Route help to Mesa, AZ.

[TNFSolitude]

Looking for advice on a good route to Mesa, starting in Nashville, TN. I had figured to take I-40 all the way Flagstaff and go south on I-17 to Mesa. It's all expressway and I think, maybe, the best way through the mountains. Family advice suggested looking at I-40 to I-30 to I-20 to Tucson and coming north from there. Stated its much flatter, easier to pull the Solitude. Any thoughts from the experienced travellers? Thanks.

[kregli]

I40 probably has more trucks and West Texas doesn't have a lot to look at or many stopping points. If you take I40 look at turning left at Winslow, AZ and taking 87 through Payson down into Mesa. It's not all freeway, but a pretty good road, more scenic and shorter.

[TucsonJim]

If it were me, I'd stick with your original route if you want to remain on the interstate. It is 106 miles closer than the route your family proposed. There are some grades (up and down) to contend with, but unless you're seriously under powered, it's not a bad route.

[goldsp8]

I agree with Tucson Jim. You might watch the weather for Flagstaff. Not any serious up hills that I remember.

[Slowpoke Slim]

On the I-17 leg from Flagstaff to Phoenix, there is a fairly mean grade to climb on the south side of Camp Verde. It's long, and 8-10% iirc. Also dropping down into the valley floor north of Phoenix from Sunset Point can also be a handful. It's a long steep downhill with a bunch of 50 mph curves. Nothing you can't handle in a properly stable rig, but you will definitely need your full attention on the road.

Try not to make that leg of the trip on a Sunday afternoon. All the weekend warriors are coming back into the valley (Phoenix) at that time, and traffic gets pretty bad. Also, God forbid there is a wreck, traffic will be at a standstill for hours. I pulled many disabled and/or wrecked vehicles off of that leg when I used to run a wrecker. If you're going during the hot season, make sure your cooling system is fully up to snuff. That long pull up out of Camp Verde will find any flaws in your cooling system.

Last time I made the trip 2 years ago, I-40 was almost fully redone between Albuquerque, NM and Flagstaff, AZ, with only a few "bad" spots left.

[geb339]

Well said Sedona to Phoenix on a Sunday FORGET IT!! They drive insane will not ever do it again period!!!

[Scott and Jan]

We did I40 from Western AZ to Memphis, TN a few years ago. Worst part of the whole trip was Oklahoma City, that is the worst road I have ever towed on. I fully expected the overhead kitchen cabinets to be on the floor when we stopped.
The Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, Groom, TX is a great stop. You can't miss it, huge cross on side of road. Winslow, AZ was a fun little town, and we were lucky enough to be going through during the Albuqurqee Ballon Fest, definitely worth a visit. Lots to see out there. Enjoy!

[dchrist1733]

Just took Route 17from Flagstaff toMesa there are some 7% grades. They were each about five miles long not to bad. Exhaust brake on my truck worked fine. I like I40 more stops along the way. Was just at Flagstaff a few days ago weather was cool but no snow. Biggest issue was gusty winds at times. I pull A Solitude 369RL

[TNFSolitude]

Thanks everyone. I've mapped it out both ways and may be making a game day decision.