All together NEW Trip

[grey ghost]

Now headed to Duluth, MN!!!
Going to take I-40 from Flagstaff, AZ to Tucumcari, NM and the either take New Mexico HWY 54 or HWY 56 to I-35 and Kansas City then on to Des Monines, IA and then up to Duluth. Has anyone traveled HWY 54 or 56 and have any recommendations as to which one is best pulling a 35' 5ver?

[Mikendebbie]

Larry - I have not traveled this route, but I noticed that US 50 must turn into a toll road “400” in Kansas. If you want to avoid the toll then go north on US 50 to Emporia. It looks like an interesting drive and you will see lots of country and small towns. I did a few google street views and It looks like a nice 2 lane road. Also looks like there will be plenty of gas stations and restrooms!

[bsmith0404]

I take 54 all the time traveling back to WI (90 miles south of Duluth). There’s a few bumpy sections not too far outside of Tucumcari, not terrible, but they’re there. I haven’t taken the 5th wheel on that route, but have pulled other trailers. Wouldn’t hesitate to go with the 5er. I typically go to Wichita and jump on the turnpike (normally spend the night at McConnell AFB). The turnpike is a nice road, traffic tends to be light, and fuel prices at the center stations tend to make up for the toll cost. It can get a little confusing going through Des Moines, watch the GPS and road signs carefully and you’ll be ok. We normally take 54 all the way from up to Santa Rosa. Haven’t traveled 40 much.

[BigBobIa]

We did 54 a couple times earlier this year without any problems. At Wichita you get the toll road but at Emporia my recommendation is to stay on the toll road as it is so much smoother to Kansas City than I35.

[travelin texans]

Took 54 with a 40' 5th wheel. IMO much better than I40 with less traffic.

[notanlines]

Larry, when traveling north of the Twin Cities on I-35, about 75 miles or so is Hinckley, Minnesota. This is home of Toby's Bakery, Restaurant and Fuel.
https://tobies.com/bakery/
Plenty of room to pull in, fuel up before Duluth, and have possibly the very best caramel roll to ever grace your plate. Yes, it is their long-time calling card.