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Texas Road Conditions on-line

January 21, 2012, 10:36:19 am

You might find this resource handy for travel if in Texas.  You can pull up road condition by highway number or county.  There is also this call number, 800-452-9292.  I learned of it this a.m. so I have not tried it more than a couple of times to see if it works.  If anyone knows of apps that might do this, that would be good.  Here is the web site for Texas -
Road Conditions    Mike

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Re: Texas Road Conditions on-line

Reply #1 – January 21, 2012, 12:41:31 pm

We have traveled several times during periods of "challenging" weather conditions. Here is a good place to start for road conditions. National Traffic and Road Closure Information | Federal Highway Administration

I also recommend Weather Underground for weather conditions and forecasts. We recently made use of the wind forecasts to adjust our travel routes. When driving a "high profile vehicle" wind conditions may be more important than temperature or precipitation. Forecast Maps : Weather Underground

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Re: Texas Road Conditions on-line

Reply #2 – January 21, 2012, 03:06:23 pm

Thanks JD, I will add that US site to my references.  I was really glad to find the Texas info as we are new to motorhome travel, just got a 4010 yesterday.  Our limited prior travel was in Texas and once to northern NM and there will be more into Central Texas. The web site I sent may really help us.  Then we can use your reference beyond Texas.

Being new I hope to avoid certain construction (those temp concrete barriers for example, right on the side of the road before the shoulder).  Heavy traffic, as thru DFW, is not relaxing.  I am not particularly concerned when in my lane but if I need to change quickly to make an exit/lane change, that is not fun.  The wind you noted is good to keep in mind.  We had a super C for a few months, wind was a real issue.  The FT appears it will be more stable.  Thanks. 

As an aside, I applaud the opportunity on the forum to ask for ideas of routes and places to stay and see for travel to final destinations.  Guidance there by members seems a huge value.  Mike

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Re: Texas Road Conditions on-line

Reply #3 – January 21, 2012, 03:29:23 pm

Michael,

Those concrete barriers(Jersey barriers in the vernacular) are one of the scariest things for a new motorhome driver, rivaled perhaps by toll booths.  Once you learn the tricks for maintaining your position in the center of your lane, your worries will ease.  Regardless of your precautions, you will encounter lane narrowing situations.  Just pay attention to your passenger side lower mirror to make sure you're providing clearance.  Remember that the 18 wheelers are wider than you are.

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Re: Texas Road Conditions on-line

Reply #4 – January 21, 2012, 04:16:40 pm

Thanks very much.  I did not know the trucks were wider!  Nor did I know "New Jersey" was attached to the barriers.  I will give it a go to concentrate on the lower mirror for the center line.  MOT told me to watch both mirrors for the road borders.  I got concerned I was watching the road too little but I think as you suggest, I need to use the mirror more when in construction.

When I took the driving test for the license, DPS said that I tended to stay a little far to the right shoulder....better than to be to the center too much, but understand that I had more room than I thought.  I think feeling where I sit in the cab, the tire's position to or in lane tracks, needs practice versus where I sit in the cab and tires/lanes driving my pickup.  Thanks.  Have a great weekend.  Mike

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Re: Texas Road Conditions on-line

Reply #5 – January 21, 2012, 10:17:19 pm

Max. legal width is 8 1/2', or 102".  Same for trucks, and RV, trailers.  Most newer Class A, since the mid 90's have been the newer 102" width.

Your RV is going to be the same as trucks.  Good luck with your new coach.

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Re: Texas Road Conditions on-line

Reply #6 – January 21, 2012, 10:51:56 pm

Gives you an appreciation for a trucker!

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Re: Texas Road Conditions on-line

Reply #7 – January 21, 2012, 11:10:11 pm

Ellen and Dave, you are so right about the truckers.  I have seldom, if ever, seen them be impolite or dangerous drivers, no road rage as I have seen with some auto drivers.

A trucker I sat next to at a football game recently told me of his career, some funny events, some not.  But one was to emphasize tires to me....he warned me to be particularly concerned for front tires, that he figures if he ever loses his truck to a blowout and the survives, he will not drive ever again.  Got my attention, so I probably focus too much on that.  Interesting you expressed about appreciating the truckers.  I imagine our commerce owes them a debt of gratitude, that their pay may not match their responsibilities and impacts to their families.  Glad to hear from you folks, hope you gain as much from this Forum as Jackie and I.    Mike

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