Community Forums

cwj212 · 11-06-2013, 09:14 PM

We will be heading south to florida from NY this February. Taking I81 seems to a more direct route compared to I95. I have driven 95 as far as South Carolina but not 81. My concern is that 81 may have some mountain grades compared to 95. Has anyone taken both these routes and provide a comparison?

Jupiter · 11-06-2013, 09:34 PM

I drove both from PA to SC. My preference is I-81 because traffic seems less congested and fewer intersections with major cities, i.e Baltimore, D.C., Richmond. Of course, I-81 won't take you to Florida.

cheers,
Joopy

BBQ Judge · 11-07-2013, 06:15 AM

I-81 does have some grades in southern VA and northeastern TN but I had no problems. Depending where you turn east, some of these will be eliminated.

I do suggest avoiding the Baltimore, DC areas; if the traffic congestion doesn't give you indigestion, all of the construction will.

In February, part of your trip planning could be the weather. I-95 might be a few degrees warmer and less chance of snow/ice unless a northeaster is in the forecast.

Dagwood · 11-07-2013, 08:04 AM

I just came down I 81 from Maryland with no problems in a 36 foot overloaded gas burner.

Dagwood · 11-07-2013, 08:09 AM

And yes I have been down I 95 and it is rough and extremely crowded around D. C.

Dog Folks · 11-07-2013, 09:58 AM

We have traveled both many times. Since you asked, in our opinion I-81 is a much better road with less traffic overall.

All interstates are limited to a maximum grade of 6%, so that should not be an issue.

D in Davie · 11-07-2013, 10:00 AM

I will never drive I95 from Richmond VA through NY ever again. Teh congestion is just to difficult expecially if you are towing anything and need the extra room to change lanes. The grades on I 81 through VA to I 77 in North Carolina are not going to be any worse than the Bridge from NJ to Maryland on I95, maybe even better. I always take I 80 to I 81 to I77 to I 26 to I 95 in GA.

RVThere · 11-07-2013, 11:47 AM

Many of us take the 81 to I-66 to VA Rt. 17 route that brings you to Fredericksburg, VA on I-95.

You still have to deal with Richmond, but you avoid Philly, Baltimore and DC.

TsuSM70 · 11-07-2013, 01:24 PM

In Harrisburg, Pa, take I-83 south through York, pick up 695 south to us 301 south . Lots less traffic and puts you just north of Richmond. Avoids Washington completely

bsirby · 11-07-2013, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVThere

Many of us take the 81 to I-66 to VA Rt. 17 route that brings you to Fredericksburg, VA on I-95.

You still have to deal with Richmond, but you avoid Philly, Baltimore and DC.

That is the route we take whenever we travel to NY. Fredericksburg to south of Richmond is not that bad. Depending on the time of day we go straight through Richmond on 95 or take the 295 bypass.

cwj212 · 11-07-2013, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVThere

Many of us take the 81 to I-66 to VA Rt. 17 route that brings you to Fredericksburg, VA on I-95. You still have to deal with Richmond, but you avoid Philly, Baltimore and DC.

This is the route we took when traveling to Myrtle Beach many times. It's a pretty ride through Virginia. Going through Richmond wasn't too bad.

I didn't think about the weather! Sounds like 81 to 77 is good if the weather sounds ok. If not we can take 95. Or...find a place to wait it out.