Need Driving Route Advice

[NautiDuck]

In two weeks the Admiral and I are driving from Eugene, Oregon to Iowa to pick up our new Catalina 250 Wing Keel. The boat and trailer are within the limits of our GMC Yukon and we have purchased an equalizer hitch and will take it slow. It looks like there are three major Interstates (94 northernmost, 90, and 80 southernmost) that cover a lot of the trip. 94 and 90 link up in Idaho, go north to Spokane, and then come south. 80 links with 84 in Utah and heads north. Looking at the map it seems to me that the 80/84 combination will have the lesser mountain terrain, wind, and the better trailering. What do you think? Has anyone done both of these routes?

 

[Ross]

Forty years ago I drove from the Dalles

to Kansas by way of Pendleton, Boise, Medicine Bow and Laramee and on into Nebraska. It wasn't a bad ride even then without the interstate highways. It is a long way across Wyoming and Nebraska

 

[Terry Cox]

I've used Mapquest before with good results...

The system tends to route you through interstate highways where you have good cell reception and access to lodging and other facilities. Terry

 

[Karl Jacobsen]

Iowa Trip

Randy:I moved to Whidbey Island from Tulsa, OK about 5 years ago. After 40+ years in Tulsa area I can say that I have driven most of the highway systems in that area.My job requires me to travel the 13 western states so I can address your questionwith experience on these roads.I agree with you on the 84 and 80 route.You will find that coming back the route will be demanding.Watch out for the WIND north of Salt Lake City until you get into the Pendleton, OR area.Some areas of this stretch of road can be rather exciting...but it is the WINDthat will test you!Remember that your Yukon has Overdrive and that is NOT what you want to be using going downhill...just my two cents worth.You should plan your stops early in the return trip to verify that all is wellwith your trailer & boat. You can't believe what I have seen in my 40 years oftravel. I actually saw a car come off the top of a transport carrier & those guysdo it for a living. You can also save gas by simply checking the air pressure each day in all your tires! Another thing I believe in is replacing the transmission fluid with a synthetic transmission fluid...it will pay dividends to you! I just sold my old Blazer with 165,000 miles and never, ever had a transmission issue!I would not make this trip without two spare trailer tires! Prepare for the worst & you will never be surprised.Good luck and enjoy the trip! Karl Jacobsen1973 Venture 224Whidbey Island, WA

 

[Benny]

Go to an RV place and get

yourself a copy of "Explore the Next Exit". It is a guide of facilities and services available at every Interstate stop. Food, gas, hospitals, lodging, etc. It allows you to plan your stops while you are on the road before you get there. Remember to inflate your trailer tires properly for proper heat dissipation and your Yukon tires after adding the hitch weight.

 

[Don-MT]

Read your Owners Manual!

Most GM vehicles ask that you do not pull a heavy trailer in overdrive so you may be stuck in 3rd. Also, I routinely travel I-90 and I-94 and prefer that East - West route over I-80. There are a few more hills but nothing too bad (plus way more scenic) and, as was mentioned earlier, wind will be less of an issue with a few exceptions. The Yellowstone River Valley here in Montana from Big Timer to Livingston can have high wind late in the day. I assume that your Yukon has a 5.7 liter which has plenty of onions to get the job done. Take your time. It’s the journey not the destination. Shine On!Don

 

[Pooka 3]

Take 80/84

Have driven both routes in 30 foot motorhome several times in last ten years. Highly recommend the 80/84 route this time of year and as Karl said watch the wind in the afternoon. I would add fill up the gas when your tank reaches below half - fuel consumption will be higher with trailer and there are usally a lot of construction delays this time of year. Have a great trip. Mike T.