Expert: Elizabeth Rose Mitchell - 5/6/2009

Question
What is a safe route to Pinetop from Tucson while hauling a 35 foot fifth wheel trailer?

Answer
Hi Diane:

You stumped me on this one so I asked my friend Bob who is a full time RVer and writer.

Here's his response:
Hi Liz, So nice to hear from you.  Honestly I have never driven that route, but will try to offer an answer with some substance.  Sorry that I do not have personal experience in this regard.  Bob

Answer:

The transport of a 5th wheel certainly depends on the weight, size and capability of the towing truck.  Mapquest indicates that Rte 77 is the most direct route and I have never been on that highway.  However, I  have driven Rte 79 from the Biosphere to Florence and then to Globe.  That is a good highway with no extreme hills or mountains.  It is further than 77, but the names of the towns on 77, i.e. Grade and Mammoth, indicate severe hills that may be detrimental to safe passage.  Although it is further to take 79 I recommend the Rte 79 to Florence and then to Globe.  From Globe on to Pinetop there are few choices.  The driver may wish to use Google earth to see the topography of each route

I have just checked Google maps terrain and found that the route via 77 is rough looking terrain when compared to Rte 79.  However,  from Globe east to Pinetop the road is over some hills and mountains, also.  

Bob Gorden
Phone: 217 246 4159

Bob Gorden,  RV Travel Examiner.com:  http://www.examiner.com/x-4821-Phoenix-RV-Travel-Examiner