driving from philadelphia to san diego, which way is the best overall route to take? (Clovis: home, live)

[usan8v]

I am driving a 26ft truck from phila to san diego in mid aug. I would love to hear from some people that have done this trip. Which is the best overall way to go? I will be driving a U-Haul w/ a car being towed on back. Thank you for all responses!!!
John D

[sehnsucht5150]

Im just outside of pittsburgh and took that trip a few months back. If i had to do it again i'd probably take 70 and shoot on down (for you 76 to 70 most likely). I myself took 40 out(71 s, 24w, 40w), and 80(from san fran to pa) back as i was checking out the whole state. Get ready to amuse yourself, i was by myself and had to suck it up the whole way keeping CA in mind lol its a long one.

[NewToCA]

Done the trip a couple of times, some time ago.


Pa Turnpike from Philly.

Exit onto I-70 at New Staton in western Pa.

Take I-70 to St Louis, then take I-44 to Oklahoma City (I suggest taking I-270 to get onto I-44).

At Oklahoma City go west on I-40 to Flagstaff, Arizona.

In Flagstaff, head south on I-17 to Phoenix.

In Phoenix go south on I-10 for about 1/2 hour to Casa Grande, AZ.

In Casa Grande, go west on I-8 to San Diego.

[f_m]

Just be prepared for the hot temps as you drive through on I-40 and in AZ, 90's and 100's if it's sunny in August. Some of New Mexico/Arizona is a little higher elevation so it helps, and you may get a rolling thundershower.

[Boompa]

I've done most of the routes, You can go south on 81 and take 40 west or take 70 to St Louis then 44 SW to 40. Either of these will bring you to Oklahoma City then Amarillo. Take the Interstate that goes south from Amarillo to Lubbock. Then US 60 to Clovis NM where you take US 70. You will make better time on this road than the interstate and will hit Interstate 10 west of Las Cruces NM. Except for some mountains around Ruidoso and being sure your gas is full in Alamagordo it's good road.
From there you take I-10 and I-8 west into San Diego. It will bypass most of the major cities and congestion of Dallas, Alberqueque, and Phoenix.

[f_m]

Originally Posted by Boompa

Take the Interstate that goes south from Amarillo to Lubbock. Then US 60 to Clovis NM where you take US 70. You will make better time on this road than the interstate and will hit Interstate 10 west of Las Cruces NM.

I would say it depends on how comfortable the driver would be on small roads with a 26 ft UHaul towing a car. I wouldn't want to go on the small roads without any passing ability.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by f_m

I would say it depends on how comfortable the driver would be on small roads with a 26 ft UHaul towing a car. I wouldn't want to go on the small roads without any passing ability.

90% of it is 4 lanes and wider than the interstates back east and very little traffic.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by usan8v

I am driving a 26ft truck from phila to san diego in mid aug. I would love to hear from some people that have done this trip. Which is the best overall way to go? I will be driving a U-Haul w/ a car being towed on back. Thank you for all responses!!!
John D

Are you looking for the fastest route, scenic or what? I would take the route NewtoCa recommends. I don't think I would do Amarillo to Lubbuck and that way. Regardless, do hit 40 and come across. Someone mentioned it will be hot, of course it will be hot, it is August, but I assume you will be driving an AC truck. Acutally across 40 is very high altitude and the weather will not be that bad from the time you get into west Tx or NM until you go through Flagstaff you wil be at several thousand feet.

Nita

[usan8v]

I really appreciate all the help! any more suggestions i would really appreciate it!

[RD5050]

Have you checked into shipping your big stuff instead?

It might make your journey a little easier.

I've seen large PODS that are like containers on the back of a truck.

It might be less of a hassle to fill up one of those, ship it to San Diego, and then have it delivered to your San Diego home after you arrive.

That way, you can just drive your car, and not have to deal with the hassles of towing it 2500 miles.

There are some really huge hills you will have to go over on your journey.

Especially when you go through the Rocky Mountains.

I personally would hate to have to cross these hills with a car in tow.

Also, without the big stuff, you'll have an easier time doing a little sightseeing on your journey.

I highly recommend visiting the Grand Canyon when your in the Flagstaff area.

It's an amazing sight to see, and it's right along your route.