Diving from Phoenix to Flagstaff

ph007 · 07-20-2023, 02:53 PM

Driving a RT 210 from Phoenix to Flagstaff. The dealer said it is the best way to I40. We will be heading from there to Michigan. Wondering about road conditions and this big elevation increase. Will probably need to stop along the way. Any info on this road will be appreciated. Only driven in mountains once many years ago and didn't like it then. Part of being a "flat lander" I guess.

Bangorbob · 07-20-2023, 03:21 PM

Take hwy 17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Where are starting from in Michigan? Any reason to take I 40? I40 in a lot a places are rougher than a corn cob.

N147JK · 07-20-2023, 03:48 PM

You will want to shake the fear of mountains. A lot of the best camping in the nation requires driving in mountainous terrain. Regardless, Phoenix to Flagstaff is a paved highway that's safe and easy to drive.

ph007 · 07-20-2023, 03:51 PM

Phoenix is our starting point.

mkguitar · 07-20-2023, 05:10 PM

Interstate 17- try not to be on it on a Friday aft due to traffic.

yes a climb in elevation- which means cooler temps after the first 45 minutes.

Take the time to see Sedona, a slight detour but you only live once.

From Sedona you can take 89 to Flagstaff, yes it's twisty but if you don't like twists and turns you'll never leave your driveway

From Flagstaff, I40 East will get you through AZ NM TX and into OK where you will likely start to move North to MI on I44
This will be hot, expect temps over 100º
Make sure your tires are good and less than 6 years old or they will pop. You will see plenty of tire carcasses on the road, try to avoid hitting

The widebody 210 will drive like a uhaul.
Control your speed to remain stable on the road- and get better mpg. 60 ~65 will be a lot less stressful that trying to drive 70~75. trucks will blow past you, a reason to consider finding a secondary 2 lane highway

Our trip last year we took I40 to Tucumcari and then 54 and 64 into Kansas and made our way across MO crossing at Hanibal and then I72/I74

W9TR · 07-20-2023, 05:40 PM

Since you are headed east consider taking 89 on the east side of town up through Payson hitting I-40 @ Winslow. Or take 260 out of Payson heading further East and hitting I-40 at Holbrook.

MsNomer · 07-20-2023, 07:54 PM

We live in OK. I refuse to drive I-40 and 44 is almost as bad. Trucking nightmare, besides the poor road conditions caused by the trucks. Lesser roads are much more enjoyable and safer.

ph007 · 07-21-2023, 03:07 AM

We plan on getting off I-40 at Tucumcari and head Northeasterly. I believe the tires are dated 19.

GallenH · 07-21-2023, 04:54 AM

Our yearly route from Phoenix to Minnesota. 89 to Payson. 260 out of Payson, up the rim (4 lanes, use left lane if you feel uncomfortable with heights for the last bit going up). keep on 260 to Heber. take 277 to Holbrook (watch for turn off of 277 to 377. Once at Holbrook you intersect with I40. we keep going until we are almost to Albuquerque and stop at Route66 Casino. Has campground with full hookups. Pricey but you might need AC. Next day head out east on I40 to Tucumcari where we start the angle NE on HW54.

mumkin · 07-21-2023, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ph007

We plan on getting off I-40 at Tucumcari and head Northeasterly. I believe the tires are dated 19.

Going to MN from Phoenix area, I head through Payson to Holbrook. Yes, it is a climb, but the only way to avoid most of that is to head south through Tucson which adds lots of miles. If your 'new' rig has tow/haul, definitely use it in the mountains. From Holbrook, I also get off at Tucumcari and head up through Guymon, OK. I always stay at a great little campground there called the Corral... just before you enter the city. You can't miss the fact it used to be an outdoor theater. They showed films up until a couple years ago when their projector finally died and it was too expensive to replace. Big roomy spaces...

From Guymon, I head to Concordia, Kansas, which has a nice little treed city park with hook-ups and a dump site just below the airport... and across from the WalMart. No office... just pay what you think it deserves and drop in the box.

Then I head up to SD, but you need to go more easterly. I no longer go far in a day and with the heat, you may also not want to push things.

GallenH · 07-21-2023, 08:22 PM

Yes. It's called Corral Drive In RV Park. We've stayed there 3x. Also in Kansas off of the 54 Mead State Park. Big spots, very tall trees, lake. We've been there 2x.

TX-Trek · 07-22-2023, 07:16 PM

I'm sorry, I may have missed the year if your 210. But as noted, if you've got the LS drive train with the 6 speed, taking it out of drive into manual mode can be a lifesaver.
Our last trip was TX-NM-AZ-UT-WY-SD-NB-CO-NM-TX and we had more than our fair share of 5-10%+ grades. Being able to control up and especially down made it so much better, yet still took great care.
But the real mention here is to ensure your transmission has adequate cooling and that you change fluid and filter after such a trip. The clutches will take a beating and heat can still be an issue. Strongly recommend an external cooler. On ours, I had changed trans fluid/filter about 10k mikes before the trip. After the trip when I dropped the pan, there was a significant amount of debris in there. Fluid wasn't burned and the unit shifted fine, but it's cheap insurance to change that out. I apply similar mindset to engine oil/filter.
And while you're at it, don't forget about the rear axle fluid. Use a high quality synth fluid - its lugging a lot of weight around. Be aware of your axle requirements regarding weight and if an additive is or is not needed.

ph007 · 07-24-2023, 01:31 AM

This model is a 2006 Rt 210p and I believe they came with a 4 speed tranny

Jim86301 · 07-27-2023, 05:08 PM

The route from Phoenix to Payson is 87, not 89.

UKDude · 07-27-2023, 07:32 PM

I live in Sedona and drive between Flagstaff and Phoenix regularly…….

When you realize how hot it is in Phoenix, you’ll know you have to drive north to get away from the heat. Nighttime temperatures lately have not dropped below 90, so stopping overnight is miserable.

But I recommend you drive through Sedona to take a look, then continue up Oak Creek Canyon (89A) to Flagstaff; it’s very pretty, but try to avoid the weekends; there’s a steep switchback but I do it regularly in my 19,000lb vehicle!

The I-40 is full of potholes, so look at the map for a route that takes you in a northerly direction.

Top up with fuel often, gas stations are few and far apart in some locations.

Hatteras Jim · 07-27-2023, 09:29 PM

You should "Take it Easy" and stand on a corner in Winslow, Az on your way home.

Jim86301 · 07-27-2023, 10:17 PM

We drove I17 to Flagstaff from Cordes Junction and then I40 to Holbrook two weeks ago; the road surface was in good condition on I40, not so much on I17. Be aware that there is heavy construction on I17 between Anthem and Sunset Point to widen the road to three lanes. The road is often closed at night for blasting; check with ADOT.

prostar · 07-29-2023, 01:31 PM

I have driven this highway many times and it's a great road well maintained and the scenery is wonderful.

Dogman · 08-01-2023, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ph007

Driving a RT 210 from Phoenix to Flagstaff. The dealer said it is the best way to I40. We will be heading from there to Michigan. Wondering about road conditions and this big elevation increase. Will probably need to stop along the way. Any info on this road will be appreciated. Only driven in mountains once many years ago and didn't like it then. Part of being a "flat lander" I guess.

First, I would suggest you check out https://www.flattestroute.com As this site is used by Bicyclist who travel long distances and camp along the roadways. Also take a look at https://www.RvXplor.us/ as this has a lot of check list and tips on the road recipes if you like to cook? as well as 300-Class B owners TIPS, tricks and much more. Enjoy be safe, and don't rush it.

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