Best route for heavy moving truck from PA to North Idaho?

[SD4020]

Originally Posted by peepsy

Thanks! That's very good to know. Hoping to keep up at 650 miles for today, same as yesterday. At that rate we'll make it to the border of SD/MT and see how he hills go after billings. Unfortunately it's pretty hilly already... Bummer is our truck can't manually shift into 3rd gear, only 4 or 2nd. Looks like we'all be going super slow down the lookout pass...

Crossing South Dakota motels are few and far between from Sioux Falls to Rapid City. If you want to save some miles jump on I 90 at Spearfish, SD and head to Belle Fourche turn left onto US highway 212. There is not a long between towns. However, you save some time and miles. Make sure you leave Belle with a full tank of fuel.

US 212 is a good road, two lane. Montana has been working on it west of Broadus. It is a popular route with the truckers.

If you stick with I 90 Rapid City, SD is a good stopping point on the west end of the state. Next is Sturgis, and Spearfish in South Dakota. Both have good motels along the interstate. Into Wyoming the towns you will pass are Sundance, not a lot for Lodging, Moorecroft - same story. Gillette it is a dumpy and dirty town, however, they do have motels. Next is Buffalo and Sheridan. Then there is 554 miles of Montana. From Rapid City, SD west you will see some of the prettiest country this land has to offer. IMO, it is best enjoyed in daylight. You will be amazed even from the interstate.

What do you mean you can't shift into 3rd? Depending on the truck, I presume it is an automatic transmission. There may be an overdrive lockout or a push button on the shifter. Let the engine do the work. Only brake to get your speed down to below your safe speed, then off the brake. Don't ride the brake.

You should do just fine.

[peepsy]

I meant we don't have the option to manually shift into 3rd gear. Does 212 have a lot of hills compared to 90? Truckers pass us by on hills, we lose a lot of speed on them. If it's a good road we might consider it. Should get there in a few hours.

[SD4020]

Originally Posted by peepsy

I meant we don't have the option to manually shift into 3rd gear. Does 212 have a lot of hills compared to 90? Truckers pass us by on hills, we lose a lot of speed on them. If it's a good road we might consider it. Should get there in a few hours.

There are a few hills. There are also some slow lanes on 212. You should be fine with not using 3rd gear. Either way you will be fine.

[peepsy]

Thanks. We have decided to play it safe and just take 90. Really appreciate all the advice we got here!

[SD4020]

Originally Posted by peepsy

Thanks. We have decided to play it safe and just take 90. Really appreciate all the advice we got here!

Once you get past Gillette the scenery becomes prettier and prettier.

[StealthRabbit]

26 ft Penske

Penske is the best - trust you have a DT466 engine, and one that has recently been maintained for winter driving. Fuel can gel in cold temps. keep it running / use a fuel conditioner if below 20F. If it is dry... keep driving - Nights are the best time to make time!

[SD4020]

Hopefully the move has gone smooth. Any updates?