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What's the best Route to take from Ypsilanti, Michigan to Eureka, California this time of year? I have a friend that is going to move and he has a Van that is 24 ft long and is a 4 cylinder diesel and wants to know about what it might cost in fuel also.
I'd suggest I-80 all the way. Keep eyes and ears open for weather ahead, as there'll likely be some fronts to pass through and a road closure or two is possible. This will provide a good idea of diesel prices. Flying J is usually as cheap as any for fuel.
My friend wants to get to Eureka, California from Michigan without problems with highways begin closed because of snow this time of year. He has never driven in the mountains. His truck is a old U-haul box truck.
Ok, than definatly avoid I-70... and I-80 will have you running through cold barren Wyoming desert and tundra, with snow drifts and freezing cold wind...and if his truck breaks down, he'll be stuck out in the middle of no where...I-70 will put your directly over or through the Rockies, just west of Denver...
I'm not sure where Ureka, CA is northern or southern...
But if you want to avoid as much weather as possible here's a suggested route...
I-69 south out of Michigan to Indianopolis
Once in Indianapolis, get onto I-70 south to St Louis...
In St Louis get on I-44 west to Oaklahoma City, OK...
Once in Oaklahoma, get on I-40 west into California....
But that will have you entering Southern California...
But once in Arizona, at Kingman, you can go north on route 93 which runs through Vegas, then turns into route 95...
But then you'de still have to go over the Sierra mountain range...it would be best to just stay on I-40 to Bakersfield and just go north or south from there....
Stay away from I-70 and I-80, if snow and ice is something there trying to avoid....
Last edited by Time and Space; 03-07-2010 at 11:35 AM..
While I-80 would be the most direct and cost efficient route, he'd probably hit some brutal conditions going through Wyoming, not sure though.
I-70 is good, and so long as he takes it easy going through Colorado he should alright.
I-40 is out of the way and will cost more in fuel, but road conditions would probably be best if that's his primary concern.
Couldn't say how much to budget for fuel, all depends on how many MPG he typically gets and how much of a load he's hauling. Also depends on which route he takes.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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I'm afraid I-80 is the only probable choice for your route needs, there is only one pass of significance (Sherman) between Cheyenne and Laramie. Watch the weather closely, it can change QUICKLY. Load the truck tight and carefully (weight low and over the axles). TAKE it ez on the back side of Sherman coming in to Laramie (Shady and cold, can be slick) Carry chains and winter driving survival gear. Get new belts, hoses, and filters ESPECIALLY Fuel filter (and carry a couple spares). Use a fuel additive, top tanks at night AND buy from a high volume source to avoid condensation.
Wind and blowing snow will be the most significant challenge, leave extra time to wait out a storm if necessary (there is a 70-80% chance to run the whole route DRY). I trucked I-80 from western NE to UT for 7 yrs without a breakdown or accident. Road use is not hard on trucks, once they are rolling, they are not likely to break down. (if maintained decently)
Take 395 NW from Reno to avoid Donner Pass.
For fuel, check route mileage. Probably 10 -12 mpg in a diesel cube van (conservatively... I get 17) BUT I don't think he has a 4cyl packing a 24' long box. If it is a Large diesel V8 (ford / international) figure 6-7 mpg loaded and 40 mph head / cross wind in WY)
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John1960
I'm hoping he will not go to California till spring
vs,
Quote:
John1960...from Ypsilanti, Michigan to Eureka, California this time of year?
That makes all the difference in the world. (depending on what you mean by spring) For some it is March, for some it is June. Chance of snow on the entire route is possible through mid-May, but less likely as you get closer to SUMMER. June 21, 12:46AM.
WY; all bets off, it can snow any ole time it feels like it, year-round
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