Community Forums

superman11 · 08-27-2019, 12:51 PM

Our next trip is to Disney's Fort Wilderness and then to the Florida Keys. Hard life, but someone has to do it, right? First time to the Keys - other than to Key West 15 years ago - and that off a cruise ship.

I was wondering if folks had a alternative to the I75 Route or I95 route that works well with a motorhome + TOAD?

Maybe 27, or is it more trouble than it is worth?

Thanks in advance.

K_n_L · 08-27-2019, 01:08 PM

Check out the Florida Turnpike, believe its close to Orlando. Tolls but generally smoother, less traffic (than I-95) good towing rest stops. There is a discount for the SUN Pass which you can get at most rest stops. We pick it up @ Ft. Pierce when heading to Marathon.

C.Martin · 08-27-2019, 02:32 PM

Take a look at HWY 417...Just east of Ft. Wilderness...joins the Florida Turnpike...which you follow all the way to Florida City...then onto US1 South to the Dlorida Keys... Drop into a Publix or turnpike rest stop to pickup SunPass...if you need one. Does the electronic tolls...so you don't have to stop for tickets and paying...

StaRVGazer · 08-27-2019, 02:48 PM

Turnpike all the way, it ends at the start of the overseas highway in Florida City. Miami will be messy, a lot of roadwork. Pay attention to the signs, a few ramps have been changed after Kendall.

Make time to stop for fresh fruit milkshakes at 'Robert is Here' fruit stand in Florida City, a few blocks off US1.

An alternative to taking the Turnpike through the Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood metropolis is to exit onto 869 (Sawgrass Expressway) after Boca Raton and take that west and south to I-75 then pickup the Turnpike again near Miramar. A little longer but more civilized and all major highways RV/Toad approved.

Paul

Jyrocharlie · 08-27-2019, 03:19 PM

Get a Sun Pass for the tolls, it sure makes it easier. when you get South, find the Mel Fisher Museum, the Atocha treasure is something to behold.

FORTRIDER · 08-27-2019, 04:58 PM

We usually take 27 down, a bit slower than the toll or 95, but not bad at all.
And I second the Fisher museum, not to be missed.
Safe travels.

RKins · 08-27-2019, 05:00 PM

If you're not in a hurry, 27 is a nice route south that ends in Miami. Yes, there will be stop lights but less stressful than a freeway. I live in Sarasota, FL and stay at a CG in Clermont, FL a couple times a year and use 27 to bypass I-4 craziness and pick up I-75 further south or sometimes grab SR 72 outside Arcadia to head home. Nice and peaceful.

It depends on the pace you need. 27 is a secondary highway so the speed limit is 55 or 60.

Jim.B1 · 08-27-2019, 06:15 PM

Yes I know, a bit off topic, but consider a night or 2 at the Jolly Roger RV Resort in Marathon.
It's half way down the Keys and offers great sites right on the Gulf, beautiful sun sets and they have amazing staff too.
Enjoy the Keys.

PaulTNaples · 08-27-2019, 09:03 PM

Take US 441 south to Okeechobee City. You can choose to go around the Lake to the West. Pick up 27 and take it until it meets I75. Follow 75 until it turns into 595. Follow 595 to Turnpike. Turnpike to Homestead and US 1 south. It’s approximately 4-5 hours to Key West from the end of the turnpike. Depends on traffic.Keys Palm in Key Largo is a great place too. Boyd’s near Key West is a favorite. Blue Water Key if you don’t mind being 15 miles from Key West.

superman11 · 08-28-2019, 06:07 AM

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I do have a sunpass, but not in a hurry - so 27 or 441 will be our choice. Just wanted to be sure it was rig friendly!

New2road · 08-28-2019, 07:14 AM

as you negotiate the construction around Miami be careful of your lanes. they tend to take the far right lane and convert it to an exit without much warning. I was constantly having to move left to keep out of exit lanes. Fuel stops on US1 in the Keys was interesting. Plan ahead. since there is only one road through the Keys, many cars dart out of parking lots to merge guess they think RV's are moving slow and they can beat you to the lane. l

PaulTNaples · 08-28-2019, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superman11

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I do have a sunpass, but not in a hurry - so 27 or 441 will be our choice. Just wanted to be sure it was rig friendly!

Truckers use both 27 and 441. 441 is more of a rural route. 27 goes through a few medium size towns. Slow downs and congestion. 441 is a straight shot down through cattle country.

superman11 · 08-29-2019, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulTNaples

Truckers use both 27 and 441. 441 is more of a rural route. 27 goes through a few medium size towns. Slow downs and congestion. 441 is a straight shot down through cattle country.

Thank you Paul!

FLJOE · 08-29-2019, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superman11

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I do have a sunpass, but not in a hurry - so 27 or 441 will be our choice. Just wanted to be sure it was rig friendly!

Next fuel stop pick up a commercial trucker's atlas. It only takes about 20 minutes to get familiar with it. We have used one for years and check it to make sure our routing is appropriate for our size, especially height.