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Bismarck ND to Kalispell, MT. Which route to take?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by 101driver, Sep 27, 2013.

  1. Sep 27, 2013 #1
    101driver

    101driver Light Load Member

    67
    10
    Apr 22, 2012
    Winston-Salem, NC
    0
    Hey,

    Driving an overweight (permitted) concrete pump truck to deliver in Kalispell, MT. It doesn't pull grades too well, but once it's moving it runs ok.

    The truck is 3 axles, with a 12 ft overhang on the rear. It only weighs 58k, but needs the permits because of the tandem weight and the overhang. Company is taking care of all permits. I don't have the MT permit yet, but will by the time I get there. Does MT give you a specific route to take on the permit? If MT gives me a specific routing I will have to take it.

    If they don't, which route should I take from Bismarck to Kalispell? I'll be there in another day, so any quick answers will be appreciated.

    Google wants to route me via US2, but I've read that's a heck of a road. I could stay on i-84 until the 175 and run US 12 and MT 141, but I'm leaning toward staying on until the 96 and running US 93 to Polson, and then either stay on 93 or take MT 35 around Flathead Lake.

    Which route do you recommend, especially considering I'm a new (1 yr) driver, in a truck i'm not accustomed to?

    Which route would avoid the steepest grades, both up and down. I don't want to use my "you can only come down a mountain too fast one time" on this trip.

    The truck does have engine (jake) brakes. They're not great, but they're there.

    Another question -- after I drop this truck, I'm renting a car and going to Seattle. I've never through this area before, and I'd like to see the sights without spending too much excess time. US 2 and US 95 back to I-90? Or is there another route I should take?

    Thanks guys,

    Amos
     
    101driver, Sep 27, 2013
    101driver, Sep 27, 2013
    #1
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  3. Sep 27, 2013 #2
    Junkyard Johnney

    Junkyard Johnney Light Load Member

    209
    190
    May 27, 2012
    Plains,Mt
    0
    Run the high line but keep fuel in it not much out there. Beach,Nd has a truck stop to fuel before you head out. If you run I-90 you will have more services but it is 100miles farther and more mountains. Keep an eye on your weather reports. Basically I-90 west to Glendive,Mt go north on 200 go north on Hwy 13 and cut over to Wolf Point there will be a little Truck stop on the west end of town for fuel. Little hills on 13 but not to bad. When you get to Shelby,Mt over by I-15 there will be another truck stop there. Take my word for it don't stop in Browning,Mt, there will be some good pulls and mountains through the south end of the park but it isn't very far through there to Kalispell,Mt. As far as going to seattle, There are several ways to go but the one you list will be ok. Good luck J-J
    p.s. when you head out of Glendive,Mt don't be alarmed if it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere because you are, just part of getting across there no big deal just sit back and enjoy the ride.
     
    Junkyard Johnney, Sep 27, 2013
    Junkyard Johnney, Sep 27, 2013
    #2
  4. Sep 27, 2013 #3
    Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

    7,341
    26,340
    Aug 18, 2007
    ~8600+' and loving it!
    0
    You've got a couple options. Get off at Glendive, and head up 200s. From there you can either run up to Wolf Point and across 2, or 200 over to Great Falls and up 89 to 2. The northern route follows the Great Northern 'High Line' and isn't all that bad of running. 2 isn't that bad, it's no worse than running around the lake if you come in from the south, and the traffic is much lighter volume. Those two routes are about 10 miles different.

    You can go over to Three Forks and up through Helena, running US12 over to MT141 and then up MT83, which avoids the lake, or over to Garrison and come back to 141 if you want to run the Interstate a little farther west. But those routes are about 80 miles longer than running the High Line, as is going to Missoula.

    US2 you'll go over Marias Pass (not bad), the Great Falls route adds a couple minor passes (no biggie.) If you go through Helena, you add McDonald Pass to Marias. If you do decide to go past Three Forks, then you have Bozeman Pass (long and shallow grade,) Whitehall Hill (shallow up, short steep down,) and Homestake ( a real pass,) to deal with.

    Whenever I've done that route, unless I had a stop to kick off a car along the south route, I've run the High Line.
     
    Hammer166, Sep 27, 2013
    Hammer166, Sep 27, 2013
    #3
  5. Sep 27, 2013 #4
    101driver

    101driver Light Load Member

    67
    10
    Apr 22, 2012
    Winston-Salem, NC
    0
    Thanks! You guys rock!

    One thing I forgot about. This truck has a small tank. I can only go < 225 miles before I am running on diesel fumes. I'm 13' 0" but I can usually fuel at a normal gas station that has deisel unless they have a really short awning. I prefer to stop at a truck stop, but diesel fuel is diesel fuel. If i go the high route, and fuel at Wolf Point, I don't think I can make it to Shelby. Any diesel at Malta and/or Havre and Browning?

    I like the high route. I thought US2 was supposed to be bad, but it seems better that way IF i can keep enough fuel. Maybe I should stop at walmart or a truck stop and get a couple of gas (er, diesel) cans. Or should I just stay on the interstate until Three Forks and deal with McDonald Pass?

    One more thng. No sleeper, so I also need someplace to stay. I might (!) make it to Bismarck tonight, and I don't think I can do Bismarck to Kalispell in one day -- more like to somewhere around Billings or Boseman. On the high route, I may make Malta or Havre. Your thoughts on that?

    thanks again!
    amos
     
    101driver, Sep 27, 2013
    101driver, Sep 27, 2013
    #4
  7. Sep 27, 2013 #5
    Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

    7,341
    26,340
    Aug 18, 2007
    ~8600+' and loving it!
    0
    Just about every Montana town has a Town Pump for fuel, so no problem there. Jump on priceline and book a room. Or just use Google if nothing comes up on there. You'll find something, there's plenty of motels.
     
    Hammer166, Sep 27, 2013
    Hammer166, Sep 27, 2013
    #5
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