hwy 290 Houston to Austin TX

[bkedgar]

We are pulling 2 fifth wheels and were wondering if 290 is a suitable highway to be towing on.

[bkedgar]

Are they toll roads?

[r time soon]

Sorry, Haven't traveled through Texas. Googled and found this: 290 East Manor Expressway Toll Road

Chris

[thomas861]

290 between Houston and Austin is fine to pull on. As with any road there might be an occasional rough spot but there's nothing that I remember really standing out as bad. I've pulled on it several times, mostly between Waller and Austin. Be aware that it does become a toll road just past Elgin when headed into Austin. Where exactly are you headed ? Austin or further west ? I live in the Austin area and depending on where you're headed I might be able to offer some suggestions through the area.

[bkedgar]

We are planning on stopping at the KOA near Austin. We are going to New Orleans and then on to Tucson by way of Austin.

[thomas861]

The one southeast of Austin or north of town near Leander ?

[thomas861]

I'll go ahead and add this. If you're staying at the KOA east of Austin near Bastrop it might offer easier passage through town heading west. Coming from Houston you'd take 290 and turn off just west of Paige and hit Hwy 21 down to Bastrop and pick up hwy 71 there.

Leaving the KOA you can take 71 thru Austin and pick up hwy 290 again. It'll split off from 71 west of town. Take 290 through Fredericksburg and it'll run in to IH10 west of there. We've taken this route before from the Houston area to Tuscon earlier this year. You'll avoid the toll roads but may get into some traffic through Austin until you're back on 290.

[bkedgar]

Originally Posted by thomas861

The one southeast of Austin or north of town near Leander ?

We are on to Tucson next so whichever one would be the best.

[bkedgar]

Thanks Thomas. That was the suggestion I was looking for.

[thomas861]

Originally Posted by bkedgar

We are on to Tucson next so whichever one would be the best.

I would take the route I mentioned above to Bastrop and then into Austin on Hwy 71 until it joins Hwy 290 west of town. Hwy 290 through Fredericksburg to IH 10.

If you have no specific reason to stay in the Austin area, it's not that much further to Fredericksburg. It's a nice town and would make a easy overnight stop or a nice spot to spend a couple of nights.

[mstan]

I travel that road all the time towing my 5ver. Not a problem until you get to Austin. Austin can be a pain in the neck if your not familiar with it. But all those road are good. 290 has a few spots that will be a little bouncy.