Just in case shops/ route options....

jordansinthesky · January 10, 2011, 11:17:21 AM

Hello all

I am leaving thursday for the first road trip in the 4104 since I bought her. I'll be driving from Tucson to Mesquite Nv (just north of vegas). I am just curious if any of you have any suggestions for a good route and or any places inbetween that work on detroits/buses. Any input will be greatly values. Wish me luck!

TomC · January 10, 2011, 11:33:44 AM

Route wise, I assume you'll be coming up I-10 to Phoenix, then west of town take the 101 Loop north to highway 60 to Wickenburg, then on highway 93 up to Kingman, west on I-40 to 93 north over the new bridge at Hoover Dam continuing on 93 to interstate 515 through Las Vegas to interstate 15 north to Mequite.

As to Detroit dealers, there's Williams Detroit Diesel in both Phoenix, and Las Vegas; Freightliner dealers in both Phoenix and Las Vegas. Have a nice trip, Good Luck, TomC

luvrbus · January 10, 2011, 11:56:54 AM

There is some pretty good climbs for a old bus on 93 from Wickenburg to Wikieup we cut off at Casa Grande on I 8 to Az 85 to and by pass Phoenix to I 10 then cross over at Quartzsite to 95 to Vegas.I live a few miles off I 40 out from Needles I can help if you go that route also a good shop in Needles A&A Diesel one of the best on the 2 strokes

good luck

jordansinthesky · January 10, 2011, 01:34:24 PM

Thanks luvrbus! That looks like a decent route. I will probably take the 10 thru phoenix tho as I will be leaving during a low traffic time and it should shave at least 45 min. off of the route using the 8. I'll keep the contact info handy for the shops you mentioned. With any luck I won't need them..... Any other gotchas to look for on that route?

RJ · January 10, 2011, 03:46:54 PM

Jordan -

Quote from: jordansinthesky on January 10, 2011, 01:34:24 PM
Any other gotchas to look for on that route?

DON'T LUG IT!

Reread my commentary over on BNO about downshifting while pulling a grade - you want to keep that 6-71 purring along the whole way. Link:

http://www.busnut.com/bbs/messages/12262/16204.html?1167073154

Oh, and be aware that there is going to be a BIG bus rally in Quartzsite Jan 21 > 23. Stop by and get to know some of your fellow busnuts!

Have a good trip!

FWIW & HTH. . .

travlinman · January 10, 2011, 07:54:29 PM

Jordan,

There is a good little BLM campground on Burro Creek between Wickenburg and Wikieup. Also some dispersed camping nearby as well if you poke around a bit. Enjoy your first trip.

TM

Red Rider · January 11, 2011, 10:23:45 AM

Jordan,

FWIW, I think Luvrbus nailed it. Last month I went from South of Tucson to Cedar City UT (noth of Mesquite) and had the ride of my life. We had very low traffic and extremely smooth roads. I make that trip in my 06 at least six times a year in fact I'm heading down that same route on Sunday. Going through Searchlight we seem to have less grades than the road out of Kingman and over the new bridge at the dam.

Some friends told me about the "Phoenix by-pass" that is called 85. I think you will be much happier than taking I-10 through town. The 515 through Vegas is mostly all repaved and now that the construction is finished you can travel at your prefered speed quite safely.

Enjoy the trip and please wave if you pass us.

luvrbus · January 11, 2011, 10:33:55 AM

The by pass around Phoenix is only 5 miles difference and no traffic nice highway free wifi at Holts Shell in Gila Bend and good fuel prices also the by pass intersects 10 at Buckeye and they have a bridge job going on 10 sometimes it takes up 2 hrs to get through that mess did us Friday

oops forgot to say free dump and water at Holts truck stop also

good luck