wjbagley52531
Iowa
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We are planning a trip to the black hills this summer and we would like to avoid the interstates as much as possible. We are looking for some suggested routes driving mostly tow lane roads and would like input from anyone with suggestions.
We are pulling a Jayco 29RLS TT and we would like roads that are in good enough shape to not tear everything up. I made the mistake a couple of years ago when we went to RMNP of taking US 34 most of the way. Never I repeat never drive US 34 in western NE. It will tear your rig up. We bounced so much we torn the brackets holding the couch secure to the wall out of the wall.
We will be driving from the Ottumwa, Iowa area and have looked at the following route:
Iowa:
West SR92
North US71
West SR44
West US30 to Blair, NE (not sure about bridge)
Nebraska:
North US75
West SR32
West US275
West US20
North US385
Any suggestions or alternate routes would be appreciated. We are planning on a 2 day drive to the black hills so we will be stopping somewhere along this route for 1 night.
2007 Jayco 29RLS
2010 Chevy 1500 4x4 Max Tow Package 6.2L 6-speed auto 3.73 gear
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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It's been several years since the last time I drove it but route 20 across northern Nebraska was a pretty straight forward two lane highway.
Good luck / Skip
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2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
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Old-Biscuit
Across the USA
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Joined: 06/20/2009
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skipnchar wrote:It's been several years since the last time I drove it but route 20 across northern Nebraska was a pretty straight forward two lane highway.
Good luck / Skip
Yep.....Grab Hwy 20 out of Sioux City all the way to Chadron, NE then Hwy 385 north to Hot Springs, SD.
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paulj
Seattle
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Sounds like you are doing right-left repeatedly, following the N-S E-W road pattern of these flat states. There must an infinite number of options that way. 
Some years ago I did some thing like that, taking I90 across SD, I29 south a ways, then stair stepping across Iowa, ending up in Toledo, Iowa. I don't recall any bad roads, but I also can't tell you what roads I took.
Have you looked at the streetview images (Google maps) of these roads? They won't give the latest pavement conditions, but you can tell the difference between a well maintained state highway and some local farm road.
* This post was
edited 04/24/12 07:22pm by paulj *
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Husker Jerry
O'Neill, Nebraska
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I live on Hwy. 20 in O'Neill, NE, approx. 125 miles W. of Sioux City, IA. I wouldn't hesitate recommending 20 for your trip. Many of the small communities along the way, including O'Neill, have municipal campgrounds that are available at very minimal cost. Traffic is light . . . enjoy!
2001 Ford Excursion V 10
2003 Jayco Designer 31FKS
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Husker Jerry
O'Neill, Nebraska
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Just a further note . . . should you be in a position to overnight in O'Neill, the local campground is located in Carney Park, just off US Hwy. 281, approx 1/2 mile S. of Hwy. 20. Electric hookups are available & there is a dump station.
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chuckster11
Idaho
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Joined: 04/30/2004
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I am a BIG supporter of U.S. 20 thru Nebraska--one of my favorite routes ever--I can also suggest Nebraska 12 which is a bit narrower and more winding but a good drive as well. If you want a neat insight to how America lives and lived in the "good old days" this is the drive for you. Great views and great people--you will enjoy the drive.
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paulj
Seattle
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Wiki article on US20 in NB
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_20_in_Nebraska
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paulj
Seattle
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Your Nebraska part looks reasonable, but I'm puzzled by the convoluted part in western Iowa. That's just to avoid 50 miles of I80 I680?
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bennefim
Daleville, AL
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Jerry, are there numerous gas stations along this route?
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