First TT Long Haul - Raleigh NC to Madison Wi

Just made the run to madison from the beach yesterday. Could not agree more that Wi 39/90 I'll 39 and 74 and Indy 74 are bad. I though SC roads were bad but these make SC look great.

Thanks everyone for the great info. My trip has almost ended. I'm back at the Ky Horse Park on my way back from Madison Wi. enroute to Raleigh NC. As KevinGeiwitz stated, the roads ARE all tore up. You ain't a kiddin! Whoooooo.....

I was amazed that a state would let roads get that bad. I thought for sure I tore something up but nothing found so far. I dropped under 50mph in order to stop my teeth chattering and ease my headache before getting to the KOA there. Man what a terrible ride. Interesting road design (a saw tooth like design so the slabs can slide up and down as they expand and contract). Bad thing is they were in such disrepair all joints were slipped so u road every joint as a 2" drop.

Also on the news they have halted all construction till they redesign what they have under construction due to feedback from the drivers complaining that the on ramps are too short. Nothing like change order cost overruns to an already insufficient budget in middle of construction right?

I would rate Wi roads as the worst I've EVER been on and Illinois a very close second. Oh and on the way back from rehearsal dinner at 10pm, I ran into where the road had closed. No detour signs, no re-routes, just closed road with a blockade. A 15 min ride back to camper ended up being over 1 hr 15 min. What a mess. No detour signs. Amazing!!!!

IMO, I would try to check out northern Wisconsin. There are some amazing campgrounds a little further north.

Just to give you a heads up the roads around Madison are all tore up. Were are you staying when you get here, maybe I can get you around the bad spots.

Thanks BubbaChris, I've always tried to keep an open mind but most importantly, ALWAYS keep options. Options are good. Being in the Navy, I think I've got a good grip about weight & bulk, packing tricks and contingency planning.

I planned on taking multiple stops along the way as I have a brand new 2015 Silverado HD Diesel and I want to keep tabs on DEF consumption & at least be close to where I can obtain some in short order. A 1 Gal Jug of DEF from the dealer is $12 while Pilot sells DEF at pump for $2.79 a Gal. Interesting.

I've got the route printed out as well as in my Magellan RV GPS. I created a spreadsheet w/ every Pilot/Flying J station listed along my route with exit numbers, miles in between, Phone #, and Earth view showing which entrance I should use. I have Concierge services with my truck and Trailer Insurance and I also have Coach Net. Trailer also came with a Spare mounted in back and I check it religiously.

I just didn't know if I missed anything or not and if I needed to avoid a road or exit I particular. I will be traveling with my 10yr old daughter who is very excited to be helping daddy on this trip since my wife cannot get the time off work. LOL

While I'm at it, Thanks to EVERYONE who's responded thus far. I really appreciate the feedback and it reaffirms one of my primary reasons why I enjoy this community and lifestyle so much.

~ Thanks

Tony

With you posting here for advice, I'll bet your head is already in the right place for decision making on the road.

With a longer haul it helps to remind yourself that you may need flexibility on when to stop if fatigue, weather, or road conditions dictate. Stopping sooner may be the best bet.

awtposts wrote:

gunner65 wrote:
We stay at the KY horse park often its our kids favorite. Good luck on your journey. I did a 3k mile trip through Michigan last summer not really any different prep from a weekend stay at a local place. A few more clothes and we bought our food when we got to our campgrounds instead of hauling it.

My mother lives not more than 10 mi from Horse Park so I have her bringing some items for us to use there and on the road. Once in Wi I will go to Store there. I'm not fond of hauling food on long trips either, prefer fresh & local plus saves weight. Like to keep my added or packed weight to 500# over dry weight.

Thats good and when I am about 4 hours out from destination I flip on the gas for the fridge ususally nice and cool by the time we get the groceries.

gunner65 wrote:
We stay at the KY horse park often its our kids favorite. Good luck on your journey. I did a 3k mile trip through Michigan last summer not really any different prep from a weekend stay at a local place. A few more clothes and we bought our food when we got to our campgrounds instead of hauling it.

My mother lives not more than 10 mi from Horse Park so I have her bringing some items for us to use there and on the road. Once in Wi I will go to Store there. I'm not fond of hauling food on long trips either, prefer fresh & local plus saves weight. Like to keep my added or packed weight to 500# over dry weight.

W.E.BGood wrote:
Grease your ball, torque-check the trailer lug nuts at the start and a couple times afterwards per your owners manual, hope you have a TPMS if it's not too late. That's a beautiful trailer. Enjoy the trip!
Regards, BGood

Roger that! I grease the ball and Equalizer WD Hitch bars already. I will pick up Torque wrench though.

myrtle beach rver wrote:
We make the run to Madison a couple times a year. Coming out of Indy take 74 to Bloomington normal then 39 north to 90 into madtown stay away from Chicago and tolls. This route drives well , with only one toll at Illinois Wisconsin border. Have a good trip.

This is my planned route as I have no desire to go anywhere near Chicago. Where is this toll you speak of?