St. Louis to Las Vegas - What do I expect??

[Campingnownthen]

Hi all,

I’ve gotten a lot of great info from everyone here and have a few more questions. We are working on planning our trip end of April and haven’t traveled more than an hour with our 5th wheel. We have a 2014 Springdale 28’ and pulling it with a 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 diesel. We will be putting new tires on the camper prior to our trip, service the truck etc. We were thinking about going from St. Louis to Oklahoma City (map app says 7 hrs) the first day then to Albuquerque (7hrs 30mins) the next. The last day would put us in Las Vegas Motorcoach resort (7hrs 51mins). My question is how much more time should we add to each day for travel time? Our speed limit will say around 70-75 at max, weather permitting. We will be in Vegas for a convention from Monday thru Wednesday. What else should I know or consider? Any additional info would be greatly appreciated!

[Notanlines]

Very good idea to have new tires installed. Have the bearings and brakes serviced at the same time. I'd stay with Maxxis, Carlisle, or maybe the new Goodyear brand. Also it would be my opinion that you stay at 65 and avoid the 75 MPH.
Your travel time will be closer to nine hours to Oklahoma City and ten hours to Albuquerque.
When in Albuquerque our recommendation is to book a space at the relatively new Isleta Casino and resort. The RV park is very wide open, all pull-thru spaces and easy exit and entrance from I-25 just south of I-40. We have stayed there three times and never any grief, just a good stay. We have never been across the interstate to the casino, but there is a shuttle in case you can't wait until Las Vegas to lose a few bucks.
Have a great time, and keep us up on your trip.

[Campingnownthen]

65 it is! Thanks for the suggestion to check bearings and brakes and for tire recommendation. Sounds like I need to add about 2 hours to our estimated times each day, which I’m fine with, just had no idea what to expect. There will be 2 of us taking turns driving, maybe we’ll switch each time we re-fuel or break for the dog. Our truck currently gets 16-17mpg and was told that wouldn’t change much pulling a 5th wheel....not true???? Wingnut60, you mentioned 10mpg....Will I only maintain the 16-17mpg if the truck is deleted? Thanks again and if you think of anything else, please let me know!

[wingnut60]

Think above is correct on adding time to the map times you estimate. 7 hrs if you have never 'traveled more than an hour' previously is pushing it by a lot. At 10mpg, how far can you go before refueling?
After towing an RV of some kind over 35 years, I think you will be getting tired way before 7 hours, and you won't average more than 55 over the day.

And it will be a lot longer going home....

My wife and family used to make the trips like you are planning--when we were a lot younger, and needed to pile a lot into 2 weeks. Hope you have a great trip.

[Notanlines]

"16-17mpg and was told that wouldn’t change much pulling a 5th wheel....not true????" I'll bet the general consensus from the old-timers will be that you can expect about 12 MPG. 14 would be nice, but not probable.

[MTK46]

I agree with Jim figure 12 mpg towing. How many gallons in your tank. If a short bed my guess would be 26-30. So that's maybe 325 miles before a refill if your lucky and no headwind.

[wingnut60]

Would also suggest a 5gal jug of diesel in the bed...

[friz]

Whoa pardner! You are talking about 500+ mile driving days. I hope you have a relief in the passenger's seat. Have you ever switched drivers while driving? You may have to try that maneuver to meet your proposed schedule. We plan our days for 300 miles max. We tow our 28' Keystone Cougar with a Ford F-250 diesel. Off the road NLT 1500 to set up. Also the math shows you driving at approximately 71 mph for seven hours straight. A little unrealistic I believe. How about adding a couple of days to the trip and possibly enjoy the drive? Besides, the world's largest ball of string is on your route. You may want to take a few hours to see it.