Another thing to ponder: though you don't plan to strike out on foot, consider the possibility. I understand you have a PLB and don't plan to drive off-road. But if you are on a seldom traveled stretch of road, out of cell range, and break down 10 or 15 miles from a town or something, are you really going to pop that PLB and call for a life/death rescue? Or would you consider walking the miles back to a major junction? If so, you have to plan in a whole additional way.
Not saying you should plan to walk, just think about it. It will influence your gear choices, and the form factor of that gear.
You make a very good point. I don't think that in the southwest that there are very many roads that do not get some traffic, especially since the OP mentioned that he would be back into the cities at night. This means in all probability that while he is heading from / to a city, regardless of time of day that there will be other travelers as well at some point.
Unless a very dire life / death situation occurs, pushing the button on the PLB would be unjust cause for a major SAR response and should not be taken lightly as a realistic option as those valuable SAR resources may be needed elsewhere.
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