Highway 17 through Charleston

We always take I-526 when going South and back North. Lots less stop and go.

Looking at 526 on a map is misleading...it is easy and not that far out of the way.

I never take the trailer into Charleston. Just the long bed truck can be enough of a chore.

(Skirt around the south side if going to James Island Park CG.)

Take 526

No, You don't want a trailer in Charleston. You will be close enough on 526.

I've done both. The extra 8 miles going around on 526 is worth it just to save your sanity. Once you're downtown and know you're lost, there isn't anyplace to turn around. Only the locals know what the signs mean.

We are leaving for Florida tomorrow and going through Charleston on 17 pulling a 19'TT.

I drive that route all the time going to Jax Fl. Probably driven it 20 times at least in the last few years. Have only done one round trip with my TT. I have never taken 526, so I guess I can't say which is best. I just like driving through town. I normally avoid arriving at rush hour. Traffic was slow when they were working on 17 N of town, but I think all that is done now. I think they are also finished or very close to finish on 17 S of Charleston.
I may try 526 tomorrow just to see the difference. I never even thought about not going through town on 17 with the TT. Of course my TT is only 19' and I have driven the route many times.

Where you turn to Folly Beach there are some large trees close but not many, and I don't recall them being that low, don't know where you would run into trees. I think if I had a really big rig, tall or not, I would play it safe and go around. The route through town is well marked. Got to cross the big bridge, beautiful view, but it does have a grade.

I've lived here in Charleston all my life. It is easily doable to negotiate 17 through Charleston, but if you do get in the wrong lane you will be in trouble before you know it. For that reason, if you haven't been through 17, I strongly recommend catching 526 to bypass all of the traffic and lights.

You will save time and fuel by taking 526 not mention the headaches.

As you come into Charleston, stay in the right hand lane to catch 526. After crossing the second tall bridge, take the 17N exit toward Georgetown. The KOA will be a few miles up on the road.

kohldad wrote:
I've lived here in Charleston all my life. It is easily doable to negotiate 17 through Charleston, but if you do get in the wrong lane you will be in trouble before you know it. For that reason, if you haven't been through 17, I strongly recommend catching 526 to bypass all of the traffic and lights.

You will save time and fuel by taking 526 not mention the headaches.

As you come into Charleston, stay in the right hand lane to catch 526. After crossing the second tall bridge, take the 17N exit toward Georgetown. The KOA will be a few miles up on the road.

kohldad, I sent you a PM.

I tried 526 yesterday. Traffic was fairly heavy but a nice ride. I agree with kohldad that 526 would be your route if:

1-you don't need / want to visit / see downtown ( not really easy to stop on this route while towing, just drive thru, although shorter than 526 )
2-large rigs
3-driving in city traffic is problem for you

Both routes very doable.