I-10 "business as usual"???

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by Dakota 1120

You are correct - not very familiar with California.

However, that does not negate the fact of highest gas prices in the nation.

Of course, that is my opinion and you may have your as well as such a right is guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.

Have a happy, safe and enjoyable 4th of July Holiday to all.

There are higher than average fuel prices in most touristy small towns in every state. You just realize that and plan fuel stops to avoid those when possible.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Dakota 1120

You are correct - not very familiar with California.

However, that does not negate the fact of highest gas prices in the nation.

Of course, that is my opinion and you may have your as well as such a right is guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.

Have a happy, safe and enjoyable 4th of July Holiday to all.

As a refugee from California, I totally agree about their ridiculous fuel prices.
In fact, we have to drive through California in a few days and we'll have to bite the bullet on the gas costs.
But I grew up in the same area of California, where that gas station is. Camped many times around that area. It's a spectacular area.
And a Happy 4th to you and yours.

[Puma26RLSS]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

There is really nothing to be prepared for going through a Border Patrol checkpoint. Roll down your window, be polite, and don't carry any illegal drugs
You will go through another one outside of Las Cruces, NM.
Nothing but a slight delay.

Do you have to be prepared to let them go into your TT and look around?

[Puma26RLSS]

Originally Posted by moose074

Like they said above no problems, I don’t remember if you said why your not talking I 20. I know it’s an hour longer but you mis New Orleans, Houston and San Antonio, and for the most part DFW as 20 drops down south of it mostly. Avoiding those are worth the hour longer delay to me alone. Add in that you will be traveling in middle of hurricane season. That said I 10 is good

Fairly arbitrary decision. We originally anticipated trying to do the most efficient route in terms of miles and gas. We plan to stop at Roper State Park in AZ going and coming for a bit of a rest. On the return trip we'll decide then about doing I-20 returning. We have friends and relatives along I-20 (Abilene, Tyler, Atlanta), and I have great interest in visiting the National Vietnam War Museum in Weatherford again. If I have the energy to "do the I-20 route" all the way to Atlanta.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by Puma26RLSS

Do you have to be prepared to let them go into your TT and look around?

I have never heard of that happening to a private RV. But I suppose it would be a possibility if you look suspicious or the drug dog alerts on your RV

[ferrisjc]

Quite honestly since this thread was originally posted things in my opinion have improved concerning safety on I 10. The Border situation will always be there but Border Patrol has done a great job with working with state, county, and city police agencies to thwart high speed drug and migrant running up to Phoenix. Concerning the traveling aspect having taken the Florida to AZ route this past winter hopefully things have improved concerning all the construction. BP checks not a problem. Main concerns were the onerous construction in Texas. I felt traffic through Houston, San Antonio were not a problem but we drove during non-rush hour times. Agree, with individual who stated west Texas you have to be aware of filling up after leaving San Antonio. Benefit for those traveling in cars is W. Texas allows I 10 speeds up to 85 Mph. Best advice for getting around Phoenix. You can take I 8 50 miles north of Tucson to Gila Bend, AZ and then AZ 85 North which is nearly all 4-lane back up to I 10. This does cut a lot out and avoids the two lane restriction through the Gila Indian Reservation on I 10 south of Phoenix. Notwithstanding, taking I 10 through this area you can still avoid travel through central Phoenix by taking the 202 freeway west which again avoids downtown Phoenix but still exposes you to some (maybe busy) traffic on the western side of Phoenix. Either way you will benefit versus I 10 through Phoenix. Happy trails and hope you do have a wonderful trip. You know CA so you know gas/diesel prices. AZ currently is around 4.80 for gas and nearly 80 cents above that for diesel. We are pretty high in comparison to Texas or states further east on I 10.

[Puma26RLSS]

Originally Posted by ferrisjc

Quite honestly since this thread was originally posted things in my opinion have improved concerning safety on I 10. The Border situation will always be there but Border Patrol has done a great job with working with state, county, and city police agencies to thwart high speed drug and migrant running up to Phoenix. Concerning the traveling aspect having taken the Florida to AZ route this past winter hopefully things have improved concerning all the construction. BP checks not a problem. Main concerns were the onerous construction in Texas. I felt traffic through Houston, San Antonio were not a problem but we drove during non-rush hour times. Agree, with individual who stated west Texas you have to be aware of filling up after leaving San Antonio. Benefit for those traveling in cars is W. Texas allows I 10 speeds up to 85 Mph. Best advice for getting around Phoenix. You can take I 8 50 miles north of Tucson to Gila Bend, AZ and then AZ 85 North which is nearly all 4-lane back up to I 10. This does cut a lot out and avoids the two lane restriction through the Gila Indian Reservation on I 10 south of Phoenix. Notwithstanding, taking I 10 through this area you can still avoid travel through central Phoenix by taking the 202 freeway west which again avoids downtown Phoenix but still exposes you to some (maybe busy) traffic on the western side of Phoenix. Either way you will benefit versus I 10 through Phoenix. Happy trails and hope you do have a wonderful trip. You know CA so you know gas/diesel prices. AZ currently is around 4.80 for gas and nearly 80 cents above that for diesel. We are pretty high in comparison to Texas or states further east on I 10.

Great info. I printed this post off. I'll give it to my navigator/wife to help route us around Phoenix. Was hesitant to express my concerns about border issues. Did not want to trip a political trip wire. Still hope I haven't, but hopefully folks can appreciate that being a long time Floridian, I'm cool with hurricanes, daily lighting storms, alligators, sharks, and tourists of every description. But border issues are a huge area of confusion for many of us. As for dogs alerting on us at the BP check points, unless it's an older, tired male dog trying to sneak a couple of Cialis pills off me, I have no worries there.

[Volvodriver]

We have went through the US Customs and Border patrol many times as we live in Texas and travel north ,west and south. We drag our 5th wheel with a semi tractor and go through very easy when we follow their rules. Proceed as directed. turn radio or cd player off, remove sunglasses if you wear them, be polite, answer their questions, and don't engage them in meaningless conversation. They don't have time and don't care. One other point. If you have air brakes do not engage or disengage. You might not like their reaction.

Dave

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by Puma26RLSS

. But border issues are a huge area of confusion for many of us. As for dogs alerting on us at the BP check points, unless it's an older, tired male dog trying to sneak a couple of Cialis pills off me, I have no worries there.

No offense taken, but don't believe the hype. Other than El Paso, it's a long way from the border to I-10. For most cities, it would be like you traveling from Miami to Orlando, or in Houston's case, like driving from Miami to Jacksonville, FL.

Every time we've gone through immigration check points, they don't want to have their dogs near our rig. Something about the black water tanks and the dogs sensitive noses. The main problem is that the traffic can back up.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

.....

Every time we've gone through immigration check points, they don't want to have their dogs near our rig. Something about the black water tanks and the dogs sensitive noses. The main problem is that the traffic can back up.

Interesting. Everytime we leave Las Cruces, no matter what direction we go, we go through a BP checkpoint. If there is a dog, they walk it around our RV no problem.

[Puma26RLSS]

30 days and counting before we head west on I-10 from Orlando to Escondido via I-15. Taking our time with a "drive three days, rest one day, then repeat " routine. 250-300 miles a day at 55-60 mph. Going to stop by Ropers Lake State Park in AZ for 3 nights before heading on. If we like it, we'll plan a longer stay there on the way back in October. Have reservations all the way to AZ. Any new developments over the next month let us know.

[Puma26RLSS]

We are two weeks from heading out I-10 from Orlando to CA. I am hearing about the draught in Central Texas. I know it must be troubling for ranchers and others that live there, but does anyone know of any impact on RV stops along the I-10 corridor through Texas?

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by Puma26RLSS

We are two weeks from heading out I-10 from Orlando to CA. I am hearing about the draught in Central Texas. I know it must be troubling for ranchers and others that live there, but does anyone know of any impact on RV stops along the I-10 corridor through Texas?

I haven't heard of any problems, but things can change quickly.
You can go to www.drivetexas.org to check current road conditions.

[joshuajim]

The only issue with driving I-10 in CA is that you might need a dual kidney transplant afterward. 🤣