October 5th whl travel

[Dick Langendorff]

There is a wedding on Oct. 21 in Omaha that we would love to attend. We live near Sacramento. So, we would be travelling I80 going and coming. My main concern is the weather. I looked at KOA book and there are enough campgrounds that are open year around. But, what about road conditions and how do you get some sort of weather forecast this far in advance.
Any advice or precautions or don't do it. We normally only stay on the coast area during those fall and winter months. No snow or freezing weather.

Our truck is a 2004 5.9 2 wheel drive. Stock 244,000 miles. Runs great. I have confidence in the truck.
Trailer is 5th wheel 33ft.

Any and all comments welcome.

Thanks,

 

[apgambino]

I used to live in Omaha for 5 years before the air force sent me to SoCal. I think you'll be hard pressed to find any hazardous road conditions on 80 in NE in October. I think any issues you would have would be at the higher elevations. If you want to to take the camper may be look into some lower elevation routing in case a fall storm hits.

2015 3500 SRW 4x4 MegaCab Laramie Aisin

 

[TJJEEPER]

There is always the southern route, drop down to and Hwy 40 across is pretty low except through Flagstaff. In Barstow catch 58 into the southern valley and head north. Might be a longer trip but an alternate route.
I'd go ahead and go and just watch the weather.

 

[kthaxton]

While always possible that time of year....a bad winter storm is unlikely....and when they do happen, they often aren't that bad because the roads aren't usually cold enough for the snow to stick.....usually.

 

[GAmes]

Just give yourself a few extra days in case you have to wait out a storm. Our trip to OR last Jan required an extra night in UT because ID highways were bad.

 

[GSchlegel]

The weather through Wyoming can get bad mid Oct. About 15 years ago we took a vacation trip from Omaha to Yellowstone mid October and a blizzard shut down I-80 for a couple days. As others have said, have a back up plan to go a southern route if needed.

 

[Dick Langendorff]

Thank you for the great information. I was thinking of a southern route, but I80 is a straight shot. Salt Lake and Wyoming around Laramie can get some icy weather. We hit some black ice there once a number of years ago. I felt the rear wheels break loose and aimed straight. Thank God it was only a small patch.
I'm going to check the added miles to go I40 and then I35 north. When you travel how much water do you carry in your fresh water tank? If I'm in a park and its cold, the water hose could freeze. Thanks again for the input. I'm really leaning towards making the trip. Will watch the weather in late Sept. and Early Oct.

 

[Tuesdak]

Take enough water to flush the toilet a few times on the way there. Water is heavy (would add 750 LBS for a full tank on my RV) and unless they have known issues with no water where you are going you don't need to take much in the tanks. Add to or fill the tank when you get there. You could get a heated wrap or hose for the fresh water line. Convenience is one reason to fill the tank, but, around AZ the long extreme grades make you (and your tires) feel every extra pound.

 

[RVTRKN]

Water weighs a lot, so as a rule, I travel with only enough water for nessesary use, mostly toilet use. If I know I'll be dry camping, then I'll fill my fresh water tank. I usually only have around 5 gallons for toilet use. Good luck and have a safe trip.

 

[Killer223]

i take a blue 5 gal water jug for flushing.
the hills you'll encounter on I40 are not that bad. the ones coming into flagstaff are not that bad. 6% at most. and it's only a few miles long. I17 however, has a 17 mile hill at 6-7% grade.
take 80 you'll be fine. carry some bleach for your tires in case you have issues with ice.

 

[Redemption]

We lice in Colorado Springs with family in Napa Valley, Rocklin and Tulsa, OK! So we have traveled back and forth several times...October can be tricky as you are getting close to winter weather. One year in November, heading to Napa Valley for Thanksgiving, we hit a patch of black ice outside of Wamsutter and ended up traveling sidewise at 60mph down the freeway! NOT RECCOMMENDED! Ended up rolling the 30 ft 5th wheel as the Reese thankfully broke, releasing the trailer just as we were about to roll the pick-up (1999 Dodge 2500 4x4 SB, SRW Quad-cab). 5th wheel was totaled....pick-up survived with a very messed up bed! Have made that same trip since, and have taken the southern route through Flagstaff into Bakersfield if the weather is questionable. Wyoming is the kicker....! That wind can turn that snow into black ice pretty quickly....I think you will be safe in October...but watch the weather....we are having an early wet fall here in Colorado/Wyoming!

 

[JR]

I grew up just outside of Laramie. Both east and west of the city are infamous for disastrous wrecks and pile ups. I've personally witnessed two between Laramie and Happy Jack that resulted in loss of life.

As others have already said, just watch the weather and take your time. Don't worry about keeping up with traffic especially if the wind is blowing. You have to watch other motorists in front and behind you in inclement weather as much as the roads and conditions. Pile ups happen quickly when visibility is poor. Speaking with family out there, they've already gotten some snow at higher elevations. But not around Laramie yet.

 

[Dick Langendorff]

Thanks again for all of the great advice. We are on our way and are currently in Salina, KS. Should make Omaha tomorrow.

Had a message on the dash, "Check Gauges". The battery gauge showed nothing. Codes showed P0622. I think it is the alternator.
Have been able to keep rolling. Sometimes the gauge shows normal and then it goes to "0". Welhen we get to Omaha, I will have family and some other "experts" to help.
Feel free to offer any advice or ideas.

Thanks again.

 

[Killer223]

Check battery connections, sounds like one loose or corroded.