Forum Discussion

DeezPanthers1's avatar
DeezPanthers1
Explorer
Dec 02, 2016

WA to MD in JAN!!! Help!!

So we are being PCSd (transferred)in Jan to MD. We will be taking our OR roamer 310bhs (TT). My Husband has a F350 diesel TV, and I will be driving my minivan :o

We have not had to travel in the winter months like this, for a trip like this, and am very unfamiliar with the routes. We moved here from NC, but it was in Sept. and we did not have a TT. We want to make it a fun family road trip, and I want my kids to see some awesome sights along the way, as it will probably be the last cross country move for us (not a guarantee though;)

We obviously want to avoid any really bad weather. We are NC coastal natives and moved here near Seattle, so we are not pro snow drivers in the least. Hubby is a bit better than me, but after a really bad accident in college, putting me upside down in a creek, having to be pulled out by the fire department, I get a bit of anxiety driving in icy, snowy conditions. We also don't want to add a week to our drive time, bc of my fear. Do any of you have any good routes, or ideas that we could do.

Also, any tips, ideas or things to see on our way would be greatly appreciated. TIA.
Roads and Routes
  • kknowlton's avatar
    kknowlton
    Explorer II
    Dec 03, 2016
    Not sure if this works in all states, but at least in the western ones, each one has a 511 number that gives you road conditions (you can choose which routes to ask about).

    Wishing you the best of luck. As mentioned, be prepared to hole up for a while due to weather. Also be aware that a lot of campgrounds across the northern tier close for the winter; others will be open but have limited services.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Dec 03, 2016
    Going south on I-5 to pick up any eastbound highway would mean you have to go over the Siskiyous in southern Oregon. They can be far worse then some on I-90 or I-84.
    Be aware that any direction you go you will need to carry chains for tow rig and trailer.
  • Tiger02's avatar
    Tiger02
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2016
    We just retried this past year and came from TN to the Fort Lewis area in January with 2 cars. Not fun on I-70 or I-80 with the winds. Saw a 5th wheel spun completely around by the wind and slick roads. We flew back and then drove our truck with 5th wheel in April/May taking our time driving no more than 275 miles in a single day.

    If I was in your position I would head down to CA on I-5 then hop across to I-40 then I-81 or I-64. Should be a memorable trip for the whole family either way you go.
  • DeezPanthers1's avatar
    DeezPanthers1
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2016
    punomatic wrote:
    Why not go through CA, AZ, NM, etc.? All the snow birds seem to go to AZ, TX, etc., so the weather is likely to be better than I80 or I90. Yes it is more miles, but with better weather, you may be able to make better time so it comes out a wash. If I were making this drive, I would consider this route.


    This is honestly what we were thinking. We have plenty of time to come across, hubby is taking a month of leave. We need to leave enough time to find a place to live, but we defiantly have some leeway on our time to come across. I would rather have a nice calm trip that we can stop and see some sites, then be anxious and worried about the weather the whole time. We have 3 small children and 2 German shepherds so will need to make plenty of stops and don't want our entire day eaten up with driving. We want this to be a trip we will remember as a vacation type of thing. We will be saving money using the TT, instead of hotels. Also being able to eat home cooked meals instead of all eating out will save some too, so we have some extra money to play with the gas. Any more advice on that kind of drive? Thanks again.
  • punomatic's avatar
    punomatic
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2016
    Why not go through CA, AZ, NM, etc.? All the snow birds seem to go to AZ, TX, etc., so the weather is likely to be better than I80 or I90. Yes it is more miles, but with better weather, you may be able to make better time so it comes out a wash. If I were making this drive, I would consider this route.
  • OLYLEN's avatar
    OLYLEN
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2016
    It all depends on the weather, your traveling in the snow time of year. If I90 is bad out of Seattle then south on I5 to I84 then to I80. If you hit snow try to stay put till the roads are clear and be prepared to reroute. Mid US is going to be cold so winterize the RV. Follow the sane truckers for speed and increase the following distance. Good luck !

    LEN
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Dec 03, 2016
    I-90 would be first choice.
    I would watch the weathe forcast and make a run for it between storms. Once past the big hill at Butte, MT, you should be in flatter country. Yes, windy and potentially snowy.
    Going south then I-84 would be about the same as the Oregon Blue Mts. east of Pendleton can be far worse then I-90.
  • Thunder_Mountai's avatar
    Thunder_Mountai
    Explorer II
    Dec 03, 2016
    Allow at least an addition week for your trip. You are more than likely to have to hole up at least once if not more. Just don't push it. Look at each states' DOT website/webcam for information.
  • DeezPanthers1's avatar
    DeezPanthers1
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2016
    donn0128 wrote:
    I90 east, I82 south, I84 east to I80. Fsrther south you can go the better for weather. Keep your eyes on weather.


    Wouldnt I90 be bad in Jan? We have only traveled it in the summer? Would it be safer to cross the mountains further south then come across? Thanks.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Dec 02, 2016
    I90 east, I82 south, I84 east to I80. Fsrther south you can go the better for weather. Keep your eyes on weather.

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