California here I come

[Boogie]

I just bought a 2012 3400rl 34 foot long. I pull it with a 2013 Ford f250 4x4 crew cab diesel. I’m pulling it from Conway, Arkansas to San Luis Obispo, California. I’m leaving on 1-21-2023. Considering the weather, places to fuel, eat and hotels to spend the nights, what is me best route to travel?

[Carl n Susan]

I think I-10 is the best route this time of year. There are lots of fuel options and RV spots along the way. Once you reach CA, there are optional routes to SLO beside I-10 to I-5 to Hwy-166.

[Joint Venture II]

I agree, having driven much of I10 in the past month from Mobile, AL to Deming, NM the fuel stops are plenty, some great RV parks and for the most part roads are good. Presently parked in Dream Catchers RV Park in Deming for the weekend and full hookups in a drive thru were $31 a night and a nice clean large park. Any roads north of I10 risk icy roads and snow.

[Boogie]

Thanks for the information. I’m a first timer.

[DadsHemi]

Yup…ditto on the I-10 Route this time of year. No shortage of places to stay and fuel.

[BB_TX]

I would look at the weather forecast just before you leave. I-40 is good if no winter storms are in the forecast across OK, TX panhandle, and points west. Or I-30/I-20/I-10 will be good if no winter storms forecast for north and west Texas. Otherwise you may need to drop straight down to I-10 and follow the southern route. Even then check the forecast. Snow and ice is highly unpredictable in Texas. It is not uncommon to have snow/ice south of the DFW area or in the Texas hill country and nothing in north Texas. Great thing about Texas is that it doesn’t last long. 70’s one day, 20’s with snow/ice the next day, and two days later back in the 70’s.

[Boogie]

Good to know this information. I do have a friend that is going to travel with me, and then fly back. It might be best to go I10.

[Lee-CI]

In addition to all the above, if you do happen to consider the northern route be cognizant of the winds across western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle while on I-40. No matter whether the winds are out of the north OR the south, crosswinds can be brutal through that area.

[Boogie]

I haven’t even considered the wind. Thanks for the heads up!

[C&P RV]

Originally Posted by Lee-CI

In addition to all the above, if you do happen to consider the northern route be cognizant of the winds across western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle while on I-40. No matter whether the winds are out of the north OR the south, crosswinds can be brutal through that area.

Same goes for I-20 & I-10 from Abilene, TX until you get into Cali. Stay current with the local weather as you hit the road each day. One thing about driving through the desert is you get ZERO tells from trees and grass. Mesquite doesn't move much in the wind.

[Boogie]

Man, I appreciate all the excellent knowledge and information on my first experience towing a Montana.

[Boogie]

I appreciate all the knowledge and experience in the replies I have received!