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Jonnypip · 11-21-2016, 03:27 PM

Want some advice ,traveling from Harrisburg pa to port Richie fla ,towing a 30 foot Winnebago TT .going on 12/27 welcome any comments where to stay etc.what the best. Route.

mocarski · 11-21-2016, 04:07 PM

if we were in a hurry we preferred 81 to 77 and then head over to 75. Much nicer than heading down 95

Ejjt · 11-22-2016, 03:05 AM

I agree . Stay off 95. Trucks and coumuter traffic is out of control..
Lots of good CG on that route. This time of the year watch the weather. Better to sit for a couple of days rather than getting mixed up with snow covered roads
Joe

Dr4Film · 11-22-2016, 03:31 AM

Route I-81 is getting just as bad for truck traffic as I-95 has been over the years.

I've been on I-81 between Harrisburg PA and I-77 going in both directions bit in October when my brother and I had to make an emergency trip to our winter homes in Flagler Beach FL to do some minor hurricane repairs. A few days ago I was on I-81 again heading south for the winter and the trucks outnumbered the cars many times.

However, I would still take I-81 over I-95. Just be careful driving as the trucks barrel along at 70 mph.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

bertman · 11-24-2016, 09:06 PM

We go every year - Harrisburg to Florida - and have for 5 years. I81 is the only way to go. We stay at Fort Chiswell Campground in Wytheville, VA first night. (This is right at the 81/77 interchange). Second night at Coastal Georgia Campground in Brunswick, GA. This should get you into Pt. Richie the third day without too much stress. Both these campgrounds cater to travelers, you will meet many others making the same trip.

Jonnypip · 12-04-2016, 12:40 PM

You go 81 to 77 then what is Atlanta a traffic issue?

powderman · 12-04-2016, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonnypip

You go 81 to 77 then what is Atlanta a traffic issue?

77 does not go through Atlanta. 75 does and it can be nasty

RVThere · 12-04-2016, 03:03 PM

I do a monthly trip from NJ to the Keys and pass by Harrisburg on every trip!

I-81 to Rt. 50 in VA. Right in Paris, VA to Rt. 17 and follow that to Opal, VA (good BBQ place on left in truck stop) where you'll make a left to stay on 17.

That will take you to Fredericksburg where you'll hop onto I-95 South. Take the 295 bypass around Jacksonville. I prefer this route for a few reasons:

- in the winter, I-77 takes you over Fancy Gap which can have snow and ice
- other than Richmond and Jacksonville, you don't drive through any real major cities like Atlanta.
- the truck traffic is something you have to deal with on all interstates.
- I-95 is two lanes through most of NC and SC so you can get stuck in the slow lane but you'll have 3 lanes through GA and FL

Jonnypip · 12-04-2016, 03:51 PM

I want to go to the west coast I don't want to go 1-95 I want to take 75 into fla.

Nmdoyle · 12-04-2016, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVThere

I do a monthly trip from NJ to the Keys and pass by Harrisburg on every trip!

I-81 to Rt. 50 in VA. Right in Paris, VA to Rt. 17 and follow that to Opal, VA (good BBQ place on left in truck stop) where you'll make a left to stay on 17.

That will take you to Fredericksburg where you'll hop onto I-95 South. Take the 295 bypass around Jacksonville. I prefer this route for a few reasons:

- in the winter, I-77 takes you over Fancy Gap which can have snow and ice

- other than Richmond and Jacksonville, you don't drive through any real major cities like Atlanta.

- the truck traffic is something you have to deal with on all interstates.

- I-95 is two lanes through most of NC and SC so you can get stuck in the slow lane but you'll have 3 lanes through GA and FL

We are making our first trip to the Keys - coming from outside Philadelphia - would you still go this way?

RVThere · 12-05-2016, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonnypip

I want to go to the west coast I don't want to go 1-95 I want to take 75 into fla.

Then it looks like you have your route and you've made up your mind! Safe travels!

RVThere · 12-05-2016, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nmdoyle

We are making our first trip to the Keys - coming from outside Philadelphia - would you still go this way?

Yes, just take the PA Turnpike/I-76 out to Carlisle and then hop on 81. I used to have offices in Horsham and Blue Bell for years so I'm familiar with the Blue Route mess when you hit 95.

PM me if you need any specific Keys info.

Sunshine23 · 12-09-2016, 06:48 AM

When going to St Augustine Florida from Plymouth Meeting, it's adding two more hours if you go route 81 instead of 95. But it sounds like everyone is saying go 81 to Richmond VA instead even though it's a longer trip.

RVThere · 12-10-2016, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunshine23

When going to St Augustine Florida from Plymouth Meeting, it's adding two more hours if you go route 81 instead of 95. But it sounds like everyone is saying go 81 to Richmond VA instead even though it's a longer trip.

A quick check of Google Maps shows the difference from Harrisburg (per the OP) is only 20 minutes - NOT 2 hours. 12 hours 32 minutes for a 95 run that takes you through the mess of DC or 12 hours 52 minutes for the 81 run.

Plymouth Meeting is further east so the difference is 1 hour and 8 minutes. But taking 95 puts you on the Blue Route where it merges with 95, takes you through Wilmington, Baltimore, DC and all the associated tolls AND, if you have propane, forces you on the Key bridge instead of the tunnel which further lengthens that route.

Where are you getting your 2 hour difference?