Too conservative for the interstates

I drive the back roads and the interstate. When on the interstate I usually drive 60-65. And in the right lane. Let the others go around. On the back roads I will try and move over when possible and safe to let the "train" of cars behind me pass.

I use both. I avoid large cities like the plague and will detour 100 miles off the interstate to get around. Just depends on the trip where we are on that trip the mood we are in and maybe even the color of the sky. I don't tie myself to anything.

Heavy Metal Doctor wrote:
One idea I would add is this: If you are considering a particular stretch of 2-lane, you can get on the web and look at the road on google maps street view and get a good idea what it's like.

I do that. My kids think I'm insane but it's prevented me a lot of hassle. I look for tight spots, bridges, small towns, etc.

I take my RV to the Poconos regularly. The GPS routinely wants to take me across a bridge that spans the Delaware that has an 11-foot height limit and a 4 ton weight limit. After a few trips I caught on, but Google Maps saved me a couple of times.

One idea I would add is this: If you are considering a particular stretch of 2-lane, you can get on the web and look at the road on google maps street view and get a good idea what it's like.

I seldom drive the interstates and travel constantly . I seldom plan too far ahead as I ain.t in no real hurry . Many of my best drives were when I was not zactualy sure were I was . We wander back roads in the general direction that we need to go . We must be at our next destination on every Friday morn and it many times will require several days to travel 150 miles . We are in no hurry ,
What me worry !

We've been forced to take some 2-lane US Hwys to get to destinations. But some, like in Kansas have passing lanes occasionally, so you aren't holding anyone up for too long. The small towns you have to watch speed traps, so Interstates get us there easier. Plus they have Rest Areas and it's hard to find a pull-over spot to put out a slide to use our 5er restroom.

We prefer 62-64 on Interstates when towing. Takes us longer, but we usually arrive safer.

trailertraveler wrote:

P3TC wrote:
At 76 years, I have become too cautious for the "I" routes. Like to drive my rig at 62, I feel I am becoming an obstruction as speed limits rise.

Since we want to make a 4000 mile visit to SD and WY this spring, I need a routing service that will send me by the "back roads".

Any recommendations?

thanks...Bill

In my experience, 62MPH is plenty fast enough for the interstates and U.S. highways. We get our best fuel mileage at 59-62MPH so that is where I set the cruise control. My advise is that if you have not already done so, set your travel pace at about 4-5 hours per day. We like to do 10Am-2PM. We call about noon to make sure potential stops have room for us for the night. If we need to go through any large city on the interstates/expressways, that usually misses rush hours. At 76, I am guessing you are retired, so if you haven't alseady, slow down and enjoy the journey. We have stayed places for a week that we thought we were only staying overnight.

That is really good advice....I tend to be "driven" by trip goals.
I will start the trip a week earlier to meet reservation commitments.

Thanks.

put on the bumper sticker "I'm Retired go around" and enjoy the journey.

P3TC wrote:
At 76 years, I have become too cautious for the "I" routes. Like to drive my rig at 62, I feel I am becoming an obstruction as speed limits rise.

Since we want to make a 4000 mile visit to SD and WY this spring, I need a routing service that will send me by the "back roads".

Any recommendations?

thanks...Bill

In my experience, 62MPH is plenty fast enough for the interstates and U.S. highways. We get our best fuel mileage at 59-62MPH so that is where I set the cruise control. My advise is that if you have not already done so, set your travel pace at about 4-5 hours per day. We like to do 10Am-2PM. We call about noon to make sure potential stops have room for us for the night. If we need to go through any large city on the interstates/expressways, that usually misses rush hours. At 76, I am guessing you are retired, so if you haven't alseady, slow down and enjoy the journey. We have stayed places for a week that we thought we were only staying overnight.

wing_zealot wrote:
AS long as you are traveling in the right lane on the interstate (even on a 3 or more lane interstate), I don't see a problem. If you are traveling 10 mph under the speed limit on a two lane highway, than you are creating a disaster looking for a place to happen. Even a cop will tell you that is not good. I can see there are some people that want to be "That Guy".

Have to disagree - I enjoy 2 lane highways, and am usually close to the speed limit. BUT - they generally do not have minimum speeds like the interstates. In farming country, especially early spring and late fall, you encounter a lot of farm equipment being moved from field to field at 20 - 40 mph, they don't have another option. Just be aware.