Best Route to Lincoln NE

[David A]

I am taking my first trip to Solo Nats this year and trying to figure out the best route given I'll be towing my car (GR86). I'll be hauling my car behind my V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee which has a towing limit of 7,800 lbs on a Uhaul trailer. So, while this setup will be within the towing limit of my Jeep, it will not be as capable as if I were towing with a full size pick-up.

Google Maps is telling me the best route is to take I-70 through Colorado. I've not driven that route before but have read it is a challenging road for towing with a couple of passes over 10,000 of elevation, lots of steep decents, windy sections, etc.

For some of you that have towed vehicles to Lincoln a few times, what route do you recommend?

[Sean Fenstermacher]

I would suggest the most Northern route to avoid the Rockies.
I-15 thru Salt Lake City then I-80.

Good luck at Nats!

[George Schilling]

As light as your car is, you'll have no problem taking I-70. You'll be rewarded with one of the most scenic drives in the country. Grand Junction makes a great overnight stopping point. Be sure to pull off and dip your toes in the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. Take the drive. You won't regret it!

[David A]

I would suggest the most Northern route to avoid the Rockies.
I-15 thru Salt Lake City then I-80.

Good luck at Nats!

Thanks Sean. I hadn't considered I-80. That doesn't look like that bad of an option. It is only about 55 miles further but a much straigher shot.
I might do that.

[David A]

As light as your car is, you'll have no problem taking I-70. You'll be rewarded with one of the most scenic drives in the country. Grand Junction makes a great overnight stopping point. Be sure to pull off and dip your toes in the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. Take the drive. You won't regret it!

I've heard it is just stunning. And, I've always wanted to drive that stretch of road. I may do it for either coming or going. It appears my decision point is 8.5 hours into my drive if I do it for the drive there. I'll have some time to ponder it. Thanks for the input. Your are right on the car being light. I've towed a 4k lb boat behind the jeep and could hardly tell it was there. My biggest concern was not having the HP to go up the grade easily. I think I can. My concern was with braking. I'll be hauling the car on a uhaul trailer (wildcard). If the brakes seem to be working good, it might ease my mind. If the trailer is a beater.......well, I don't want to rely on only my Jeep's brakes for those downslopes coming off 11,000 ft elevation on a 6+ degree downslope. Sure, I can downshift, and will, but it still will suck doing a long slow motor braking down those slopes.

Thanks!!