Community Forums

Props2 · 05-08-2021, 07:45 AM

Take an extra day. Think of it as three mini trips. Travel between 9-3, make frequent stops at the rest areas. Go at your own pace. Don't worry about trucks or traffic, they'll move around you. The toll roads around the Chicago area are no big deal, its mostly very good roads and wide lanes. Just do it in the middle of the day. You've got this!!

GuyG · 05-08-2021, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

I'd stay away as far as possible from the southern Chicago area mess. (We lived very close to Mundelein & traveled many times to family in St. Louis.)

865 miles - I-40, I-74, I-77, I-65 to Charleston, WV.

Then 35 to Chillicothe to Dayton, OH.
I-75 a short distance to I-70 west to I-65 at Indianapolis
I-65 to Remington, IN, Exit 220. Take 14 west to St. Anne & 10/1/17 to Kankakee, IL
Then 113 to I-55 north
I-55 to I-355 to Palatine

That way you avoid a lot of the immediate Chicago lakeshore traffic.

Of course, you can avoid a lot of interstate trucking by taking secondary roads - if you have plenty of time.

The best route advice you're going to get, in my opinion. And from the sound of it, I wouldn't bother trying to make it in two days. Relax, don't try to go so far that you wear yourself out. It will only make it worse. By the time you get to your son, you'll be pro's at this.

sasdau · 05-09-2021, 07:46 PM

Hi KenZ71. Thank you so much for your response. Could you tell me the best way to
line up drivers side with lane markers? Thank you so much for your help!

sasdau · 05-09-2021, 07:49 PM

Awwwwhhhh! Thanks! I needed to hear this! You guys are the best! Deb and Charlie

KenZ71 · 05-10-2021, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasdau

Hi KenZ71. Thank you so much for your response. Could you tell me the best way to
line up drivers side with lane markers? Thank you so much for your help!

Try this clip for tips on lining up with the painted lines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNqc52WVJ8w&t=185s

RV Geeks also has a great clip

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5MSGqfh8z0

For tight turns I tend to go as far forward as possible - I would much rather go into the next lane than have to back up or go up & over the curb.

sasdau · 05-10-2021, 03:35 PM

Yes Ken! I actually hired a wonderful 68 year old lady that drives a diesel pusher 40 feet and she drove it to Alaska over a six week stay. She and a girlfriend! She is my new hero! LOL! I found her on the Eastern NC RV Facebook page. She is amazing! She rode with me for an hour on the major highway to Raleigh. I have driven the motorhome all told for about 4 hours total. My husband much longer but I want to help out and relieve him from time to time. I drove a school bus when I was in high school for three years but that was when I was age 16 to 18 and I am 63 years old now! I am praying daily my bus driving skills from high school will kick in soon! I have already watched those two you tube videos you sent to me earlier and am watching again tonight. My only issue is knowing when I am in my lane and the size of the windshield. It's just HUGE! LOL! You have been so very helpful to me and I can't thank you enough! Say prayers! We can't wait to see our son!!!! Thank You Ken! Deb and Charlie

twogypsies · 05-10-2021, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasdau

Yes Ken! I actually hired a wonderful 68 year old lady that drives a diesel pusher 40 feet and she drove it to Alaska over a six week stay. She and a girlfriend! She is my new hero! LOL! ....... I have driven the motorhome all told for about 4 hours total. My husband much longer but I want to help out and relieve him from time to time.

Helping with the driving is a very, very smart thing to do. Many women do it so your school bus skills will come back, for sure. On our trip to Alaska we took turns driving switching off every day. That way we could both enjoy the scenery! Other times we practically had to toss a coin as to who was to drive that day. We both loved driving our 40' motorhome.