Los Angeles to Raleigh NC 24' truck towing car trailer

Greetings all,
So next week,(aprox 12/11/13) I'm planning on driving a loaded 24' Penske truck towing a car carrier from Los Angeles CA to Raleigh NC via route 40, (southern route). I've been searching around a bit for realistic time lines for the trip but am coming up short, so I thought I'd toss it out on this forum and see if I can get some feed back. We have two drivers and are not looking to sight see or get off route. At the same time we are not looking to bust a hump or push for extra long driving days. I would like to spend a night in Memphis. The upshot is I'm trying to figure out how many days I should plan to be on the road. Also if anyone has any motel and/or epic food recommendations along the way this is information I could make good use of.
So what do you say road trippers...

Thanks,
Donovan

Welcome to RTA!

Assuming the weather cooperates, this is a 5 day drive. Memphis would be a logical 3rd night stay. Your other stops would be Holbrook AZ, Amarillo TX, and Knoxville TN. Your longest driving day will be the leg between Amarillo and Memphis, you may want to see if you can make it a bit farther the first 2 days - maybe Gallup NM and OKC.

There are usually plenty of hotels with truck parking at most Interstate exits, I'd recommend looking outside the major cities for best rates and convenience.

One dinner recommendation is the Big Texan in Amarillo. They even have limo service to local hotels so you don't have to jockey a rig around in their lot.

Thanks a lot glc,

The fact of the matter is that day 1 will be a late start. I live in the heart of downtown LA and there are pretty tight loading zone restrictions. On top of that, being "skid row adjacent" and what with the parking situation around here loading the truck the day before and leaving it on the street or even in a lot is not an option. It gets worse... I need to make another two stops to pick up some items before I hit the road. The upshot is a pretty late start the first day, just a push to get clear of greater LA. Maybe if things go well we may push to Flagstaff... maybe, just some random stop short of Flaggstaff, I'd like to get off the road by midnight the first day. In any case I'll try and make up time and get back on track by Amarillo. Truth be told we want to take a day off in Memphis so a push for the first few day will work for us.
Thanks again for the info, it helps a lot.

Cheers,
Donovan

The difference between just getting out of LA and going all the way to flagstaff is pretty huge. Flag staff is practically a full day drive from LA all by itself. You would have to leave before the pm rush to get there by midnight. from the sounds of it, Barstow would probably be as far as you could look at getting that first day, considering it is a very long stretch between there and the next stop with services.

From Barstow, Albuquerque is about as far as you could get the next day. It's two days from Albuquerque to Memphis with halfway being a little past ok city. Amarillo to Memphis is too far to drive in a day

Thanks Midwest Michael,
I'm sure that I can at least make Kingman the first day. Funny thing having lived out west my entire life, my concept of a huge distance is a bit skewed, San Francisco seems like it's just up the street from here and I make that drive a lot. So yeah I'm flying right past Barstow at the very least I'll make Needles. The western part of the trip is familiar territory Plus with two drivers it a bit easier to endure past midnight if it serves a greater good. In any event thanks for the heads up. Amarillo to Memphis may indeed be a bit ambitious seeing as how I'm towing, and moving slow. So Michael, how many days would you estimate for the entire trip?

Thanks so much
D---

I'm not sure pushing on beyond midnight will be for "the greater good" as you have at least 4 more full driving days ahead that are considerably further than LA to SF and in a slower moving, less comfortable truck, while towing. You don't want to be starting out tired on the morning of day 2. Multi day trips are more about pacing yourself as it's a marathon not a sprint. Of course a lot will depend on what time you finsh picking up your stuff and actually get out of LA and how much driving you would look to do without "busting a hump". You really shouldn't be looking at more than 600 miles in any one day to keep things sane and safe, if you have more time to spare and can take a couple of shorter days in and out of Memphis to afford you a little time there, then great. Barstow or Needles to start will still mean a minimum of 4 days to follow.

As was said above, you're in for a marathon no matter what. We've gone cross-country via I-40, coming out of San Diego via Phoenix, however.

Kingman would be about 4-5 hours for you, depending on the traffic out of LA and "over the pass" (Cajon Pass). Hopefully it's NOT a Friday late start, as the traffic to Las Vegas can be annoying on a Friday afternoon/evening.

Your next stop could be Albuquerque NM (475 mi) or Santa Rosa (585 mi), depending on how long you want to drive. There are motels that can handle that size rig in either place. The advantage to Santa Rosa is that there is no morning rush hour to worry about. If you stay in ABQ, be sure to stay as far east as you can to avoid that same rush hour on I-40 in the morning (or get an EARLY start, like 5 am!).

If you stay in Albuquerque, you'd probably want to stop at Oklahoma City for the next one. If you stay in Santa Rosa, it's a 585 mile trip to Sallisaw, OK. If you stay there, make the 7 mile trip south of town to Shad's Catfish Hole. All you can eat catfish or chicken, served family style, for one price. Either cash or check, no credit cards. It's wonderful, and I see that recent reviews say it's still good!

We went from Sallisaw to somewhere between Nashville and Knoxville (Cookeville), but we're used to several 580-600 mile days in a row. Nashville would be a good stop if you like to keep it towards 500 mi a day.

Your final day would be around 500 miles, Raleigh, if you stay in Nashville.

Do keep in mind the weather --


Donna

Considering the weather that is happening right now and for the foreseeable future, I would like to recommend taking an even more southern route.
Take I-10 to east of El Paso Texas.
Take I-20 to Atlanta Ga (do not take beltway around Atlanta)
Take I-85 to Greensboro NC
Take I-40 to Raleigh NC

This way is less than 100 miles further. It keeps you out of the mountains and most likely out of snow. In fact it could be a faster route. Have done both many times and I prefer the southern route anytime of the year!

Two neat places to eat around El Paso. On the west side is Rosa's Cantenia (remember the Marty Robbins song "El Paso.") West of El Paso in Fabens is the Cattleman's Steakhouse and Dude Ranch. It is probably the best steakhouse in the USA-at least the best I have had....

scotishbob

Yeah Dave you are right...
The good news is that I'm not on a tight Raleigh arrival deadline. Plus I may even spend 2 nights in Memphis, roll in late in the day then hang out for a full day plus a night out and depart the next morning... if the schedule is looking good when I get there. The truth about Memphis is that it just sort of struck my fancy for no particular reason, if anyone has other suggestions for a better / more fun semi midway stop feel free to chime in as I'm still pretty open. That said I'm looking for a fun city or town, not a national or state park. Plus I'd really like to stay on route.

Thanks to everyone who responded so far, it's really helping me inform my plan which is still pretty loose, (except I'm now pretty sure I'd like to get an obscene steak at Big Texan so I'm gonna try to be there around dinner or at least breakfast).

I look forward to reading more!
D---

Thanks Bob and Donna,
Info is pouring in fast! Guess that's my cue to go find out what that weather situation is. I think I've neglected it as it seems like I've been in 72 degree weather for at least 30 years. Guess I'm going to have to start paying more attention to the forecasts from here on out... shoot, I'm gonna need a jacket! Thanks for all the concise information and food recommendations... mmmmm catfish and more epic steakhouse's.
So yeah I'll consider that more southern route, my rig doesn't look like much fun to drive in weather and I may be able to more than make up for the 100 miles, time wise, just by having better road conditions. I don't really need to go to Memphis anyway, it's not critical to the trip.
D---

If the weather looks like it is going to be good along the Blue Ridge Mountains and you really want to go to Memphis. You might want to go a bit different route.

Take I-10 to East of El Paso (about 150 miles east)
Take I-20 to Dallas
Take I-30 to Little Rock, Arkansas
Take I-40 to Raleigh
mileage is about the same as going through Atlanta.

Another place to eat is a quirkly hamburger joint east of Little Rock in the town of Scott-Cotham's Home of the Hubcap Hamburger. It is the size of a hubcap. (place that make Bill Clinton and George Bush fat). Only thing is you need to check the hours they are open...

If you are coming stopping in Memphis, I would stay at the Motel 6 at 210 S. Pauline Street (good parking for large rigs) and take a cab down to Beale Street-about 3 miles away. For good music and the best ribs go to the Kings Palace-stay away from B.B. Kings, too noisey).

If you are coming through Atlanta, you have to do the Varsity but the one downtown is too hard to get to with what you are driving. Go to the one in Athens Ga just down the road. And follow that up with best BBQ this side of heaven at Lexington BBQ in Lexington North Carolina.

Scotishbob

Wow Scottishbob you rock!
That's great info, i"m eating well on this trip! I may end up doing this as I have a friend in dallas that would love to have me stop by. He just texted and said they have ice storms right now... so there is that. I'd better go check the blue ridge mountains weather as well. Oh what to do so many choices, glad I'm flexible. I did like that last route though, if the ice stops.

If you are going through ABQ, a good place to spend the night east of town is Moriarty. I've stayed at the Super 8 and it's one of the better ones I've stayed in. They have plenty of truck and RV parking and there's a truckstop with a full service restaurant across the street.

If you are towing, you will be limited to 65 mph by the tires on the trailer. In California, you will be limited to 55 by law.

Please don't fool yourself and think that by going south you will avoid bad weather - west Texas does get ice and snow, and they aren't as well equipped to handle it as they are farther north. You will have to make decisions as you go. A website that has links to all the state DOT road conditions is safetravelusa.com.

If you aren't on a hard schedule, just wing it. See how far you get each day, and if the roads get bad, hole up in a hotel till they get them cleared.

There is nothing wrong with Memphis, if fact I enjoy it....will be spending New Years Eve there and then heading on West for a few weeks. Two more neat places to visit in Memphis: the march of the ducks at the Peabody Hotel (about 2 blocks from Beale Street) at 11am and 5pm. If you like guitars, then visit the Gibson Museum about 1 block from Beale Street.

I do not recommend the Big Texan for a place to eat but it is a "cool" place to spot for a short visit. Also, just west of Amarillo is the Cadillac Ranch...10 to 15 Cadillac about 1/3 buried. You can see it from the interstate.

Bob

Just so everyone knows I'm not knocking Memphis, it's seems like it would be fun, it's just not a necessary part of this trip.
Thanks for the info Bob, you seem to know your way around... road trip much? lol

Thanks glc, I'll try to not fool myself! If I end up bedding down in ABQ I'll head for that Super 8.

Just an added thought, no matter what route you take....
Considering the vehicle you are driving and that you will be towing a car behind you, you will be hard pressed to do 500 miles a day. (I pull a camper behind me). Since you are driving alone, you will be worn out at the end of the day.
Me thinks you should consider adding a day to your trip making it 6 days instead of 5 and even more so if you are late getting out of LA

Bob

Thanks Bob,
We are a 2 man team so I won't be driving alone or doing all the driving. I'm already buffering and thinking 6 days, but thanks for the heads up. Glad I logged on to this site, it is really helping my decision process. In any case and by whatever route one thing is for sure... I'm on the road next Wednesday!
D---

I will tell you that it is a near certainty that it will take you much longer than you expect to actually get on the road, and once you are on the road, it will take you a far bit of time to get used to driving such a large truck and trailer. Those distance that seem short to you, wont seem so short when you are doing 55 mph or less - and you will need to be driving slower especially that first leg as you get a feel for how it handles and all the extra steps you have to do to be safe behind the wheel. Of course, a lower speed is also needed simply because trying to stop such a large truck trailer takes a lot more time, making high speeds that are perfectly safe in a car, quite dangerous.

I am speaking from first hand experience of my own move from California, in a Uhaul pulling a trailer. I fully expected to be on the road in the early evening and make it to Vegas that night. The reality was all the little things you have to do before you leave a place add up, so we got on the road several hours later than expected and we wound up in Barstow - pulling in there around midnight. The reality is that pretty much every move I have made has been a pretty similar situation.

Also, beware of the trap of thinking that having 2 drivers makes a big difference. It really doesnt, especially if you are thinking of driving late into the night. Also remember, that driving a large rig is more stressful, and more tiring. When you combine those two things, as well as the lower speeds you will be traveling, the 500 mile per day maximum suggested by Bob is a very good rule of thumb.

Good observations Michael,
Fortunately this is not my first rodeo, I'm pretty used to that size of truck as I've been know to haul around convention equipment from time to time, (read often). Trailers not as often but I've been down that road a few times as well. I prefer to have another person with me, it makes it easier even if they don't drive. I often bring 1 or two with me on west coast trips to load and set up booths and such. In any case I always appreciate when someone capable takes a driving shift.

And yeah I can already see that it is going to be a late start but the good news is the loading zone turns tow away at 3 pm, so it kind of forces my hand. Everything is boxed stacked staged and ready to load fast. The car will be preloaded at the Penske lot ready to hook up, and the last stop is on the way out, a small lot also boxed and staged for loading. In the end I should be just in time for peak traffic on the way out. Oh well been dealing with it for YEARS anyway, one last dose of LA traffic will not kill me. In the end I may run out of steam sooner than later on day one... But Barstow, that's a tough break it just seems so... I don't know ... Barstow.

At the end of the day I follow speed limits and I'm always aware I'm towing, I'm good at keeping safe braking zones in front of me and used I'm to people jumping into that zone at the worst possible times, (facepalm). I'm also pretty darn good at backing up trailers even in tight spaces. So yeah I understand this is a marathon and is fatiguing. I think these are all good points and worth mention, perhaps someone will find this thread useful in the future.

D---

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I do not recommend the Big Texan for a place to eat

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Why? I think the ribeye steaks there are excellent. Everyone has different dietary preferences and concerns.

Moriarty is about 40 miles east of ABQ, on the other side of the mountain. When I stayed there, it was a good thing I pressed on to Moriarty instead of stopping in ABQ, I had come out of a snowstorm around Grants and it was moving east. I got over the mountain and through the canyon. The next morning I woke up to a lot full of snow and found out that I-40 was closed between ABQ and Moriarty. The truck stops and hotel lots were full of trucks and the service road was bumper to bumper. I was able to head east through town and get on I-40 and had the road to myself.

glc,
Thanks for the heads up re: ABQ and Moriarty. If I end up on that route, I have now been advised, and most likely will push on to Moriarty if I have clear roads leaving ABQ over the mountain. Do you have a recommendation for lodging in Moriarty?

As for the Big Texan, heck it's just a road meal, I'm in, it sounds like fun! I went and watched some video of the place and it seems like it's a welcome diversion on a long non-recreational trip. I'm not going to drive past the place without stopping, and if I'm stopping anyway I'll want some food so... a ribeye sounds like a fine idea to me!

There is nothing wrong with the steaks at the Big Texan....just not my favorite steakhouse....if you stop there, be sure to look at the pictures near the restroom. They are really "spooky"

In Oklahoma City, there are two places to eat that I would recommend-One is a much better steakhouse than the Big Texan-the Cattleman's at the stockyard. Second best I have ever had. (Best being the Cattleman's outside El Paso). The second is Pancho's Mexican Buffet. an all you can eat restruant that will get your seconds or thirds or.... instead of you going to get the. Their sopapilla are to die for.

Just as a note: I have been fortunate enough to have travelled much of the lower 48 and enjoy it completely...just wish I could be on the road even more

Bob

Thanks for all the info Bob,
I'll be referring back to all these posts as I am on the road.
Cattleman's is a name I'm familiar with I've been to the one in Selma CA. It's been years since I've been, but I remember it fondly. Now of course I may have to eat several steaks, Catfish, and BBQ in TN and NC on this trip... Oh well guess a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do sometimes.

=)

D---

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Do you have a recommendation for lodging in Moriarty?

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Yes, as I mentioned above, the Super 8. I've not stayed at any of the others.

Sorry glc,
I hadn't reread the thread, I had thought that super 8 was in ABQ... I got it now. Thanks for the heads up.
D---