Tow Route

gbopp wrote:
Unless you want to see or go through Baltimore, DC, Philadelphia and NYC, I would take I-81 north to Scranton, PA then I-84 east into New England.
It's a little farther but, you miss the traffic of the large cities.
You will have no problem with the mountains.
Enjoy your trip.

X2. VA is 323 miles, forgot WV and MD miles, PA is 232--but only 180 or so to 380 split to 84. Can't help you below VA, Some good grades/pulls, but good roads and scenery. Fuel stops are very good in VA and PA (Pilot, Flying J, TA, Petro---I prefer Flying J). Check their websites for exact locations.

Hello, two weeks ago I returned to FLA from Penn. The Pocono's actually. I drove up and back using I-81, to I-84 No problems all the roads are in good shape, yea there are a couple of 7% grades but no big deal! Anything to avoid beltway traffic.

agesilaus wrote:
I-10 to I-75, north to Atlanta, get on I-20 east to I-95 then north. You can use local roads to reduce the driving distance.

I think you mean I-85. I-95 is long ways from Atlanta.

Once on I-85, I would travel north to Charlotte then take I-77 to I-81 north

I-10 to I-75, north to Atlanta, get on I-20 east to I-95 then north. You can use local roads to reduce the driving distance.

yes that western route should be preferred.
bumpy

Unless you want to see or go through Baltimore, DC, Philadelphia and NYC, I would take I-81 north to Scranton, PA then I-84 east into New England.
It's a little farther but, you miss the traffic of the large cities.
You will have no problem with the mountains.
Enjoy your trip.

davonelson wrote:
I need advise on the best route to tow my 36ft 5er from Pensacola, FL to Newport, RI. I can follow I-81 or I-85/95. The western route is preferred but I am concerned it will be mountains and tougher towing. Help!

Growing up in AZ, I'm used to mountains and long grades. If you're on an interstate, you shouldn't see grades more than about 6-7%; no problem with equipment in good repair. Just take it easy. Here, we have several 7% grades that are 7-8 miles long and many others that are 1-3 miles. Just keep your speed down and use engine braking as much as possible. Personally, I'll let my FW push me up to about 65, then stab the brakes fairly hard to slow down to about 55, then let it creep up again. So far, I've not had any heating issues by doing this. On the way uphill, I try and pass when possible, but usually resign myself to running with most of the semis, which can be as slow as 25-30 mph if I get stuck behind a heavy one. I know I can't run much over 45 anyway, but if the opportunity to pass presents itself, I'll jump over and pass the truck. Can take up to a 1/2 mile, so I'm =real= cautious when I do so.

A lot of guys here seem to avoid 95 whenever possible...

Lyle