Pittsburgh to LA: I70 vs I80

[kdorai]

We are doing our first long road trip from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles in
July, in our 1990 Toyota (used but in great shape).We have to make it in 3-4 days so there's not much time for scenic
detours. The choice is between I-80 to Salt Lake City or I-70 across the mountains and then I-15. We want to avoid I-40/the South 'cos of the heat. Any recos about I-80 vs I-70? We've heard bad things about truckers on I-70 and about the Eisenhower tunnel, though
the route seems more scenic. We're also wondering if the car will make it across the Rockies! It's a wonderful car otherwise, Toyotas seem to live forever :)-. Thanks in advance, kdorai

I can't imagine what you have heard about truckers on I-70 that would not equally apply to I-80 or what you have heard negative about the Eisenhower Tunnel. The only problem I have ever had driving the tunnel over 100 times is in winter when the interior of the tunnel is dry and then you find black ice as you exit-not a factor in July.

I-70 is my favorite of the two. I think on average, the scenery is better by far although there are some wonderful areas on I-80 as well. It's just my opinion that the scenery is better for much longer stretches on I-70.

You made a comment about hoping your car makes it. Whichever route you take, I'd recommend you make sure it is in good operating condition. I'd especially check tires, brakes, and the cooling system, all of which will get more stress than around most parts of western PA. The other small benefit to I-70 over I-80 is that service help (towing, mechanics, etc) are a little closer together on I-70, depending of course on where you choose to have your breakdown.

Thanks Don for your comments. I've never had any negative experiences with
truckers (but I havent done much long distance driving); the 3 people I've spoken to, all had had something negative happen specifically on I-70. But they all drive SUVs, and are quite aggressive, so maybe I cant draw any lessons from them! Thanks for your car tips, I dont know much about the insides of cars and dont want to either, so I'll pass them on to
my boyfriend - he's the DIY type and is responsible for the car on this trip, while I'm in charge of the fun stuff like chalking out the route! This is the first time we're doing a long distance trip in America together, so I'm hoping more than just the car will make it across the Rockies! Any special recos you have for photo stops, since you seem an I-70 veteran (over 100 times? Wow, must be a record of sorts!).

[kdorai]

Thanks Don for your comments. I've never had any negative experiences with
truckers (but I havent done much long distance driving); the 3 people I've spoken to, all had had something negative happen specifically on I-70. But they all drive SUVs, and are quite aggressive, so maybe I cant draw any lessons there! Thanks for your car tips, I dont know much about the insides of cars and dont want to either, so I'll pass them on to
my boyfriend - he's the DIY type and is responsible for the car on this trip, while I'm in charge of the fun stuff like chalking out the route! Any special recos you have for photo stops, since you are an I-70 veteran (100 times? Wow, must be a record of sorts!).