Well, we're off to pick up our new 28' Breakaway. Will meet the owner in Denver, spend time with them getting acquainted, do an inventory of what's in the Barth, go shopping for what we need for the trip, and head East on Monday,the 5th or Tuesday the 6th.
Would appreciate any advice on spare parts, tools, fluids, etc we should be sure to have with us. We can buy what we need in Denver.
Also will be going east in I70 through Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. Any suggestions on places we should stop and see on the way to Tennessee? We have about 6 days so we should take advantage of it.

I would suggest one of the membership programs that includes towing as the #1 must tool when picking up an unknown RV. This takes the risk out of being stranded with a tow company that doesn't know how to tow your Barth or does damage. Of course, fluids, flashlight, hammer, basic tools, credit cards....

That route through Kansas is a little sparse, But the Eisenhower Museum/Library is a good stop in Abilene. The National WWI Memorial in Kansas City should not be missed, and the old rail station is just across the street. Also in KC, the steamboat Arabia museum is good, as well as Crown Center downtown. The Harry Truman museum/library in Independence, MO is worth a stop also. In St. Louis, the Arch of course, as well as Forest Park (site of the 1904 World's fair) and they have a really nice Missouri Botanical Garden. There is a Superman museum in Metropolis, IL. After that, you are getting closer to home.

Have a great trip!

If it was me I would take I-25 south to Colorado Springs & Pueblo, then take 50 east to K.C. For me if not in any hurry would much rather take the 2 lane. More things to see. Old small towns to go thru.

I'd stick with I-70 room to pull off if there's a problem. DO NOT hit KC at rush hour.

I assume you want to get on I-64. Absolutely avoid taking I-70 through STL. At Wentzvillle, take US40/I-64, which merges with I-70 at the river. For fewer white knuckles, take I-270 west of STL, then I-255S to I-64 in IL. This adds only about 10 miles, but less traffic and congestion. Fortunately, IL has resurface I-64 recently.

Then I-57 to I-29.

The Briley Parkway around Nashville looks tempting, but it's been a mess every time I tried it.

I'm sure you know not to take US 321 at !-40 Exit 364.

Parks (I've stayed at all):

MO, Jonesburg, I-70 Exit 183, Jonesburg Gardens. Rustic but decent.

IL, Mt. Vernon, I-57 Exit 95, Quality Times. Also rustic, but very nice owners. Walmart a mile away.

KY, Paducah, I-29 Exit 11, Duck Creek RV Park. Very nice, spacious park. Store features lutes, zithers and primitive guitars made by my neighbor.

If we are at home you are welcome to call for any help if you are near St. Charles. I concur with Rusty, you want to take the southern route around STL, which is 40/64 at Wentzville.
Stops worth making in S. Illinois are either Ferne Clyffe state park near Goreville or Little Grand Canyon park near Harrisburg, IL. Both have viewable websites and neither are far out of the way and about 4 hours from the 70/40-64 split depending on traffic etc.
Best of luck,
Tim

Jim, you've been given some valuable help. I can imagine how excited and also worried you are. Pray and be calm. You're not too old to enjoy an unexpected, uncertain adventure.

Congrats! Breakaways have a 60 gal fuel tank that hold 40 gal of useable fuel. Plan on stopping before 400 miles until you verify your gauge. Have fun!
Wayne

J nevermind, Tere, I will be out of town when you are coming through but if you need assistance and it is daylight there is a chance I can recommend help. If you are still in the area I will return late Friday.
Tim

Around STL we always take I 370 to I 270 into IL then I 255 down to I 64. Also part of I 70 in KS are toll.BTW fuel is cheap in MO so fill 'er up

I better hit the hay. Jim takes me to airport for 5:45am flight. Up @ 3 lv @ 4am arrive @ airport @ 4:45. Still have some packing to do. It's harder for me to pack light than not pack light.
T

I'd just stay in Colorado and enjoy the mountains.

quote:

Congrats! Breakaways have a 60 gal fuel tank that hold 40 gal of useable fuel.

Not all do. Mine's 40 gal.

quote:

Around STL we always take I 370 to I 270 into IL then I 255 down to I 64

Kinda like what I recommended... :"For fewer white knuckles, take I-270 west of STL, then I-255S to I-64 in IL. This adds only about 10 miles, but less traffic and congestion."

quote:

Originally posted by w&bknocke:
Congrats! Breakaways have a 60 gal fuel tank that hold 40 gal of useable fuel. Plan on stopping before 400 miles until you verify your gauge. Have fun!
Wayne

a very prudent reminder.
I found out the hard way.

The adventure begins. Put Tere on a 5:25AM flight out of Knoxville to Denver via Charlotte. She has a 'buddy pass' thanks to her brother-in-law Larry, and was able to make all connections just perfect. Will arrive in Denver today around 9AM. Even got first class seat on the leg from Knoxville to Charlotte. The plan is for me to follow Sunday after son-in-law Dan, aka corporate jet pilot gets back home. Hopefully leave Monday.