are really tough also.
I would say that the best option is to stay in areas designated for RVs (or at least vehicles, if you're car camping) as these places such as campgrounds tend to be much safer than random spots off the side of the road (I know many people like to try and camp overnight or stay in an RV in WalMart parking lots and I find that a bit scary to be honest, even though they are often watched by police and staff and they do let you stay there overnight in some cases, as well as other retail companies, but I'd just stay somewehre that's desginated for camping and/or RVs). Some hotels let you pay a fee to stay in their parking lot overnight which may also be an option (better than at WalMart probably).
Attestation tht louisiana interstate 10 is bad. Road conditions as well as major traffic in baton rouge and elevated section between baton rouge and lafayette. I sat for 4 hours because wreck on elevation.
Like your channel and information... However, not sure I can get on board with many of your choices here on this list. If your title and/or thumbnail had been "roads to be careful on" or "roads to be prepared for", then yeah, sure. However, your thumbnail said "Avoid at all costs" and your title said "The Most Dangerous Places to RV". I get the hyperbole needed to get clicks, but many of these roads do not even come close to "avoid at all costs" level of danger. Maybe Arizona State Highway 89 from Interstate 40 south to Sedona. That road actually SAYS no trucks or RVs. ...but the 58 near Tehachipi? I've driven this road dozens of times (east and west) in our full-profile fifth wheel with NO issues at all. The 15 between Barstow and Las Vegas? It may have a lot of traffic depending upon when you go, but "avoid at all costs"? No. Even the 550 "Million Dollar Highway" isn't really that bad. Semi-trucks are on it all the time. Unless you are prone to wandering outside the lanes, it isn't an issue. Death Valley? Maybe an issue in the heat of summer, but the rest of the year? Nah.... Interstate 10 in Lousiana? If we're just listing bad roads, then why not Interstate 40 from Flagstaff, AZ into New Mexico? Now, maybe something like "reconsider if you are not confident in your driving/towing skills", but doesn't have the impact of "Avoid at All Costs". I'm sorry to be over-critical, but I think this just lends to people being scared of certain roads and plays into people's fears. The information about Zion and Yellowstone, and maybe even the Tetons? Good stuff. Anyway, thanks for the video and what you bring to the RV community.
Agree, using hyperbole isn't helpful. The Oatman road (old US66) is the only one I'd recommend avoiding if your combination is longer than average. Even then it's doable if you're not squeamish about running on the outside shoulder on some of the hairpin turns.
We've been driving I10 through LA and TX during our winter tour for several years now. And while I agree with the frequently poor condition I have to add that maintenance and repair of I10 in LA and TX is poor primarily due to poor infrastructure management and getting repairs done in a timely fashion. Often we see very few people actually working on these road constructions sites, may be one person working, one supervising, and others watching the two pretending to work. It is pitiful.
We are heading to Washington UT from Dallas in the fall and I’ve been trying to see which route is better out of flagstaff 89 or 89A. We’re in a 2015 Newmar London Aire pulling our F150. Have you experienced that road yet?
Lol, the highway & shopping center at 9:40 mark of drone video, is actually in Jackson Michigan near the US 127 on ramp . . . Not Louisiana. Great information though.
We just went to New Orleans in with our camper. I can totally attest that I-10 is not an easy route. In fact most of the roads down there are not great, but especially not with a travel trailer in tow! I thought my poor mother in law was going to have a heart attack with the traffic thru New Orleans!
I 35 through Oklahoma city is terrible. Saw many RV's pulled over with blow outs stranded in very heavy traffic. Was in a Toyota tundra and many time i thought my wheels would fall off due to huge pot holes going on for miles and miles.
I have been thru the Zions tunnels with our 5th wheel, it was close, it can be done but I wouldn’t do it again. Icy roads in Idaho with semi trucks sliding off the highway all around us scariest RV trip ever.
I’m new to your channel, and I’ve watched to up to time stamp 2:27 and I can’t keep quiet; so why do you RV in a large class A if you’re afraid of normal traffic and terrain in our country? Those roads you mention do have their challenges but hey, that’s the fun of being on the road. If you’re fearful to drive the Million Dollar Highway, don’t! But why scare others from enjoying that scenic byway because you were afraid! Besides, why were you afraid, if you don’t drive off the cliff than you didn’t drive off the cliff, if you don’t have cancer than you’re one of the lucky ones. Point is enjoy your travels, face those challenges with some grit and common sense while driving; focus on your driving and watch out for the other guy and especially drive ahead of yourself, making sure you’re ready for any emergency. Know your driving limits and back up to about 80 % of that and relax! Enjoy! By the way I drove semi trucks and now my 40 ft. Fifth wheel through the San Juan’s in Colorado and I drove below my limit and well below the truck’s limit, but without fear because I was in control. Of course I agree that trip planning is most important, especially for larger rigs, such as the tunnel at Zion National Park and its time controls on access for tall RVs. God Bless and safe travels!!
Good video, but I don’t agree with your assessment of the Smokey’s or Grand Teton Pass. You do have to take precautions and drive carefully, but experienced rv’ers don’t need to be scared.
Funny you should mention the Teton pass. We took this pass on our first rv trip as brand new rv owners. I had pulled a lot of trailers, but it was the first trip with our 44 foot 5th wheel. We took it easy and did not rush.
I agree. I don't think the main roads in the GSMNP are any particular problem for RVs. The problem seems to be more about the drivers than the roads and that applies outside the park as well as in.
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Just reading a couple of comments, i was impressed with the rudeness of some people making comments. Thank you for doing these videos, and i think you look fine and as young as ever. Keep up the good work! You are appreciated.
I appreciate that!
People make terrible comments because they’re anonymous i drove otr for many years you should hear how they talk on the cb radio!
I drove over the road, too,for many years and I still have and use a CB. Just got back from a 7000 mile trip with our RV. Not much traffic on CB anymore!
😳
People are far more rude nowadays (thank to today's lying, corrupt GOP). However some podcasters are full of bs.
I've been through the Smokey Mountains several times in a car/truck and those roads scare the you-know-what out of me. I would NEVER go on those roads with an RV or towing one. I totally agree about the traffic in Atlanta. I live about 40 miles south/west of Atlanta and hate, hate, hate anytime I have to go into or around or near Atlanta.
I am two hours west of Atlanta, and I use the bypass ALWAYS.
On the other hand, I love the Smoky Mountains. We stopped our car and went on a trail with snow on the ground. We lost the trail and got lost. Fortunately, we found the road and walked back up to our car. It was not a fun experience once we realized we were lost with no supplies and no food/water.
@@bookbakery I use 285 by-pass the majority of the time, but OMG 285 has gotten almost worse than 75/85 through downtown. Traffic is just...ugh.
We wrecked our brake system in Death Valley. When they say stay off certain routes they aren't kidding.
Death Valley is horrible! I live in Ca. and can attest! The 58 due to the grades and curves is not fun either! If on the 58 take your time!! Be patient on the grades!!
I plan to stay east of the Mississippi Rvr. There is plenty to see on this side of the States.
You need to learn how to properly use your transmission rather than just ride your brakes.
@@andresmith9212 Yeah sure. You were there and you know the road, what I was pulling and how I drive eh?
Get yourself a truckers Rand McNally atlas and stay off roads marked hazardous to big trucks to avoid any surprises while exploring in an RV, especially large rvs with a trailer. Roads in the trucker atlas are clearly color marked as safe or unsafe for big rigs. Also, garmin makes truck friendly gps units labeled as their DEZL models. These will keep you away from most big truck road hazards including low bridges and bridge weight capacities.
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Or just use one of the RV apps that provide navigation for RVs.
We have an rv gps and have had it miss some concerning areas that we found by google earth. We typically look for trucks to see if it's safe. Definitely a new tool to use!!
@@kathystephens1641 I found that the truck gps was not always accurate. I referred to my trucking atlas to confirm. Following trucks is not as reliable as you might hope. Many truckers these days have little or no experience. I’ve seen many trucks get into serious trouble from lack of experience or blind trust in faulty gps devices.
We have had a Class A, and tow behind and been to every state and camped in 49, mostly after a couple of retirements. There are places where it is best to plan ahead and unhook either the car in tow, or the camper and drive the tow vehicle. I have had some really close calls negotiating hairpin turns towing a long fifth wheel. My tow vehicle, a Ram 3500 passed getting to go on Going to the Sun Road by 1", and it was an interesting trip... Now in our 70s, we downsized to a Ram 1500 Limited and a 22' Micro Minnie camper and travel is much easier now.
I am so glad you posted this video! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I never would have thought about the down grades. I’ve driven 3 different Jeeps, an SUV and rice burner back and forth across the country. Yesterday, I literally just bought my first RV!
Glad it was helpful!
Some very good tips and information. We started RVing in 1988 and made the typical progression from popup trailers (3 of 'em) to travel trailers (28" and 26.5') to a MH (34') and last summer, downsized to a Winnebago Via (Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis). When it comes to comparing travel trailers, full sized motorhomes and narrower motorhomes, I found the 8 1/2' wide MH a source of a lot of white knuckle driving, primarily in construction zones or narrower 2 lane roads with little or no shoulder. We loved our MH for the space, but with advancing age, I decided it was time to downsize to something narrower. Driving a rig that is only 7 1/2 feet wide makes a HUGE difference and is very relative to many of the locations you mention. When planning routes, there is an advantage to having a narrower rig as well as one that is 11' tall or less. To the point....plan trips carefully and with consideration what type of rig you are driving. Failure to do so can have some very tragic or costly consequences.
Great video!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experiences
Don't forget I-80 between Salt Lake City, UT and Wendover at the Bonneville Salt Flats on a windy day! Wind blows so hard that it has wind alert road signs. We were towing a GD 313RLTS 37' travel trailer across and were white knuckle the whole way. Saw trailers blown over and every other tractor trailer leaning and twisting to the broadside wind. No where to pull over or turn around. Just went slow and prayed!
If your camper/rv is big enough to worry about accessibility get a truckers road atlas . Also, if you have a GPS that can be adjusted for commercial vehicles, set it that way. Be aware of "bridge law". That means the distance between your king pin and rear axle, the further it is the wider you need to turn to clear your rear end going around curves or objects. I'm a trucker. Safe travels 🤗
Thanks for the info and for watching
I travel through the Mojave and between LA and Las Vegas, also over the Tehachapi Pass without issue, as long as I’ve checked the prevailing winds. LA traffic is surprisingly kind to RVers, at least to camper vans. I get myself in the slow lane with the Amazon delivery vans and the taco trucks. Anyone who wants to can pass me easily. Many people wave. Because who doesn’t like Amazon and tacos?
When I was a boy, over 60 years ago, Death Valley in an RV was wonderful - at Christmas! Otherwise, I appreciate the heads up given here!
I’m a retired truck driver and yes I-10 Louisiana is terrible, had to travel the t a lot. Now we avoid that section as much as possible, and prefer alternate routes even if they are longer.
Great insight to not-so-nice highways/roads for rv’rs!! Certainly will take note of them!!
Thanks!!
I travel from Beaumont tx to New Orleans a lot... as long as you take it easy and don't rush no matter what... you will be fine
Glad you showed me this because I have a feeling I won’t be going west or north very much!
It's rather ignorant to take one person's opinion on what you do or don't do. The west has incredible natural sceneries that you will never find anywhere else.
Did the Teatons , Yellowstone in a snow storm , Smokey mnts ,and The Great Salt Lake desert. In a GMC Mitus motor home . I must have been young and fearless and my copilot was a big rig driver . I can literally say YES on the Moose in the Teatons . When the Rangers asked us were we were from during the snow storms ,we said Pennsylvania at lake Erie . They all said go right on ahead be careful. It was a great 2 weeks on the road 1st of May .
Have driven three of those roads mentioned, glad I have the medium-size Ram Promaster - no problems!
Back in the 60s, my family drove up Independence Pass with a Buick Wildcat hauling a 30ft. Boles Aero camper. There were signs forbidding those with camper trailers to go across the pass. My dad took it anyway. Literally, we could see the crumbling edges as we drove. We must have had a guardian angel watching over us. I was petrified. We did lose our brakes coming down but my dad was able to get us stopped. My mother was so mad at my dad.
Independence can be a beast under the best conditions and you never know what the weather will be on the other side of the pass. I have seen snow squalls there in August. You really want to get to Aspen from South Park you need to go up and around, not over the pass.
Love you guys. This video has valuable content but I do wish you added the alternate routes for the dangerous roads… that have alternatives. ✌️
Interstate 10 in Louisiana does have areas of rough road surface as the summer time heat is hard on the roads. It is very flat though.
Accidents on the elevated portions over the Atchafalaya basin and headed eastward into New Orleans can result in long delays.
Do not cross the Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge anytime near rush hour. Better to cross the river further south in Donaldsonville or Lutcher. If you cross in Lutcher you can stop at Oak Alley plantation on the way (well worth it). If you do cross in Baton Rouge do it on the weekends, but not on Saturdays when there is an LSU home football game.
New Orleans traffic is a bear. If you can use interstate 12 between Baton Rouge and Slidell.
Safe travels!
We had a 32' and didn't bother with the tunnel into Zion. Coming from Bryce and not staying in the park, we drove Rte 14 W instead, to I-15. That was a great drive...
I built a small travel trailer (12' by 7') for my family of 4 and we can zip right through most of the places you mentioned.
Years ago I remember driving I10 and it was like driving over ocean waves (up and down). Luckily it was my brother's turn to sleep (he didn't get any.
Hwy 58 from Bakersfield to I15 is the extremely safe for RV travel. It does have a steep grade but easy peasy! We lived in high desert for 30 years. I15 from Vegas isn’t bad either! Road conditions on I40 from Barstow through AZ is just as bad as I20 through LA and MS.
We ended up stuck on the 58 overnight when weather turned bad at the intersection on the 58 & 14. Lots of truckers at times can make the 58 a pain to travel. 15 to Las Vegas was mentioned due to the congestion at times. It can take hours at times to go 20 miles. Bothe highways just depend on the timing. I lived in the area for 60 years.
Totally agree. Going south out of CA, 58 is the only way we take with our fifth wheel. We found out it’s better then going up the grapevine. Also, we’ve found 58 quicker route.
@@larry-katebrenner8014 The timing can also be attributed to most roads and freeways through the entire country. CA58 is a very easy road to travel. For someone who lived there for 6o years I would have expected a more accurate opinion of the area.
@@jh748 Not sure what more you want. There on times when high winds or snow or heat (depending on your timing) can impact travel. We traveled in late March and experienced high wind closure. I’ve traveled the highway in summer (without the trailer) and experienced excessive heat. The road itself is very well maintained. So if you avoid the winds, heat and snow closures the road can be easy to travel. The other thing which can impact travel there are the number of trucks. Especially when going uphill pulling a 44Ft 5th wheel and the truckers are taking both lanes going 35-40 miles an hour.
I just went through there with my Class B. It was fine
We drove down into Death Valley in a mini school bus over 40 years ago with windows open and heater on high to get rid of the heat. We did not overheat the van bus. Enjoyed your video!
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for the comment and for watching.
All the more reason to have a small rig. Have done several you mentioned without issue or being scared. That being said I was a bit nervous crossing the Mojave Desert. Didn't over heat , but was close. Just slowed down, watched the temp and turned off the A/C going up hill to keep from overheating,
My rig is real small. 2008 Tacoma 4x4 with a slide in utility body. I have a microwave/refrigerator behind the driver/passenger seats, 2k watt Honda generator, portable 110v A/C unit and a memory foam mattress in the back with a 2.5' "basement" below the bed platform. Additionally, I have a power bank that can recharged by a 12v socket, 110v mains if truck is on shore power or a 100watt solar panel.. Definitely not a family suitable rig, but great for 1 or 2 very friendly people that can go anywhere.
So....been at all of those Western places in a 33' class C flat towing a Jeep that aren'tclosed to that size. All were enjoyable drives.
Don't forget about Custer state park. Needles highway US-87 South Dakota. I Saw larger vehicles backing down the hills. Some of the tunnels 1 car at a time.
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this was extremely helpful.. im so glad i watched this
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching
I’ve traveled both of those hwys in CA with and without the rv. The winds are what get me every time. Think I’d be used to it since I now live in NM. But nope. Used to drive the grapevine and would hit close to 100 before starting the trip up. Be safe out there. Weather has been a bit crazy these days. Another good video!!
Thanks for the comment and for watching
I will agree to disagree regarding Highway 58 between Bakersfield and Barstow. We run that all the time and have never a problem. We have a 26 foot Class A motorhome. Continuing the drive Barstow to Las Vegas on I-15 is also very easy. Just take your time and enjoy.
Third video i've watched of them so far and seems like its a lot of complaining and negativity.
Thank you for the heads up.
I've lived in my Toyota Dolphin for years (probably 7 years total). Back and forth across the country. Even lived 2 years with my adult son - working together. For me, a 20' rv, set up right, is much more enjoyable than the monsters many seem to want. I've driven most of your routes and had no problem going slowly.
My old uncle bob used to rv all over us mainly east kentuckt minnesota and arizona. He wheeled his big box winny all over east tucky and the roads are shitty no shoulders deep ditches or cliffs right off side of road. Lol back in the day he rolled up the flint branch.salyersville ky before the road was a rocky creek bed he drove right up there. The bend by the cliffs he barely made around corner but never scraped once.
Hwy 1 between Big Sue and San Simeon in California. Frequent switchbacks and oversized vehicles are just plain scary. You can see the beautiful scenery only if you are a passenger.
I’m sure you meant Big Sir😂 but besides the typo it’s good to note that quite often (currently 2024) the route has a closure preventing a thru drive. Winter is very rough on this highway with numerous slides and road washouts that take part or all of the following year to repair and then winter hits again…..
What a view though!!
One of the most beautiful drives in the western US. I’m a big scaredy cat but I’d drive it anytime in an SUV, Northbound ONLY. And yes I’ve driven it myself and it was foggy that day.
You are so correct about I-10 in LA. It's been under construction since the 80's. I hate driving it in a car.
I grew up in Silverton smack dab in the middle of 550. I learned to drive on it in snow storms. It's not a bad drive at all, semis go over it all the time. That said it is not a joke, you need to be on your game. Most deaths and accidents are in the winter. Keys are take it easy, pay attention, stay in your lane, and pull over when you have more than 5 cars behind you (you will have angry locals passing you, Winnebago is a derogatory term applied to all RV's.) Never go down hills in a higher gear than it took to climb it, use your engine to help keep your speed under control. Do not ride your brakes! Other than that it's exactly like a freeway, stay between the white and yellow lines and you have nothing to worry about.
I had to pull a cow wagon down 550 in Co. I’d rather not do that again, but it was definitely possible. The raging Californians were the worst part. I mentioned the ragers to the ranchers - they said they’ll continue ranching.
So when planning a trip it’s best if you use a paper map. I found that just using a IPad made things harder for me. Next time I’m going to remember my McNally Road Atlas/Map.
@user-jl8yy5ir7s As a retired trucker my Rand McNally T.A. was always on the seat next to me, same today when travelling!
This is especially important in national parks like Death Valley were there is no signal, not even GPS, half the time. (I don't trust the "downloaded" maps feature either of most mapping systems, plus you need GPs anyway to make much sense of where you are and is no better than a paper map in those cases).
As to Teton Pass.... The local R.V ers use Hoback Junction and you can clearly miss going over the pass.... It is driveable in an R.V. but it is steep and you will have to use your lowest gearing or face possible overheating.... It is also hard on your brakes as you have to hold your rig back on the way down.... even with low gears you have to ride your brakes.... The locals and truckers just use hoback junction route...
Good to know, thanks for sharing
Highway 14 in Colorado is one of my favorite roads in all of Colorado to camp along. The most scenic and now that Starlink is a thing I can get internet for my remote job. Lot's of small campgrounds along that route are big rig friendly. Dutch George has sites right up to some great trout fishing. I pull a 41ft 5th wheel and have no issues navigating this route. My 2018 Ram 3500 with 370HP and 800ft/lbs torque has no issues pulling these grades.
You should only go to Death Valley when the temperatures are moderate, winter! It isn't recommended to drive through Death Valley in the summer because of the heat, the lack of other people traveling, no cell phone coverage, etc. If you have a break down in the summer you could be stranded for many hours in 110+ heat! It isn't called death valley for no reason.
We drove I10 and the vent in the Hot Water Heater door came off! Very rough Road!!
You might want to add some comments about RVing in Alaska. We have done it three times and are very careful about choosing our routes. There are a few excellent highways, but anything off those roads can be perilous and you should get RV books on Alaska and it's roads before even considering driving to there or doing extensive travel while you are there. Remember, you are not an Ice Road Trucker!
Hwy 550 in CO, from Durango to Silverton is steep but passable with an RV. We did so a couple years ago in a 36ft Class A gasser pulling a toad. But I would not recommend the portion from Silverton to Ouray, as it's even dangerous in a car, IMHO. Another place not recommended is the Moki Dugway on Hwy 261 Near Valley of the Gods in UT. It is scary in a car. One place we did take our motorhome, but I do not recommend, is the Lefthand Canyon DR. from Boulder to Ward, CO. It's full of steep blind hairpin turns making it virtually unpassable in a couple places unless you use both lanes - which is extremely dangerous around blind curves unless you send your toad ahead to block oncoming traffic.
I did a 6200 mile trip from Florida to Yellowstone back in 2022. We worked our way up to I-90 going through Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and eventually picking up I-90 in Murdo South Dakota. We stayed outside Rapid City in a nice KOA and took the time to see Mt Rushmore. We then stopped at Devil's Tower for a day before proceeding to Yellowstone.
During our trip West, Yellowstone had flooding unlike anything in history and they had to close the Northern half of the park. We camped at Madison resort outside of West Yellowstone. A system of odd/even tag numbers was used to allow entry into Yellowstone and we were turned away on the 1st day we tried to enter the park. We took that opportunity to travel to the Tetons to scope out potential routes as Coulter Bay was our next Campground. The shortest route, due to the closure, was traversing Idaho South and then Highway 22 through Wilson Pass.
My tow vehicle was a 2017 Ram 1500 with 185,000 miles on it and after negotiating that stretch of highway, we scoped out an alternative route for our return in 3 days with the 2018 Keystone Outback in tow. We ended up working our way to Alpine Idaho and then North on US 26 North into Jackson Hole and eventually the Tetons. It's a 6 degree grade and very scenic.
Next we went to Zion and the North rim of the Grand Canyon before heading back.
Thanks for the videos, they really help.
Sounds like an epic trip! Thanks for sharing and for watching
And just recently Teton Pass fell off the mountain. I have driven over that pass a bunch of times when I lived at Old Faithful, but never in a motorhome. I did do it ONE time in a VW WQEstfalia, up and down shifting between 1st and 2nd. Never did that again.
For us driving the million dollar hwy is a monthly summer drive for camping. We have pulled doubles over this pass many times. Just pay attention to your driving and not the scenery.
Highway 101 along the coast of OR. is something I'll never drive again, and I'm in a large van.
Thanks for your video
From what I can tell nobody with an RV is avoiding US 550 in the San Juans.
The RV's add an hour to the Montrose to Durango leg in the summer.
Most notably is an RV with thirty cars behind it going 15 in a 50. Especially after passing dozens of pull outs.
Another very scary highway is Route 66 between Oatman and kingman. It's called The Sidewinder there are 191 curves it's very narrow and very scary
We left the travel trailer at the campground and took that in our pickup and it was difficult.
Come on, I drive the I 15 between Las Vegas and Orange County, California frequently and, yes, if you are foolish enough to travel north on a Friday or south on a Sunday, you deserve the traffic that you will face. However, if you are smart enough to make the drive south on Thursday or Saturday or for that matter, any day of the week but Sunday, it's a comparatively easy drive, and likewise, if you make the northbound trip on generally any day but Friday, it also is an easy trip. The only possible exception is on the north side of the Cajon Pass as there is currently highway construction going on which can affect both north and southbound to a minor degree.
I completely agree; any freeway in any state can be classified as not rv friendly on a particular day and time of the week. Most interstates in the country as perfectly fine for rvs as they are for semi truck commercial applications.
This is an easy drive on a Sunday if you leave early in the morning and not wait till noon
I'm not sure how hwy 15 was classified as "dangerous". Traffic is an inconvenience.
I drove our 36' Renegade RV while towing an 18' car trailer with our Toyota pickup on it on Wy. Hwy14 from I-90 to Cody, Wy, then through Yellowstone to the KOA outside West Yellowstone, Mont. It is a challenging drive, but doable if you're careful.
I like my Subaru Forester for travel….pretty versatile especially when combined with Airbnb…RV parked permanently on a 400 acre resort.
Been to Wyoming, Grand Tetons, Smoky Mountains, Custer State Park and many other states, but I always study the roads were going to take first to avoid the mountains with the highest grades. We live in AZ so been on many switchbacks and use to mountain driving.
When we go to the smoky mountains we camp in sevierville or Pigeon Forge so we don’t have to deal with driving through the mountains or the traffic. Some of those mountain roads are scary just driving our truck!
Yes I -10 in LA is rough. I drove semi for 35 years and so have covered it many times.
Awwww you gave our Jumping Flea Market a cameo in the beginning. I don't live in Cocoa anymore but like I said before, I wouldn't camp behind the Jumping Flea Market. This was an informative video. I should do one like this for where I live now.... Lima, Peru.
Yeah, we did at 40 foot motorhome on I 10, to Louisiana scary. From Florida.
Great info. Thanks. Happy trails.
Not for ten million dollars would I ever want to drive from Montrose to Durango on 550 again! We went to Durango to take the train up to Silverton and back. We had the worst restaurant meal ever in Ouray. However, all in all, the trip was great and the train ride was the best ever. I've also driven on the other roads you mentioned and the "Going to the Sun" road was second to 550. I don't remember I-10 being in bad shape but that is because I traveled it over 40 years ago.
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
and I-40 near Kingman, AZ. Potholes so big, they will blow out your front end. If you're on a motorcycle, you'd be killed.
I'm a newbie at 61 (me and my dog), thanks for the great info.
Welcome to the RV world!
Especially avoid I-15 Vegas to LA on Sunday's when traffic is returning to Cali. Avoid I-15 LA to Vegas on Fridays when traffic is going to Vegas.
Hwy 14A Lovell to Burgess Junction is 11% grade. It's steep but there are lots of moose. Hwy 14 Greybull to Burgess Junction isn't as steep and also has lots of wildlife such as moose, elk etc. Hwy 14 is not as steep and a very doable road so don't let it deter you. If you want to have less switchbacks then take Hwy 16 but you'll miss out on all the moose & possibly elk (Burgess Junction area probably has the densest population of moose than anywhere else in the lower 48). In fact, it's very boondocking friendly and not uncommon to have a cow and calf moose wonder through your camp. We've experienced several that were literally the length of your RV away. At night towards the fall season you can hear the elk bugling.
Black Hills / Rushmore - Needles Highway Hwy 87. You won't fit and turning around is always a pain.
Hwy 212 - Red Lodge, MT to Cook City, Mt (another route to YNP). Breathtaking scenery but lots of switchbacks.
Hwy 18 - To Big Bear Lake California. Unlike other mountain roads with switch backs this road is not very wide. There is not much of a shoulder and if your towing a 40' RV behind you and you meet oncoming traffic you need to pay attention to the tail of your RV as it could hit the side of the mountain trying to stay in your lane.
This might not be dangerous depending how you look at it but it was adventurous and sometimes humurous and I'm not even sure they allow RVs through Bear Country USA in the Black Hills but we towed our 40' toyhauler through there. Forgot to clean the Weber Q and had some other food in the basement. Made for some good entertainment as we had what seemed like every bear following us. I was actually concerned I was going to run over them with the toyhauler. Fortunately, they didn't break the basement door.
Thanks for the info on the tunnel for Zion! Did not know that.l
Last year we almost got blown off the Francis Scott Key bridge and swore I'd never use it again. Well now I can't :(
I'm surprised you didn't mention US 129 in Tennessee between Maryville and Deal's Gap, aka The Tail Of The Dragon (318 curves in 11 miles).
I really hate I-10/12 in Louisiana. I drove over the road big rigs for a few years and that was a often traveled road. I remember once going in to a scale, I hit a hole that literally bounced me out of my seat and I nearly hit my head on the roof. It was terrible. I've often said that Louisiana and Arkansas have the worst roads in the US. It really makes me appreciate the good roads in Tennessee!
I pull a East to West Alta 2350KRK, overall length around 28 ft. The most scared I've been (so far) was going west on I-84 going into Pendleton, OR. Steep grades and sharp curves! And that was with a smaller trailer. I'm more experienced now, and I'm not hesitant to slow down.
We inadvertently took the Teton Pass road thinking we were avoiding rough roads in Yellowstone. We have an F150 and it struggled more than it has on any other route. 10%grade for 5-6 miles up and then 10% grade down.
Thank you for this wonderful video. God Bless and l love yall💕💕💕💕
Thanks for watching! 💙💙
We drove HWy 120 and Hwy 49 in California. From Yosemite to Sequoia. Wow 7% to 9% downgrades and plenty of tight turns
I am guessing that you may like CA-108, Sonora Pass, even less. All 3 roads have beautiful views.
You have so many useful videos
I've driven 58 in California many times in an 18wheeler and never had any problems.
Former full-timer -40ft pusher and a toad - Buy a Truckers' map from Hagstrom and use it. You'll be glad you did! If the 18 wheelers can then so can you. If they avoid it? Take the Toad and leave the big-rig at the r.v. park.
AND you're absolutely right about Louisiana route I-10. It's a nightmare. Go across Lousiana further north. Prettier safe and nicer.
These are good tips to know
Thank you!
My husband and I are snowbirds- we go through California every year. Tehachapi pass isn’t half as bad as I-5 with all the trucks going 80 mph
Totally agree. And the Tehachapis are beautiful.
And the potholes. We used to drive hwy 99 instead of I-5. More towns, but the road was in better shape. Have you driven it lately? It's been a few years for us.
I regularly drove a 53 foot RV/tag along Jeep combo on the Cross Bronx Expressway and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in NYC. You don't know what dangerous is until you've experienced this. Every other place was a piece of cake compared to that nightmare.
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Add all of northern NJ to that list.
Last year we travelled to Williams AZ from Orange County CA. Highway 40 from Kingman to Williams Arizona was terrible, full of potholes and bumps. My windshield popped out both sides and I had to tape it, not to lose it. I don't know if they have fixed it yet.
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The last two times we went through that area, there was a lot of construction in that area.
Stay off I 40
Did kingman to holbrook. Saw 1 broke axel and several flat tires. That road i will never travel again. My back still hurts lol
I lived in New Orleans for 50 years and I dread the thought of ever having to drive any type of vehicle on I-10 ever again. The road rage is also another factor.
If you're going to drive the Million Dollar Highway section of the 550, put down your cell phone. 😂
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I drove 40+years In a semi as an o/o..yep plan your rt and a 2nd or 3rd rt..be safe..yes I do own an rv..1997 dodge ram 2500 havey spk..with a slide on lance 900. 11.3
The million dollar highway in Colorado is called that because it cost 1 Million dollars to build it! Like anything else, pay attention to what you are doing when you drive over the Million Dollar Highway. It is a fabulous experience to drive this route! Like doing anything, common sense is anything BUT common!
Agreed some of your areas are tough, Atlanta and Chicago are a pita U=I've had no problem with most ateas out west. If you want nast try the Alkan. Top of the World and the Dempster Highway are really tough also.
I would say that the best option is to stay in areas designated for RVs (or at least vehicles, if you're car camping) as these places such as campgrounds tend to be much safer than random spots off the side of the road (I know many people like to try and camp overnight or stay in an RV in WalMart parking lots and I find that a bit scary to be honest, even though they are often watched by police and staff and they do let you stay there overnight in some cases, as well as other retail companies, but I'd just stay somewehre that's desginated for camping and/or RVs). Some hotels let you pay a fee to stay in their parking lot overnight which may also be an option (better than at WalMart probably).
Attestation tht louisiana interstate 10 is bad. Road conditions as well as major traffic in baton rouge and elevated section between baton rouge and lafayette. I sat for 4 hours because wreck on elevation.
really good info
Like your channel and information...
However, not sure I can get on board with many of your choices here on this list. If your title and/or thumbnail had been "roads to be careful on" or "roads to be prepared for", then yeah, sure. However, your thumbnail said "Avoid at all costs" and your title said "The Most Dangerous Places to RV". I get the hyperbole needed to get clicks, but many of these roads do not even come close to "avoid at all costs" level of danger.
Maybe Arizona State Highway 89 from Interstate 40 south to Sedona. That road actually SAYS no trucks or RVs.
...but the 58 near Tehachipi? I've driven this road dozens of times (east and west) in our full-profile fifth wheel with NO issues at all. The 15 between Barstow and Las Vegas? It may have a lot of traffic depending upon when you go, but "avoid at all costs"? No. Even the 550 "Million Dollar Highway" isn't really that bad. Semi-trucks are on it all the time. Unless you are prone to wandering outside the lanes, it isn't an issue. Death Valley? Maybe an issue in the heat of summer, but the rest of the year? Nah....
Interstate 10 in Lousiana? If we're just listing bad roads, then why not Interstate 40 from Flagstaff, AZ into New Mexico?
Now, maybe something like "reconsider if you are not confident in your driving/towing skills", but doesn't have the impact of "Avoid at All Costs". I'm sorry to be over-critical, but I think this just lends to people being scared of certain roads and plays into people's fears.
The information about Zion and Yellowstone, and maybe even the Tetons? Good stuff. Anyway, thanks for the video and what you bring to the RV community.
Agree, using hyperbole isn't helpful. The Oatman road (old US66) is the only one I'd recommend avoiding if your combination is longer than average. Even then it's doable if you're not squeamish about running on the outside shoulder on some of the hairpin turns.
Wow, I was going to buy a $500,000 RV and start our RV and until I saw this video now I think I’m just gonna stick with a tent
Disregard her if you know how to drive.💥💣🤣
Thank you 👍
O yeah, I 15! I am a Californian, and that stretch scares ME!
We've been driving I10 through LA and TX during our winter tour for several years now. And while I agree with the frequently poor condition I have to add that maintenance and repair of I10 in LA and TX is poor primarily due to poor infrastructure management and getting repairs done in a timely fashion. Often we see very few people actually working on these road constructions sites, may be one person working, one supervising, and others watching the two pretending to work. It is pitiful.
Have you ever stayed somewhere that you felt unsafe because of the area or surrounding.
That’s why RV have wheels - you can move if you feel unsafe.
Enjoyed the video.
Glad you enjoyed it
We are heading to Washington UT from Dallas in the fall and I’ve been trying to see which route is better out of flagstaff 89 or 89A. We’re in a 2015 Newmar London Aire pulling our F150. Have you experienced that road yet?
We did 89, there are some steep grades.
Stay on 89--much better overall. Go thru Page and see the dam and Lake Powell.
Lol, the highway & shopping center at 9:40 mark of drone video, is actually in Jackson Michigan near the US 127 on ramp . . . Not Louisiana.
Great information though.
. . . Also just noticed. That footage is old because that Sears store closed in 2018. Is now a Hobby Lobby.
We just went to New Orleans in with our camper. I can totally attest that I-10 is not an easy route. In fact most of the roads down there are not great, but especially not with a travel trailer in tow! I thought my poor mother in law was going to have a heart attack with the traffic thru New Orleans!
😳
I 35 through Oklahoma city is terrible.
Saw many RV's pulled over with blow outs stranded in very heavy traffic.
Was in a Toyota tundra and many time i thought my wheels would fall off due to huge pot holes going on for miles and miles.
great info
I have been thru the Zions tunnels with our 5th wheel, it was close, it can be done but I wouldn’t do it again. Icy roads in Idaho with semi trucks sliding off the highway all around us scariest RV trip ever.
CA Hwy 58 as dangerous? Credibility takes a hit. BTW, it is called Sand Canyon for a reason.
I’m new to your channel, and I’ve watched to up to time stamp 2:27 and I can’t keep quiet; so why do you RV in a large class A if you’re afraid of normal traffic and terrain in our country? Those roads you mention do have their challenges but hey, that’s the fun of being on the road. If you’re fearful to drive the Million Dollar Highway, don’t! But why scare others from enjoying that scenic byway because you were afraid! Besides, why were you afraid, if you don’t drive off the cliff than you didn’t drive off the cliff, if you don’t have cancer than you’re one of the lucky ones. Point is enjoy your travels, face those challenges with some grit and common sense while driving; focus on your driving and watch out for the other guy and especially drive ahead of yourself, making sure you’re ready for any emergency. Know your driving limits and back up to about 80 % of that and relax! Enjoy!
By the way I drove semi trucks and now my 40 ft. Fifth wheel through the San Juan’s in Colorado and I drove below my limit and well below the truck’s limit, but without fear because I was in control. Of course I agree that trip planning is most important, especially for larger rigs, such as the tunnel at Zion National Park and its time controls on access for tall RVs.
God Bless and safe travels!!
TOTALLY AGREE with I 10
Good video, but I don’t agree with your assessment of the Smokey’s or Grand Teton Pass. You do have to take precautions and drive carefully, but experienced rv’ers don’t need to be scared.
Funny you should mention the Teton pass. We took this pass on our first rv trip as brand new rv owners. I had pulled a lot of trailers, but it was the first trip with our 44 foot 5th wheel. We took it easy and did not rush.
I agree. I don't think the main roads in the GSMNP are any particular problem for RVs. The problem seems to be more about the drivers than the roads and that applies outside the park as well as in.