Bumpyroad wrote:
kfp673 wrote:
So just as an update, we just got home today. Great trip and had excellent weather! On the way down, we left around 6pm Friday night, we headed west and took 81 but cut back over to 95 north of Richmond and ran 95 the rest of the way. I hated every minute of the 95 portion. Traffic north of Richmond was terrible and even after spending the night in that area and leaving again saturday morning we hit jam after jam on 95. Wasted a few hours easily sitting in traffic! Coming home we took the 77 through Charolette to 81 route, and while the GPS says that is 1 hr longer, that is the only way I will go from now on. I already know the mess 95 is in Philly and DC but figured it would get better south. We travelled 81 north for our stop over spot last night outside Charolette and it was a breeze, not to mention much nicer scenery and views of the mountains. Definitely the way I will go in the future. Thanks again all!
out of curiosity, exactly where did you "cut over" to 95? hopefully it was not above Fredricksburg??? An Easter holiday weekend is not a good reference point for "normal" traffic conditions.
bumpy
Understood, and I forget exactly which route we cut over to 95 but it was not above Fredricksburg. Even if there was no traffic at all I still think I will take 81 from now on for 2 reasons. Physical road condition is not even close. 81 is in pretty solid shape the entire run as is 77 (accept a few areas in NC), as where 95 is just bad in so many areas. I travel from home to the DC area a few times a year and feel like my teeth are going to fall out with an empty truck let alone towing ;). Second is the scenery. No doubt I cost myself an extra fill up or two from climbing the mountains, but it's worth it.
The other thing I hear a lot is about the big rig trucks on 81 vs 95. This is obviously purely 1 persons opinion, but I do not feel they are any more than 95 or any other interstate, and quite honestly they don't bother me when towing. Sure, once in a while you get 2 side by side going 50, but for the most part I actually find them to be a huge help. If you tuck in behind one you definitely get pulled along and save gas, but more importantly they actually let you in and let you change lanes. Cars on the other hand see a camper and do everything possible to get in front and not let you change lanes or pass or whatever. Trucks it's like you become one of them and they make it easier IMO. Anyway, great trip and thanks to everyone for your thoughts. Depending on where you live and where you are going, there are many options obviously but I think we found ours for any future FL trips.
