I80 vs I70 west

Where are u coming from ?

 

If bad weather was in the forecast for 70 or 80 you could always drop south through the backwoods of Colorado on 71 to Limon then 350 into New Mexico then run 40 to California.

Would add 100 miles versus taking 80. Personally wouldn't mess with 70 at all this time of year.

 

Mind you, I live and run in Colorado, so 70 isn't a monster under the bed. I've always preferred running 70 since 80 has become an every day #### show.
Yes, it's more work. Yes, you have to watch the weather. But you can turn Beaver to Big Springs in the same amount of time either way. This week, 70 is fine. There's not much snow, so ski traffic is minimal, and no weather coming but a little wind.

 

Me personally i wouldve dropped to st louis and picked up 44 to ok and 40 in ok all the way to barstow cali if the weather was bad and i didnt wanna deal with it...but i know some companies frown upon going out of route.. but i been known to do whatever i think is best. I mean 40 sucks too but if ur already in nebraska i guess its not even a option. Its 6 of one half dozen of the other.at this point.
Id probably choose 70 and let er ride all the way to 15 south in utah to cali.. 70 also avoids SLC traffic in the afternoon which is getting as bad as phoenix anymore

 

80 is more direct to SLC. And 70 throught Colorado in the big hill is a lot of extra work for any truck. Ive had employers tell me to avoid 70 at all cost in CO. I think if you break down by Eisenhower tunnel it can be stupid overly expensive.

 

Is fighting the wind across Wyoming not also extra work? Engineers measure engine wear / maintenance intervals by fuel burn.
Myself, I find the struggle up the hill followed by literal hours of near coasting much less taxing than fighting the wind for hours.

But also me: STAY AWAY, DEATH AWAITS! There's already far too many trucks that have no business being up there.

 

If weather is good take 80 you have plenty of weight. Never run empty thru Wyoming in the winter unless you’re on it with checking weather and knowing when to shut down. Never run under 20k in the box or try not to in winter in Wyoming. Wyoming weather can change quickly. Thing to know is wy i80 will close and stay closed for days. I70 will generally reopen cause the state needs to keep it open for Skiing cause that’s where they make their money. I70 uses mag while Wyoming only uses sand cause of the wildlife. So ice doesn’t melt. i70 is worked better than Wyoming in winter conditions. Now as of late Wyoming closes i80 really quick. A rule of thumb I use if there’s weather on both routes i70 will get you home over Wyoming i80. LTL companies will go to Grand Junction Colorado if there’s a storm coming and route SLC to Denver and Denver to SLC to i70.