East Coast trip? or the Great Unknown

[Railhead]

Am I going to be a parker or a driver? It looks like I need to do more research. I have been to 23 states, and 18 National Parks so far, and will be retiring within the next 12 months. My question to the forum is whether the stories I've heard about small, over crowded and over booked RV parks/campgrounds/attractions in the east is accurate or false.
I have grown up in the west, but wonder about bringing a 34 foot Class A into a location where I am totally unfamiliar. That area would be on a diagonal line, about 52 degrees, running northwest from Jacksonville Fla. to Joplin Mo, then toward the eastern border of Montana/North Dakota/Canada.
Not so concerned about less populated areas.
What about Chicago?
I understand about avoiding the big cities, but would like to hear the collective wisdom about pre-planning, and a general consensus of where to stay out of (besides New York City)
Any truth to the rumor that the east coast highways are smaller than out west?So if I park, and use the toad, I see some advantage.
Thank you for any positive or negative opinions or insults..
Jim

[jacwjames]

I live in TN but my family lives in Northern Wisconsin. I use to drive through Chicago annually on vacation. In my opinion it has gotten much worse with general road conditions deteriorating noticeably. About 6 years ago I drove my coach through Chicago without many delays but it's still a white knuckle experience, narrower roads, merging traffic etc. About 4 years ago I drove back through Chicago with my Jeep, it took ~2 hours longer due to traffic delays and I was trying to make time.

We've also driven through other larger cities, Atlanta can be bad depending on time of day and although there are bypasses it's a crap shoot as to where the delays will be.

As much as possible we try to avoid larger cities but because of the interstate systems that usually go straight through these cities. We've drive most of the Eastern States, some in them in an RV.

I would find the DOT website for each of the states you will be driving through and find the page that has construction and road delays and try to avoid these areas.

[MrNiceGuy]

I don't believe you will have any more issues in the East than you have in the West. Yes I would advise you to use the bypasses around the larger cities but the roads are the same width as they are out West. We just have a few more people. You can enjoy everything from the Maine coast to the Florida Keys with your coach and toad. Enjoy!!

[George Schweikle]

Don't be too worried about the "East", there are many attractions and locations worth your visit. We rarely make campground reservations unless near a major city, attraction, holiday, or someplace we just must be near. Since we usually tow a car trailer, a same day call is good to see if a longer pull through site is available. We occasionally need to pass by Chicago from KY, and have found the extra distance from using Interstate #39 is well worth eliminating the traffic and endless toll booths on the Tri-State toll road through Chicago. Also, checking on different States DOT websites is highly recommended.

One issue we see driving further East, especially Northeast, is that many areas are more heavily wooded and it's not as easy to see the "Interstate Cities" for fuel or other stops. I know that some use a stopping guide, but we haven't reached that stage yet.

And, as you explore, unless you want to practice your backing skills, don't go anywhere unless you can see an exit path (ask me how I know..)

Originally Posted by jacwjames

I live in TN but my family lives in Northern Wisconsin. I use to drive through Chicago annually on vacation. In my opinion it has gotten much worse with general road conditions deteriorating noticeably. About 6 years ago I drove my coach through Chicago without many delays but it's still a white knuckle experience, narrower roads, merging traffic etc. About 4 years ago I drove back through Chicago with my Jeep, it took ~2 hours longer due to traffic delays and I was trying to make time.

We've also driven through other larger cities, Atlanta can be bad depending on time of day and although there are bypasses it's a crap shoot as to where the delays will be.

As much as possible we try to avoid larger cities but because of the interstate systems that usually go straight through these cities. We've drive most of the Eastern States, some in them in an RV.

I would find the DOT website for each of the states you will be driving through and find the page that has construction and road delays and try to avoid these areas.

[allynne]

Avoid Chicago at all costs. Heavy traffic, construction, poor condition roads and tolls.

Other than that no problems just more traffic than in much of the west except LA. Many of the parks tend to be older and smaller with 30 Amp service. As you have a smaller MH, 34', that may not be as much of a problem. I have been all over the east with my 43' and with a little planning have not had any issues.

Al Sawyer
'05 Mt. Aire