Hauling a load of the irrigation products I make from southern Idaho into Queens Creek, AZ. I see there are basically 2 routes to take, straight through Utah, or run over into Nevada then over to Arizona. Any suggestions on the better route? The truck is about 9k lbs with fuel, and the trailer loaded will be around 8k lbs., so not a large load.

 

Yeah, the big ditch is kind of in your way isn't it? I would recommend I-15 to Vegas, then over to Kingman and down to the Phoenix area. That way if you run into any mechanical or tire trouble you've got civilization close at hand the whole way. Just time it so you don't hit Salt Lake City during rush hours on a weekday.

Maybe save the scenic route on the way home.

 

Make sure your cooling and AC systems are well in order. We're running into our 110-115 degree days here in AZ now. That means over 125 in the sun, asphalts over 140 and window rolled up temps in the cab of un-tinted vehicles of 140-160 degrees (I had to use a meat thermometer to test that one as the regular ones would actually burst if left in an enclosed cab with the windows up parked in the driveway.)

Have a safe trip.

 

I would avoid Highway 93, as there are limited services and no cell reception for most of the trip.

It would take a couple hundred miles off the trip, but still .....




-Kris

 

I agree about having service in case of problems. I didn't realize the pavement got that hot down there! My customer told me it was 108 the other morning at around 8. That's hot. I just had a ton of work done on the a/c and still some problems. I have another post asking for help since 2 mechanics can't figure it out. I also have an appointment for the windows to get tinted.

 

The biggest safety/maintenance issue here is tires. the AZ highways are littered with alligators (thrown tire treads). The hot roads are brutal on both truck and trailer tires. I just had to replace my 4 year old tires due to sidewall cracks. If your tires are at all questionable I would recommend replacement before making the journey.

 

I will be sure to triple check the tires. my trailer and truck tires are both 2 years old, but I have horrible luck this year so I better double check my spares too. I just went and bought a spare tool chest for the just in case also.

 

I guess you already posted on uship.com ? Sometimes you catch somebody needing a backhaul and it's actually cheaper to pay for someone else to do it for you.

 

When I did my trip back from Yellowstone last summer, we simply went through Utah, I-15 then cut over to hwy89 through Page down to Flagstaff. Then I-17 south to Phoenix metro area. Don't worry too much about the weather here, it's not as bad as people would lead you to believe with highways "littered" with blown tires.. watch your tire pressure, as you would anywhere..

 

pdogg, I'll have to check out that route.

I have clients throughout Utah I'm going to stop and see on the way down, or I might try u-ship. I am hoping u-ship can find me a load back up though. Pay for that golden diesel.

 

I live in Phoenix and drive all over the state for work, littered is an appropriate work for the tire carcasses on the sides of the road. There are typically several dozen visible on the shoulders and one or two in the lanes on an average trip from Phoenix to Tucson. It isn't as bad up north because it is cooler at the higher elevations, but the desert floor is littered.

 

I meant post your load to AZ on uship.com, save you the trip. Let somebody else put the miles on their truck.

 

yeah I live in phoenix too.. was trying to avoid scaring people into thinking your tires blow up crossing the state line.. the reality is, he's coming from Idaho.. only the last hour of his 20hr journey is dealing with oppressive heat.

 

I should have phrased my other post better: I would try u-ship, but on my trip to Arizona I have several customers in Utah I am going to stop and see.
So, most likely next time I will check u-ship for someone to take them. It was going to cost me an arm and a leg through my normal freight company to deliver them.

 

How'd it go?