The middle routes (I-40 and I-70) are the routes that will have the
steepest grades. I-10 and I-80 will have lesser ones.

Since you're going diagonally across the country...I'd strongly suggest

1) stay away from the Pennsylvania turnpike(s). No matter the
improvements they've made, they are still frightening roads to take at
any time of the year.

2) AAA can give you up to date info on road conditions, if you are a
member (I'm not).

3) There are lots of campgrounds to choose from that aren't too far
from major highways. Use them, not the highway rest areas for overnight
stays.

The Ohio and Indiana turnpikes are good roads (toll of course, but good
none the less.)

Once you get past the front range of the Rockies, don't be afraid to
wander onto US routes. Often times they are nearly as fast as the
Interstates, and frequently far more interesting (and scenic).

You can make 500 miles a day without too much difficulty. However,
you'll miss a lot of interesting scenic stuff, if you force yourself to
make 500 miles everyday.

Interstates are pretty much the same everywhere. Get off them to see
the local scenery. You'll be happy you did. Especially in the
canyonlands out west. Visit the Grand Canyon.

On Wednesday, May 14, 2003, at 08:39 PM, Shaggy wrote:

> just got engaged and am moving to El Segundo Ca (near
> LA) in august to be with my fiance'. I'm going to be
> driving my 82' Diesel westy out with her, any
> suggestions for which route is good for a diesel to
> drive cross country? any suggestions for a trailer
> hitch(class III)? I want to put one of those metal
> utility things on the back to put my 1963 Vespa on.
> Also neither one of us has done such a roadtrip, so
> ideas of safe places to pull over nad sleep for the
> night.