We're driving from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas in a 45' motorhome pulling a Suburban. I'm trying to figure out if there are any restrictions on a vehicle of that size in the Hoover Dam area or on the route from Grand Canyon to Vegas, and whether there's anyplace to park such a vehicle at Hoover Dam. Any suggestions on the best route?
There are no restrictions for RV's at Hoover Dam. There is a short inspection performed near the Dam on both sides. Hundreds of RV's go over the dam every day. If you've never done it it's a fantastic experience. And since the there's a new bridge by-pass half completed there will be a day when you can't cross the dam itself any more. Have fun....
Test & System Engineer (Thermal Systems incl. towing, Detroit 3) 2003 Damon Challenger 348 Class A - F53 Triton V10
Crossing Hoover Dam on U.S. Highway 93 has some restrictions for travelers, including commercial
bus and truck drivers. Presently, all vehicles that cross the dam are subject to inspection by officers at
security checkpoints on each side of the dam. To help understand the restrictions and potential impacts
to your travels, here are some guidelines to help you on your way:
What vehicles CAN cross the dam?
• All passenger vehicles with a cargo capacity of one-ton or less, including:
automobiles
light trucks (including pickups with covered beds)
dual-wheel rear-axle vehicles
vans
sport utility vehicles
motorcycles
• Semi-truck “bob-tails” without trailers
• Buses WITHOUT luggage
NOTE: All buses will be inspected, including a walk-through of the passenger area;
carry-ons such as small backpacks are okay.
• Recreational vehicles and motorhomes
• Vehicles towing camper-type or other small trailers, personal watercraft or boats, 5th wheel
trailers, or non-commercial livestock trailers
• Rental trucks (such as U-Haul/Ryder-type) – see size restrictions below
NOTE: These vehicles and their contents will be inspected thoroughly – also, at the
discretion of the inspecting officer, a walkable “aisle” must be available inside the cargo area for
a front to back inspection of contents.
• Tow trucks with 10 wheels or less towing no more than 2 vehicles
• Military convoys – with prior approval from Hoover Dam Police (call: 702-494-2312)
• Commercial trucks with permits (see permit section for more information)
Access to the Visitor Center is most convenient from this parking garage. However, oversized vehicles, recreational vehicles, and vehicles with trailers must use the parking lots on the Arizona side of the dam. Parking RV
No first hand experience, never been there.
DesertHawk - Las Cruces, NM USA
2005 16' Scamp Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer
Side Dinette, Front Shower & Head
2009 White Ford F-150 Reg. Cab
Long Bed with A.R.E. Molded Fiberglass Topper Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. -Confucius
I would not be so much worried about the dam / inspection itself but the curvy road and rock outcrops on the LV side. We have quit going that way and come back down from Lost Wages if we wanted to see the dam in a TV or Toad.
Lauren - -
Best Friend / Longtime DW, Barbara
2nd Best Friend, "Aussie" Terrier, Sadie
2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3
2006.5 Chev 3500 3LT XCab 4x4 Dmax 6 Spd Allie
I, and many others in this area, take Hwy 68 off I-40 in Kingman. This turns into Hwy 163 and deadends at Hwy 95. Take that to Lost Wages. You will have long grades on both sides of the CO River but nothing that I would think would cause you any problem. They have really improved that route and it is used a lot.
I would recommend going to see the Dam for sure; I just want to caution people about the road on the LV side.
I presume you will be at GC South Rim so just head down to Williams and then west on I-40 to Kingman.
I, and many others in this area, take Hwy 68 off I-40 in Kingman. This turns into Hwy 163 and deadends at Hwy 95. Take that to Lost Wages. You will have long grades on both sides of the CO River but nothing that I would think would cause you any problem. They have really improved that route and it is used a lot.
I would recommend going to see the Dam for sure; I just want to caution people about the road on the LV side.
I presume you will be at GC South Rim so just head down to Williams and then west on I-40 to Kingman.
You will have to park on the Arizona side either the first or second lot on the way down which leaves you a pretty good walk. We cross all the time going that way 35 ft. MH towing a Dodge Dakota with no problems going down on the Arizona side there are a couple tight turns and on the Nevada side going up it is narrow with a couple tight turns however the speed limit is 15 MPH on both sides so you will not hold up traffic and you should make it fairly easy. If you want to avoid the Dam altoghter when you leave Kingman take Hwy. 68 west to Laughlin and west 163 to Hwy. 95 north to Vegas. This route has a long 8% down grade to Laughlin and long climb from Laughlin to Hwy. 95. Have fun
By the time you reach Kingman you'll most likey need to fuel up. most of the stations are on Andy DeVine. Continue on the I40 after fueling up for Hwy 93 is only about 4 miles down the road.
* This post was
edited 06/23/09 03:08am by c.traveler2 *
Offline
