Best Route Albuquerque to Scottsdale

[Melbo]

I always seem to get good answers here when I ask about roads and routes.

So here is another question for the best route -- I'm planning I40 to Holbrook 377 to 277 to 260 and then 87 on in.

It is a December trip so if the northern weather turns bad I will go south and come up from Tucson but I was wondering if I would encounter any unpleasant driving conditions on the northern route if no snow is in the forecast.

Thanks

Melbo

[TexasBorderDude]

It's a few miles further, but go I-40 to Flag and down I-17 or side track to  Sedona and spend some big bucks!

[Eagle Andy]

Yes that is a nice trip, 87 is going to pop you out at fountain hills and theres the casino and a rv park not far from there.

[Melbo]

Thanks Andy

I think we will probably stop in Payson at the RV park there.

And cruise in the next day

Mellbo

[Eagle Andy]

Melbo, do you like your L10 and would you put another one in ? if you had a chance.

[luvrbus]

Pay close attention to the weather reports you can get into some deep $#!% in Dec on that route  I 40 to Flag I 17 if the weather moves in they keep 40 and 17 open most of the time lol once you reach Camp Verde it's shorts and tee shirts time

[twostick]

If you aren't familiar with I 17 from Flag south be advised it has some seriously long downgrades as in 5-7% for what will seem like forever. Almost 27 miles in total with one stretch 6% for 13 miles.

That hill has twice gotten my attention years ago when I ran trucks without Jake Brakes. The first time I misjudged it and came down too fast and smoked the brakes badly. Didn't run away but not being able to stop or slow down below 30 mph will definitely get your heart rate up.

The second time was a few years later and forearmed with the earlier experience, never took it out of the bottom side of the trans (15 spd Eaton), never went over 25 mph and STILL smoked the brakes, just not as badly.

Be careful.

Kevin

[Melbo]

If there is ANY chance of weather we will be going the southern route. Only an extra hour or so and little to no chance of hitting bad weather.

I love my L10 but you must remember I replaced a tired out 8V71 with a four speed manual with the L10 rated at 275 horse and an automatic.

Mike from Florida had his L10 set up for over 300 HP and has a 6 speed B500.

I won't win any races but I cruise about 60 - 65 and typically get over 7 mpg.

HTH

Melbo

[TomC]

I would go from Albuquerque directly south on 25 to Las Crusas then cut over to I-10. Then you don't have the climb to Flagstaff and then the big down hill into Phoenix. You'll burn less fuel and much less stressful. Good luck, TomC

[rip]

I agree with TomC,that climb out of Camp Verde is no picnic.

[luvrbus]

It's fun going down to Camp Verde though  both directions north and south let her roll

[Eagle Andy]

Just a FYI you will be runnin up some good hills leaving Payson before you get to the bottom AKA the desert floor. it's good highway. Be Safe