DO NOT TAKE THIS ROUTE! Texas to Taos

[@curtcoltharp3719]

I’m an old Texas RV hand and been to Taos many times over 50 years. If you go from Possum Kingdom, West Texas route, you go Lubbock, Clovis Ft Sumner, Clines Corners and Santa Fe. If you go from DFW, you take 287 to Amarillo and I-40 to Clines Corners and Santa Fe to Taos. The Las Vegas NM route is shorter miles but a twisty two lane road over a pass that takes longer. That road has no shoulders and would be a bitch if you had a blowout. From Palo Duro, I’d opt the Amarillo I-40 route. GPS can get you in messes pulling a rig and I’ve had my share. I live in Garland and just returned from my annual trek up north and Taos and Red River are always on my return trip list. Btw, there are numerous free RV full hookup places in the Texas Panhandle that I use to offset fuel cost when I go up there as a first night stay. Dumas has one that works from DFW departure and Muleshoe has one that works on a West Texas departure if your goal is hitting the pretty and cool high country quickest.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Yes..we should have paid closer attention this time. With our 5th wheel we do, but we figured with the "little one" it would not be so bad. If we had that I would have taken the Clines Corner to Sante Fe to Taos route without question.Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@CK-lv2rd]

That route into Taos is one of the best riding a motorcycle.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

I bet until you hit the gravel. Haha. Unless you have an adventure bike!!

[@ARoadLessTraveledBy]

Another great video and great to watch. We are in Grapevine Tx (yes very hot) and selling the house now, after being here 24 years, to start full-time RVing!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thank you. Congrats on selling and full timing. It’s a blast.

[@N2it4Now]

Yep, I would have been very, very quiet going down that road thinking oh no oh no... I like them good ol' burgers. Rock on RoadSmiths!!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha oh yes, Ken was actually very quiet! I had to “pull” out conversation from him for the first time maybe ever! 😂 They were some yummy burgers! 😉 Thanks so much and hoping we get to meet up sometime soon!!!

[@warrenwatters1800]

I felt your anguish on this video. I have a warning for you and others if you make the mistake my wife and I did last summer approaching Taos from the southwest. We were driving north on highway 285 and took 567 to go east to 68. We have a 30ft class A Airstream towing a 15ft enclosed trailer with my Goldwing inside. This road should only be attempted in a single vehicle..preferably off road 4x4. All was well until we started down the grade into the canyon. We made it through unscathed but if only I could share pics of the road. Best advice is to not attempt in any RV or Camper. Happy Trails! I enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Some of these roads can be sketchy for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Jarhead68]

Me and my wife live in Jacksboro. Herds is definitely our go to. We downsized from a 35 ft 5th wheel to a 22mle and it is so much easier on our knees as we both are in our 70's. We love our millie. I noticed a lot of Texans in here , we need to start a group. We travel in the spring and a lot in the fall. Have a safe and blessed trip.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

As we have said many times before, RVs are a series of compromises. Large rigs are more comfortable, but less nimble. Herds was awesome...just what we expected it would be. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@gregorymauk]

Great video! I have stopped using Google Maps and started using other Apps. Can’t wait for the next adventure.😀

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

When we tow our fifth wheel we are much more careful in picking routes because of her size and height and use other apps to verify the route. With the little one we are less worried. BUT I should have checked closer. But now we know we can do these back roads if needed to. Thanks.

[@EmiliaGarcia-sh1my]

Beautiful scenery, safe travels ❤😊

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thank you!!

[@oureverydaygetaway]

What an interesting drive.😃 Nice to see you guys back on the road and having a good time!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

It was quite interesting! 😂 it’s always a lot funnier thinking back on experiences like that than while you’re experiencing them! LOL! We’re glad to be back on it, too! 😊

[@sherriweber7105]

Glad you were able get into tight spots with the Lance. How was the burger place? Aw poor Meka had stickers on her. Oh my gosh what a long dirt road and narrow. This cows wouldn’t move either. They finally did. Glad you made it to Taos. Enjoy your weekend and see you soon!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

The burgers were great and getting the Lance into tighter spots is awesome. That road was a bit nerve wracking for sure.

[@stephenwright3723]

Glad to see you have begun your travels. Taos is a beautiful area, my favourite is Santa Fe. Enjoy. 😊🇨🇦

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thanks so much! Yes, it’s really a beautiful area!!

[@barbarapalmer268]

Fun video, always enjoy them.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thank you Barbara!!

[@bonnieschenk9711]

Awesome. Looks like a great place.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Yes it really was. More on it to come.

[@ChasingOurSunshine]

One that's way too hot out!! Love your thin blue line hat Ken!! OMG- that was definitely not the way to go!! But the baby cow was so darn cute! And at least it wasn't cliffs!!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

We support our first responders ALWAYS! ☺️ Haha those cows were the best part of that drive for sure!!! Omg! Can you imagine if there had been cliffs! 😳 I would’ve had to take over the driving and that would not have ended well! 😂 -Pam

[@kw1adventures88]

Looks like it turned into an adventure. Glad you were able to get through

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha an adventure it was! A lot of fun though looking back on it! 😂 Thanks so much!

[@cherifroehling6593]

We took that road about 5 years back and my hubs was cursing the whole way!!! But it is so beautiful!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha between you and me, Ken was, too! 😂 Thanks so much for watching!

[@justramblinaround]

Love the new hat Ken! Yep always ready for that pivot! You guys did great almost thought that was a nervous laughter from Pam. I cant help but wonder if we would have panicked and given up. You guys did great that looked like an excited little adventure how will this turn out. Wow cant wait to see the rest it looked like a neat town and aome beautiful places. We have actually never heard of this area cant wait to learn more. Oh totally felt for you at the beginning 97 and no wind we would have hid inside and filmed later! ❤

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Very dicey road for sure. You guys would love Taos. Great food...some microbreweries and good hiking in the mountains close by. Yes the heat in Texas was unbearable for those few days.

[@rjrvadventures]

Yep, Texas is hot! Sux that you couldn't go to Palo Duro. Man, that road was pure adventure!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

We were excited to go to Palo Duro...we have passed it many times in our drives up to Denver...just did not want to stop pre RV days. AND the weather cooled after PK so would not have been as hot as blazes...but the flash floods were No Bueno. Yes that road was very interesting...wont ever do that again!! Haha

[@lindao1327]

Oh my gosh! I’ve been trying to find you guys again! I subscribed a long while back, but had problems with my iPad and lost my subscriptions! A random video came up just now from Our Everyday Getaway doing a collaboration video and it was then I recognised the name! I’ve resubscribed and also subscribed to OEG!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Awesome. Welcome back. Thanks for the support!!

[@JustRide1568]

Palo Duro is awesome. A must see. Also go see Caprock Canyon SP. Another beautiful area. Herds is a great burger, Dairy Land, Green Frog both have good food also.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Yes we were bummed that Palo Duro was closed because of the flash floods. Someone else mentioned the Green Frog as well. Will have to try that next time we go through.

[@jeffstull2534]

That is the route my wife and I took years ago headed to Red River, NM. We passed thru Amarillo on 40 then turned right at San Jon in NM and headed to Springer before going into Cimmaron and up to Red River to stay. Red River has a nice RV place for yall at the far end of town. I have two old church members who went up every year to help run the campground for the season. We were driving my Subaru Forester and stayed at the Best Western in town. Since it was off season in Oct. I got a discount on the room for 58 bucks a night (normally 320.00). Stayed for a week and drove all over the place up there. Fun stuff. Blessings for a safe trip.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

We have some friends that just stayed in Red River...looked really nice. We would like to explore more of that area in the future.Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MrRMB1]

Great video! My wife would have been screaming the entire nine miles! New subscriber here, glad I found you three

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Welcome!! 🤗 We are so happy you found us! Haha I (Pam) really didn’t mind it, but then again I wasn’t driving! The funny thing was, I had said “we should be good unless someone comes down the road toward us” and not 30 seconds later here comes another pickup! They were super nice though and ended up backing up probably a quarter of a mile and let us know what to expect the remainder of that drive. It was crazy! Again, we’re glad you’re here!

[@weavgiff]

Traveling through my families country there. Many a summer spent up in Claude and Amarillo. Lots of memories!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Oh wow! Have you been to Palo Duro Canyon? We’ve traveled through that area for years as we went from DFW area to Colorado. gotta love those little towns! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ecuadorhusker2449]

Excellent video. I liked that 9 mile stretch of road. I'm going to get some independent suspension and disappear on that stretch😅😂. That looked like a beautiful area to boondock.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thank you so much! We are so glad you enjoyed it! Wouldn’t it be fun to get lost on that road (which could definitely happen! 😅). For sure IS would give you more comfort driving it! It was a really cool area, and now that we’ve done it, wouldn’t be so scary! Thanks for watching and commenting!! 😊

[@anthonybearden9023]

Herd’s has some great burgers. The green frog in Jacksboro is pretty good too.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Herds was great and just what we needed. Did not see The Green Frog...will look for that next time we go through.Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TheTexasTodd]

I love roads like that 😊

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Us too..just not with an RV. Haha.Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TheTexasTodd]

Right… 😂 maybe a truck camper but pulling an rv would give me lots of anxiety.

[@AmpedtoGlamp]

Did the burgers live up to the claim? So true. You have to consider the trade-offs for each type of RV. What a drive! Glad you made it through safely.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

The burgers are what you would expect from a small town burger joint. I (Ken) prefer them cooked over open flame but these were crispy from the griddle. And yes to the trade offs. One thing is that with the “little one” it makes enjoy being outside more. In the 5ver it’s too easy to kick back in the theater seats and chill. But weather dictates that for sure.

[@enidcantrell6304]

You need to go upto the grandescerpment in col. The most beautiful place I have ever seen

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Hmmmm...i googled that and I have found was in Brazil. Can you elaborate on where what you are referring to is? Thanks

[@enidcantrell6304]

@@TheRoadSMITHS nope. It's in Colorado. Just beautiful.

[@RVAmerica]

That road would have freaked me out. Glad you had a smaller than normal rig. The area was beautiful. Lynn and Danny

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Oh yes, we would’ve never attempted with the Alliance! Looking back it was kinda fun! 😂 It’s a really pretty area! Thanks guys! Stay safe out there!!

[@That_Paul_Guy]

On a recent trip from Taos traveling back east, I was headed to Oklahoma City. I remember Google recommending that route at one point but since I wanted to stay N of Amarillo, I didn’t take it. I would’ve enjoyed it on my bike but I can’t imagine it was fun with that rig.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Yes it would have been a great Bike route. Now on a bicycle the elevation gain would have been tough, on a motorcycle, awesome except for the miles of gravel. Either way...not RV friendly for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@That_Paul_Guy]

@@TheRoadSMITHS I should clarify, I meant motorcycle. Mine is an adventure bike and gravel isn’t so bad if you have some experience.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Then yes...you would love that route.

[@shanwarajapan2320]

Hello dear friend, 💐💐💐 what an incredible adventure, amazing best of luck for your promising future.👏👏👏👏Have a good day. everything will get better for you.Thank you for sharing your enjoyable video. I Wish your full of happiness in your life 👍 like👍 327

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Hello and welcome! Thank you for watching all the way from Japan?! 🤗 Thank you for your kind words!

[@TheGrandShamrockTour]

John and I enjoyed Palo Duro Canyon. The Lighthouse Hike was 5 miles in over 195 degree heat. 😅 Sorry you missed it. 😂 Travel safe you two.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

195 degrees? Sounds like you were there during a Texas cold front. Haha. We are sad we missed it but we got to spend more time in Taos.

[@TheGrandShamrockTour]

Oh my! Now that is some exaggeration!! Typo corrected - over 105 degrees. 😅😂🤣🌡️🤒

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

@TheGrandShamrockTour oh so it was January. I see. 😀

[@TheWoodensong]

Regarding the burrs that were caught in the dog’s coat, if I’m not mistaken, they contain seeds that get transported around by animals and help propagate the species

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Oh wow...thanks for that information thats interesting. Just glad these were not the real painful burrs.

[@LoneStarNomads]

Our trailer is a bit more off-roady so that NM-120 would be a nice road to take for us. We love boondocking up in the the Angel Fire and Red River areas. It's not a bad drive for us from outside Amarillo

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

The trailer handled it fine...any longer though and we would have been in trouble. What trailer do you have?

[@deanford827]

LOL, I travel New Mexico 120 often. Believe or not we get the occasional 18 wheeler that attempts HWY 120. Two years ago a Dollar General Semi tried in the Winter.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thats crazy to think about those large rigs doing that...but once you atart up it you cant turn around.....anywhere. Haha. Must have been a site to see.

[@Captain-Awesome]

We were out there at Possium Kingdom over Memorial Day weekend. We live in the DFW area.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Its a great lake...the campground is so so. Where in DFW are you? We were in Allen before we sold our house.

[@Captain-Awesome]

@@TheRoadSMITHS small world! We live in Mansfield. I build homes in Southlake and Westlake. If you guys make it down to Florida we just finished a 10 day trip to the 30A area, Santa Rosa Beach. We stayed at the 30A Luxury RV Resort. You can get back and forth to the beach via Golf Cart. It’s an absolutely amazing place. The best way I can describe it is like you are walking into a Parallel Universe. The resort was nice enough but getting down to the Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, Water Color areas is absolutely a great experience. My tow vehicle is a 2024 F350 SRW 6.7HO Platnium Tremor and the 5th wheel is a 2024 Brinkley Z3610. Just added Air Bags, this was the first trip after the install. They made a very big difference especially with the Chucking on certain concrete roads and some with stability. I have a GenY Executive torsion gooseneck and the 5” GenY offset. Once I aired up to 50psi the chucking was 100% gone. We also added Sumo Springs to the Brinkley, I have no idea how or if they are doing anything but they were easy to install and people think they are a good idea :).

[@1969hparker]

What is your setup? Truck year and engine? Does it pull the rig ok? Great video by the way!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

We have a 2020 Ford F350 6.7 Diesel. Pulls this Lance without any issue and tows, slows, stops our 35 foot fifth wheel without any issues. Hwve towed the fifth wheel over 30,000 miles. Now the 5th wheel does have disc brakes and that makes a big difference in slowing/stopping. For the Lance, this truck is overkill...but its the one we have. Haha. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@SchoolBusTalk]

We did exactly the same route last year. Dallas to Santa Fe. We stayed at Possum Kingdom for Memorial Day. We went to SF NM via Clovis and Santa Rosa. Our rig is a 25ft Class C.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Definitely need to be more careful about the routes we take.

[@robmcneill2967]

Just playing catch up after a busy week in t he Bluegrass Couple things folks. Ken you should entertain the idea of a nice cap for the truck if you keep the Lance. More storage a place to hide if weather turns, a change room when out there hiking 2nd get yourself a laminated truckers atlas....it's great for situations like the one here which involved cows ( which I'm totally cool with old farm boy). The Waggs used goggle to get to Makers Mark, & it lead us down a goat path that was bearly big enough for a truck. We have had issues with goggle in the car, so we back it up with the atlas. Just ideas friends.....safe travels 😊👋👋‼️

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

That would be channeling my inner Keep Your Daydream...haha. We get everything in there but just....although I have coined the teem "one thing too many" whether its the truck bed, the camper storage, the pantry etc etc...need to thin out some things for sure.

[@grayfox9911]

That poor girl... Be careful out there!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

The cow or Meka? Haha.

[@kcwerv]

We are leaving next weekend from the Dallas area for Angel Fire, New Mexico for 4 weeks then to Granby, Colorado for 3 weeks to escape the heat. We won't be home until the heat is a gone this year. When will you be leaving Taos?

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

We left Taos several weeks ago. Our videos are always a few weeks behind. Understand leaving the Texas heat for the mountains. We have too!! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ourrvsunsets]

This is fun to watch. You kids went the opposite way that we did. We went from a 30' travel trailer to a 35' 5th wheel. As always there's pluses and minuses to both. The biggest change for us was the height of the 5'er. Length wise I think we pull at the same overall length of our old truck and travel trailer. The other thing with the 5th wheel is that it tracks more to the inside of a turn than a bumper pull, which can be challenging at times. One suggestion to make hitching up way easier. We went from a traditional weight distribution hitch with sway bars and super heavy hitch, to an Andersen weigh distribution hitch. It made hooking up and unhooking so much easier, and the hitch itself is way lighter. Hahaha!!! Nice work getting through the cattle drive. I only laugh because we have so been there before. Going down a road that you hope won't just end and then you have to back out for 10 miles. Looking forward to watching your travel trailer adventures.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thanks. We still have our 5ver but wanted something smaller for Alaska and now more time in Colorado with our youngest while she prepares to become a mom. We like the nimbleness but it’s TIGHT especially with no slide but we don’t have to cross or fingers and pray to Jabu everytime we deploy/retract slides. Haha. Towing the 5ver tracks better for sure but at less than half the weight with the TT our truck thanks us! Haha.

[@dondavis1203]

I-40 west from Amarillo to Vega, 385 north to Dalhart, 87 to Clayton NM, 412 to Springer NM, I-25 to Hwy 58, Hwy 58 to Cimarron NM, Hwy 64 to Taos. My route to Taos many times over the years. Not as scenic as your route, but from Cimarron to Taos is a very scenic drive through the Cimarron Canyon. Late August will do it again heading to Durango, Colorado to run the Million Dollar Highway eventually to Moab, Utah. No destination after that, just wherever I want to go. I have a 25-R Entegra Class C and tow my Jeep for trail riding as I meander along the route. Y'all have a great time and enjoy. Old guy from Central Texas.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thanks so much for the info! We expect to travel Dallas to the Taos area more in the future, so it’s great to have the alternate route info! Sounds like you have a great setup! We may look into a drivable and tow in the future. It definitely seems like an easier setup/breakdown situation! Thanks so much and safe travels to you!! 😊

[@cwtex59]

There are a couple of free overnight places for RV’s that have power . One is in Dumas and one in Childress. We have used both on trips from Fort Worth to Angel Fire . We pull a 40’ New Horizon 5thwheel so are super careful on where we can get in easily. My Garmin allows for rig size so you can avoid as much as possible the small roads . On our trip to Angel Fire RV resort they have directions and roads to avoid in RV’s . They were working on the road between Angel Fire and Taos last fall when we were there .

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

@@cwtex59 oh my, downtown Taos is under construction and is a complete mess right now!!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

@cwtex59 oh wow! You guys are really long! Even more important to know the roads! Would be fun if we met up on the road somewhere sometime! Stay safe out there!

[@cwtex59]

@@TheRoadSMITHS We currently have our 5thwheel for sale it’s a 2020 Nee Horizons Majestic. When we sell it we have looked at Bigfoot travel trailers . We really like them and like you say with your travel trailer it’s more maneuverable.

[@Step-n-Wolf]

My family of 7 traveled all over the country in a 1961 16' Shasta. Miss the wing.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Wow..thats tight but I am sure that made great memories.

[@WaywardWaggs]

Gotta love sketchy roads, lol. The area is gorgeous though

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha yeah, it made it fun…once we were on decent roads again! 😅

[@rventures1021]

We ran into some of those roads in N Dakota......hair-raising!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

It was a bit concerning for sure. We try and avoid these routes but since this rig is so much smaller we felt we did not have to be as careful picking a route. Bad decision. Haha. We all live and learn.

[@cindybell673]

First time viewer! I live in Amarillo and go to NM for mountain vacay! Next time go to Dalhart and then Clayton NM, Springer and Cimarron! Then Eagles Nest to Taos!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thanks for watching and yes I will NOT be taking NM 120 whenever we go back there. I should have researched it a bit more.

[@rollinwiththedavises1938]

Two questions...have you thought about an RV safe GPS (or the RV Life Trip Wizard App) and what road was that? There were mile markers, so I assume it was a numbered County Road. Way to roll with the flow.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thanks. It was New Mexico 120. When we tow the 5ver we are more careful about what routes to take and use Hammer and Google street view to cross reference. With this little one we don’t have to be as careful but that just changed. Haha. At least we know now we can take this on roads the 5ver could never go!!

[@landon2095]

Google Maps has routed us down gravel roads in IL and NE. My navigator has not learned to look at the satellite images to see road types. Make sure you are not on a forest road when out west.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

When we tow the 5ver we cross reference with Hammer, Google Maps street view, and just google what others say about said road. With this smaller TT we felt like we did not have to be as concerned about that ( bad call) and we even said,...oh look a mountain road...lets take it...another bad call. Haha.

[@airstreamer]

Without the small one, "you'd still be looking for a place to eat." 🤣 Claude, TX park looks like a field? Oh my. Not OK ROAD! Did you ask the cows to MOOOOVE? -Michelle

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha no kidding! We would’ve been eating peanut butter and jelly! 😂 oh yes, it was definitely a field, but we were glad it was easy in/out and full hookups! The cows were hilarious and definitely broke up the seriousness of the drive! 😅 Thanks guys! Stay safe out there!!

[@airstreamer]

@@TheRoadSMITHS You too!

[@raoulroberts2024]

The cows were a hoot! 😂😂😂 It's like they had a discussion. "I'm not movin'. Should we let 'em through?" The brown one on the right asked. "Just this once. We're gonna have to have a talk with Google Maps." Said the black one on the left. 😂

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha. They were like WTH is that truck and RV doing up here? They were cooperative but were a bit worried the bull was going to charge us.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Awesome share

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thank you so much! We are glad you enjoyed it! 😊 Stay tuned for more fun ahead!

[@Chasingthesun2019]

Doesn’t your hitch remain attached to the trailer when unhitched? Would be easier than installing on the truck each hitching.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

No not on the travel trailer. It sticks out very far and would do allot of damage if we backed into something or I walk into it. Haha. Some states have laws about leaving it attached.

[@Chasingthesun2019]

@@TheRoadSMITHS hmmm never heard of states having laws on leaving hitch on the trailer. I have a ProPride hitch and it’s always attached to the trailer. I could see running into it on the truck, but not the trailer. Interesting

[@kingforaday8725]

"Stickers" are seeds. Its a way for a plant to spread its progeny over a wide area. The sticker becomes attached to the fur, feathers, skin of an animal that eventually leaves the area. At some point the animal removes the sticker or the sticker falls off on its own and germinates where ever it lands. Other plants like dandelions use the wind to do this. Plants like apples produce a fruit with undigestible seeds inside. An animal eats the fruit along with the undigestible seeds. The animal leaves the area, the seed passes though its digestive system unharmed and at some point is "pooped out by the animal in a nice little package of fertilizer.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Makes perfect sense. Those were not the painful ones thank goodness.

[@NelloCambelli]

Google Maps guided Mercedes 3500 + Trailer from Rock Springs to Green River WY via the Old Lincoln Highway - high centered and recovered with some damage.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Yeah relying on only Google maps will get us in trouble for sure. Sorry to hear that in your rig.

[@kylesummers1565]

You'll probably hate my comment. I would go with a 5th wheel because of basically a free bedroom above the truck bed (you may have had a much bigger 5th wheel before so I'm not judging) and more driving control. I grew up in NW Texas, so all those Texas comments are understandable. I currently live in NW New Mexico, so I can offer a little more useless commentary on that front...I would suggest a smaller camper for northern NM and SW Colorado. I don't currently have an RV, but if I did, it would probably be an overlander. If you can't afford an overlander, just buy a tent. That is how I spent many years enjoying the 4-corners. If getting there is half of the battle, most people can't afford an RV that can do it, but many more people can get there in just a fairly capable vehicle. Buy a tent, save a cowboy/cowgirl/plowgirl etc. Peace, Love!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Fifth Wheels are great for the storage and space...but not as nimble for sure. This little rig is on 25 feet and 10'4" high...which eases low overpass concerns as well.Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@johnnunya4776]

What was the name of the campground in Claude?

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Think it was called Triangle RV Park. Nice folks. maps.app.goo.gl/DFC47xVHhThRJHaV6?g_st=ic

[@LoneStarNomads]

They definitely had some bad flooding at Palo Duro

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

It started the day before we got there. They did reopen the campground but not the trails...which are the reason we wanted to go there.

[@magooracing]

Google Maps and Waze assume you are in a car. I use a Garmin RV gps that lets me input the size and weight of my Class C. Waze is good to alert for hazards in the road.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

We have done well for 3 years in our 5ver avoiding bad roads and low overpasses...with 2 exceptions....an 8 mile washboard logging road in the UP of Michigan and a 12 foot train overpass near Saratoga Springs NY...BUTmaybe its time. Haha.

[@To.Be.Determined]

Yikes!! Yall got thru!!!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

It was crazy! 🤪 Lesson learned to study route better before heading out (which he has always done before…just got in a hurry I guess LOL!). Hope y’all are well! Safe travels on the road!

[@To.Be.Determined]

@@TheRoadSMITHS 👍🏻

[@Jennanyree]

Y'all sure took the scenic route! We use google only for truck stops, rest areas, and zooming in to see areas we want to go. We found Co-Pilot, and while the design is not perfect, it always leads us on the best routes for our rig. We also have RV Life but mainly use that for trip planning. The gps hasn't always been good to us🫣safe traveling Road Smiths!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

When we tow the fifth wheel we are much more careful. We use Hammer as well and if in doubt I look at street view as well. With the little one we don’t have to be so precise. And for that road we clearly weren’t. Haha.

[@smokefx1]

Amarillo-Channing-Dalhart-Springer-Cimmeron-Eagles Nest-Taos. I don’t know how you managed to go the way you went. Being from Amarillo this is the route to take.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

LOL we aren’t sure how we managed either! 😂 If we had had our 35 Fiver, we absolutely would not have taken that route, but with the Lance it was doable! Would we do it again…absolutely not! Lesson let! 😉 Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@studio107bgallery4]

There’s so much traffic construction going on in Taos. this is the summer to stay away

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Yes, it’s quite a mess in the downtown area right now! We just arrived in Estes Park and they’re doing much the same downtown road construction! Ugh! Bad timing on our part! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Traveler7450]

Always have a road atlas to double check gps

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

When we tow the 5th wheel we are much more cautious and research the roads more. RVer reviews, Google Maps street view etc etc. With this smaller rig, we felt like we did not have to be so cautious...but maybe now we will be. Haha. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@hombre1965]

Anywhere except far west New Mexico is hideous to drive through. I go as far north in Texas panhandle and then turn left.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Taos, Angel Fire are nice...have not spent much time in NM other than that.

[@kenbudd3]

I call those burs fuzzey burs.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha...thank goodness they were not the hard spine burrs ( not sure the right name...but the ones that really hurt when you step on them).Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ronstacy6054]

Just like the pioneer settlers😂😂

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha we’ve said that many times in our travels! “Can you imagine what The pioneers thought when they saw this!” 🤣 Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@robertcolpitts4534]

Never ever trust Google Maps!It will get you lost or worse. Yeah, NM-120 is posted that you shouldn't take an RV up it. We've gone up that road several times just in our pickup truck, and it was a pretty well-graded dirt road but was somewhat rough. I'm used to mountain driving, having lived in the mountains for more than 30 years, and you couldn't pay me to take a trailer, 5er, or a motor home up NM-120. You didn't need to go back down I-25. Just turn south at Ocaté on NM 442 to La Cueva and Mora on NM 518 to Ranchos de Taos, then into Taos on NM 68. It's very scenic but be prepared for mountain driving (winding roads, steep grades, etc.) The other way is through Cimarron, up Cimarron Canyon through Eagle Nest over Palo Flechado Pass into Taos via the NM 585 south by-pass. Don't ever take US 64 straight into the heart of Taos from the east towing a trailer. It's just too tight to maneuver. Taos Valley RV Park is in a really nice location for sightseeing and visiting the area attractions. Safe travels!

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

That little experience was certainly a “lesson learned” for us! Looking back on it, I guess it wasn’t too bad, but we absolutely will not do that again! Thanks for the info which will be helpful to us on our next trip there! Mountain driving with RVs is not for the faint of heart! I will say, Ken’s skills have improved! Thanks again and stay safe out there!

[@robertcolpitts4534]

My pleasure! Y'all do the same!

[@watching-and-judging-you]

I guess I have to be the one to ask, you know flying a drone in a state or national park is illegal, yeah?

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

The National Parks are clear...Texas State Parks, not so much.

[@Twizlair]

Google based maps can get you stuck or killed in the southwest. We have rescues every year from people following these navigation sources.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

We definitely can see how that would happen! Ken is usually very informed about our routes before we head out, but this one kinda got by him. After that experience, I’m sure that won’t happen again 😝 Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@LoCleTXRV]

Yes, a fun road, but not towing anything. Having been on that route a number of years back towing the motorcycles, coming back from Pagosa Spring, Taos, Angel Fire then on NM 120 was the worst. Only it started to storm really bad until Abilene. Then the skies finally cleared for the rest of the trip back to Houston.⛈

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Oh how funny you know that road so well! It is quite beautiful and we learned that we really love Pagosa Springs! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Safe travels to you!

[@StacyAnneH]

What do you expect, even marshal rides a horse. Marshal McCloud even rode his horse in NYC

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha well since we hadn’t ever been on any of these roads before, we didn’t know what to expect! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@jimmcgee3111]

Always double check Google maps, taking you the shortest distance is not always best.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha yes, in those cases, shortest was certainly not the best! 😝 Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bobabooie6389]

👍🏻🇺🇲

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

😊

[@ajw7469]

Don’t leave your RV alone for long in NM or everything will be gone .I only stay overnight and move on.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thanks for the heads up, but we didn’t have any problems while we were in Taos. We always take care to keep things locked up. It seems that could happen just about anywhere these days though 😏

[@chucklight8656]

You'd enjoy your trip much better with a positive attitude. That is some of God's nasteroieces.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

It was beautiful up there but taking a trailer on that road is not a good idea and since we really did not know what was ahead and with no where to turn around it made it pretty stressful.

[@gregsmith230]

Yeah don’t go to Taos or Colorado. A better option would be Kansas or Nebraska.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha...depends on what you are looking for I guess.

[@phabbletty]

Boomers use real maps.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Haha...I guess so.Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dalepxp8963]

It’s unbelievable how many people are abandoning “real homes” for RV’s. Used to be a family HOME, was first and foremost. I understand it, believe me. Cities are collapsing, crime is better than working, and the police can’t stop the crime. The housing market is going to collapse. Wow. The democrats have really destroyed or once GREAT COUNTRY.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

We choose to adventure while we still can like may others.Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@SteveDodson-l8n]

First time to watch your youtube - got suckered in by the the title as we are about to leave for Red River. Sorry but y'all are hard to watch. The only thing good was your USA police support hat.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thanks for watching. We did show the drive so not sure why you were “suckered in”. But you know you can’t please everyone. Thanks for stopping by.

[@timolinsky]

Were you born rude or are you just so miserable in your life you have to be rude to others to make yourself feel better. These guys have worked their butts off to make videos to help others out and share info. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Ken and Pam….theres at least 5k of us that find you very watchable.

[@TheRoadSMITHS]

Thank you Tim!!!