Dangerous Roads
by Glenn (Baton Rouge, LA_
Question: For the western US states, does anyone have free internet maps showing pickup truck drivers towing travel trailers unsafe roads to avoid because of steep inclines/declines and sharp curves? Also roads that are not wide enough or with tree branches hanging over highways. Or any other road I should avoid for safety reasons?
Answer: Most of the interstate and major highways out west are able to be traveled by trucks and RVers. Anytime you are crossing mountain ranges, you can expect steep grades and curves, but many RVs and trucks use these roads. You do need to be careful and keep your speed in check.
You can plan trip routes via Good Sam’s website if you are a member, and can specify that you want to know about steep grades and low clearance.
Many states’ Dept. of Transportation websites also provide information on steep grades, etc.
We do not know of any place that advises about low hanging tree branches, although we have found this to be more of an issue in the green states in the northeast than we have out west.
You might want to check out the Mountain Directory e-books as a resource for mountain routes and driving. You can also look for road atlases and forums designed for truckers.
We have a heavy motorhome. When we travel in an area for the first time and suspect there might be possible concerns, we plan ahead. We get a Good Sam trip route, look at the topography on Google maps, check DOT websites and search online for any issues about specific roads.
Other input welcome.
Jill Miller is the founder of Your RV Lifestyle. Trading corporate America for the open road, Jill, along with her partner Jose, began their RV journey, making an unconventional start by wintering in New Jersey. A natural adventurer, she was motivated by a desire to explore the USA and beyond, embracing the varied landscapes, communities, and cultures across the country.
For Jill, the allure of RV living was not about material accumulation, but rather the pursuit of an adventurous, fulfilling lifestyle. A lover of golf, bicycling, hiking, and line dancing, she has carried her passions across the country, engaging with them in diverse settings. Jill’s commitment to the RV lifestyle came after years of careful research, numerous consultations with RV owners, and personal trials, including living in a rental RV.