Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-26-2020, 10:39 AM   #1
4 Rivet Member
 
2021 28' International
Knoxville , Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 379
Best Route From TN to CO

I’m wondering if anyone has advice regarding the route from East TN to CO, specifically if the route differs when towing a trailer, as opposed to a pleasure trip by automobile.

We have a trip planned in September and can always make adjustments if necessary.
Gibson3798 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 06:42 AM   #2
4 Rivet Member
 
2021 28' International
Knoxville , Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 379
Crickets.......
Gibson3798 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 07:14 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
Rich W's Avatar

 
2006 23' Safari SE
I'm In , Kentucky
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,251
Images: 5
I've gone from Lexington, KY to Portland, OR a couple of times. First time just in the Sienna but the second time I pulled our 23' AS. We went out I-64 to St. Louis, then picked up I-70 Kansas City. From there we went north on I-29 to catch I-80 and go through Wyoming. There were some steep hills but we didn't have any problems. Our speed dropped to 50 a couple of times (from 65-70). Depending where in Colorado you're going you could take I-70 (center to south) or I-80 (northern CO).

One piece of advice, always make sure you have enough fuel, especially late in the day. We almost got stuck once but found a station where the pumps stayed open. We also had to pay a premium price for fuel in Wyoming because we let it get down below a quarter tank and they were the only station around for quite a ways. When you have only a third of a tank, start looking, sooner if it's close to sundown or on a Sunday.
__________________
-Rich
Rich & Yvonne
2006 Safari SE -Dora-
2004 4Runner SE 4.7L V8
Rich W is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 07:17 AM   #4
2020 Globetrotter 25 FBT
 
GettinAway's Avatar
 
2020 25' Globetrotter
Wildwood , Missouri
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,670
Well, I’ve not made the trip from TN, but we’ve camped in CO many times. There’s lots to consider. In Sept you’re still going to run into hot weather. Are you hauling a generator that can run your AC? If so, I’d work my way up to highway 50, and take it across KS. I-70 might be less time, but it’s all big trucks and traffic. But I’ve been in Dodge City KS in Sept and it was 107*. I opted for a hotel vs camping. We just came back from WY, and we circled all the way up to MT to come back east. 60s at night makes for better sleeping. Are you retired so you can take your time? Or are you trying to squeeze a nice vacation in to 5 days off? Hope you catch the aspen trees turning in Sept. Hard to beat.
__________________
2020 25GT FBT
2012 Toyota Tundra Dbl Cab, 5.7 4x4

Previous AS trailers: (04) 19’ Bambi, and (11) FC 23FB
GettinAway is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 09:11 AM   #5
3 Rivet Member
 
2019 19' Flying Cloud
2006 16' International CCD
Front Range , CO
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 128
I just pulled from Sikeston. 60 through the Ozarks, 44 Springfield to Joplin, 400 to Dodge City. 400 goes straight through to Pueblo. Very pleasant trip with minimal construction. This may not be the "fastest" way, but I avoid major interstates and large cities whenever possible. Good luck.
trailerpup is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 09:38 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Mollysdad's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 8,117
Blog Entries: 1
I've made the drive from Florida to Colorado many times.
I wanted to get there, not sniff the flowers, so here was my route.
Chattanooga (I-24) through Nashville and on to Paducah. In Illinois, you nip the corner of the state, pick up I-55, and then I-64 west to St. Louis. Take the north bypass around St. Louis, going straight through is twisty and narrow around the bridge and arch. I-255N to I-270. (Be careful here, I can't tell you how many times I fell for the sign reading "To I-70, KC" and ended up back on the downtown bridge.) Out near the airport take Hwy 370 and cut off more traffic.
I-70 W to KC, take the bypass north. I-435, then cut across on hwy 152 (feels like an interstate) to pick up I-435 S, then I-70 W again. ( at this intersection there's a huge Cabela's/Bass Pro shop if it fits your schedule. It's in the Nascar track)
Last fall, there was bridge construction on I-435 and the detour sent you south, just follow any detours, I tried to be be creative and ran in circles.
I'm not sure where you want to end up in Co, but I-70 takes you most places. You can decide in Limon if you want to go south.
You'll hit a toll section between KC and Lawrence, Ks. I think it's about $2.50.
Last time I went through, the roads were good except the urban areas are terrible. Another reason to take the bypasses.
Mollysdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 09:53 AM   #7
Rivet Master
 
mpsgolf's Avatar
 
2015 28' International
Ofallon , Missouri
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 661
Lately we’ve taken to avoiding interstates. If you want to avoid the “get there now” traffic and semis its a good way.

You can go thru S MO To Cape and Springfield and on thru KS. We went from MO thru KS and CO on US 50 / 400 thru Wichita, Dodge City and Pueblo. Also across CO on 160 thru Pagosa Springs.

Don’t miss Aquarium at Bass Pro HQ in Springfield. One of the best in US for sure!

If you’re in a hurry and headed to Denver and Rocky Mt NP you can just bust it out Nashville to St. Louis to KC to Denver on interstate. KS and CO until the Rockies is flat and desolate no matter what. But small towns break it up and there are things to see like Dodge City.

Depends on where you want to go in CO and whether you enjoy the backroads.
__________________
2015 28' International
mpsgolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 09:59 AM   #8
Site Team
 
eubank's Avatar

 
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms , New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,082
Guess it depends on where you're planning to go in Colorado. Personally, I'd take I40 in to the broad region, but, again, depends on your destination.

Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
eubank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 10:22 AM   #9
Rivet Master
 
2019 25' International
Washington , Washington, D.C.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,320
Blog Entries: 1
Consider traveling to your destination on the side roads designated as "scenic" on your road atlas - versus doing the soulless interstate route. It is a wonderful, hidden-away world out there.
PatLee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 10:35 AM   #10
1 Rivet Member
 
2017 22' Sport
Fort Collins , CO
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 13
Blue Highways

Across much of the middle of the country you have three choices: 1. the Interstate Highway System; 2. Blue Highways, U.S. and state highways; 3. dirt. Stick to the Blue.
mikebyrne is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 11:39 AM   #11
Rivet Master
 
InsideOut's Avatar

 
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Chuckey , Tennessee
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,783
Images: 108
Depends on whether you are stopping 'to smell the roses' or 'high-tailing it'

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gibson3798 View Post
I’m wondering if anyone has advice regarding the route from East TN to CO, specifically if the route differs when towing a trailer, as opposed to a pleasure trip by automobile.
Interstates are "easy with a trailer" - but tend to be boring with lots of big trucks. If you have the time, get off the beaten path for a more scenic route. The "Blue Highways" or "Scenic Routes" as suggested by others are much more interesting & fine for trailers.

May 2019, we were going from Denver, CO to Sneedville, TN (far eastern tip TN) on a 'mini-genelology trip' before a Bourbon caravan in Kentucky and Alumapalooza in Ohio. We we just trying to "get there" for this leg of the trip - so we took the interstates for the most part.

We traveled as follows:

Day One - 316 miles - I-70 Our office in Golden to WaKeeney, KS (after 1/2 day @ work). Stayed at WaKeeney KOA Journey (typical KOA - easy stopover, right off the highway & clean)

Day Two - 619 Miles - I-70 > I-64 > IL-15 WaKeeney to Mt. Vernon, IL. Stayed at Archway RV Park (a nice little private campground but no whre near the ST. Louis Arch as the name suggests - would stay again)

Day Three - 425 Miles - I-64 > I-75 Mt. Vernon, IL to Heiskell, TN. This also included a detour for the 'Bullit Distillery Tour' (we had to have some fun along the way!) Stayed at Volunteer Family Campground. (Not my favorite - tight spaces, too many 'long term' campers - but convenient to our destination & fit in our schedule)

You could easily reverse this trip...I would suggest breaking 'Day Two' into two days...it was a l-o-o-n-g day of driving and we hit some pretty severe thunderstorms. We did have two drivers...

Good luck in whatever route you choose - travel safe!

Shari
__________________
Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002

RMVAC | ACI - CO (CAC) Unit (Formerly WBCCI) | BIRDY - our 1956 Safari | 1964 Serro Scotty
InsideOut is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 11:56 AM   #12
2 Rivet Member
 
1993 32' Excella
Woodburn , Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 70
My wife and I lived in Colorado for many years. She is from Nashville and we now live about 50 miles north of Nashville. There are a number of good suggestions here. If scenery and fewer big truck is you preference and time is not an issue, stay off I-70. If you elect to travel I-80, it does not go into Colorado. You will have to take I-76 from western Nebraska or go to Cheyenne, WY and take I-25 south. Also, be aware that in Colorado one can expect snow anytime after September 1st and even in August in the mountains. As mentioned here, one may also anticipate hot weather. You and your vehicles need to be in good mechanical condition if going into the mountains and any lengthy road trip as far as that is concerned. Be sure you have time to sit in one place if it snows. Listen to KOA (850 am) radio in Denver for weather and traffic reports. It is a powerful station and has good weather reports. Good luck and hopefully your trip will be safe and memorable.
davidlparker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 01:07 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Mikebrady62's Avatar
 
2019 27' International
Rogers , Arkansas
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 788
What Rich Said

Quote:
Originally Posted by richw46 View Post
I've gone from Lexington, KY to Portland, OR a couple of times. First time just in the Sienna but the second time I pulled our 23' AS. We went out I-64 to St. Louis, then picked up I-70 Kansas City. From there we went north on I-29 to catch I-80 and go through Wyoming. There were some steep hills but we didn't have any problems. Our speed dropped to 50 a couple of times (from 65-70). Depending where in Colorado you're going you could take I-70 (center to south) or I-80 (northern CO).

One piece of advice, always make sure you have enough fuel, especially late in the day. We almost got stuck once but found a station where the pumps stayed open. We also had to pay a premium price for fuel in Wyoming because we let it get down below a quarter tank and they were the only station around for quite a ways. When you have only a third of a tank, start looking, sooner if it's close to sundown or on a Sunday.
I would give the same advice. I-70 is pretty universal through CO. WY can be super windy but completely different scenery and beautiful as well.
Mikebrady62 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 02:33 PM   #14
3 Rivet Member
 
2018 16' Sport
St. Louis , Missouri
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 220
I-70 is the quickest route. US 50 will take more time but you see more of the country.
As mentioned before eastern CO and western KS you need to watch you gas levels more closely.
Sport 16 STL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 03:28 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville , Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,243
Blog Entries: 1
From Knoxville we go through Nashville, Paducah, Ky and up through Illinois and hit 70 on the east side of St Louis and run west. 70 to Denver is a great drive. There are a couple or three routes north from Nashville. They both work fine and I don't really like or dislike any of them. And if you want to it is about the same time and distance to go up 75 from Knoxville then turn west. Bottom line is Knoxville to Denver is a pretty easy drive with a trailer and it does not matter a lot which route you take. The I 70 part is very good now. And if you want north Denver or north of Denver taking 70 the going up to I 90 west of Kansas City is a good route. If you go up 75 you can overnight at Airstream at Jackson Center the first night for $10. And eat lunch at the wonderful Artisian Center near Berea.
Bill M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2020, 04:52 PM   #16
4 Rivet Member
 
2011 30' Flying Cloud
Greenback , Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 294
I’m from your neck of the woods and have driven that route many times over the years. I take I-40 to Nashville, Briley Parkway north to I-24, then NW to Paducah and on to St. Louis via I-57, then I-64. I avoid downtown St. Louis by taking Illinois 4, east of the city, north to I-70 W. There are several Corps of Engineers reservoirs north of I-70 In Kansas, that have nice campgrounds. If you want to avoid Denver, leave I-70 at Limon, CO and go SW to Colorado Springs. P.M. me and I will give you my phone number and we can talk.
Gneiss Guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2020, 09:01 AM   #17
4 Rivet Member
 
2021 28' International
Knoxville , Tennessee
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 379
Thanks to all who offered advice. I’m getting my map out and looking at each suggestion. I really appreciate the experience found here and the willingness to offer help!
Gibson3798 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Route 2 i.e. northern route to west coast engineshow On The Road... 12 06-25-2019 07:35 PM
The West is the Best - Best route northbound? dooleyfan On The Road... 19 06-06-2018 01:32 AM
Best Route Boston to Tucson? DEO On The Road... 28 04-24-2005 04:38 AM
Best Route to Ft. Wilderness from I75? Pick On The Road... 3 09-21-2004 03:08 PM
Best route to Texas wingfoot321 On The Road... 9 12-31-2003 10:14 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:19 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.