Forum Discussion

a64armt's avatar
a64armt
Explorer
Feb 15, 2020

East coast north/south route (PA to FL)

We’ve made the drive from PA to FL several times but I haven’t given much thought to grades or other challenges that might affect RV’ers.

We are going to be dragging a fifth wheel from PA to FL (Orlando) and I am wondering if I-95 (including I-70E through frederick md) from DC area or I-81, I-77, I-26 is better with a large vehicle?

Thanks
OJ
  • Thanks, I figured that would be the case, but we haven’t driven the I-95 route north of SC in almost a decade.

    Thanks again
    OJ
  • Grades, no problem... traffic - another story. Concur with the I-81 suggestion.

    Rob
  • I-81 has lots of traffic, but is 100X better than I-95 any day of the week. I-77 is USUALLY decent. Yes, there is a mountain you have to go down, but keep it in the right land, lower a gear and go. The speed limit changes with the weather, so keep an eye out on it. I-26 is normally pretty good, but sometimes, there is a backup where it connects to I-95. If that is the case look up Rt 21 out of Orangeburg or Rt 15, just past the interchange are both decent roads and will keep you moving.
  • I would avoid I 95 if at all possible.

    The only warning is depending on when you are traveling the I 81 I 77 merge gets really (like over 5 miles) backed up coming north during the summer on weekends. All the beach traffic returning home. We solved this by traveling during the week and little to no backup.

    Have a great trip!

    Dave
  • We do route 95 on the way down and 81 on the way up. On the way down we hit DC anytime after 10pm...mch better and then stay in no truck rest area after DC.
    Donna
  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Explorer III
    dblr wrote:
    From your location 81 is best
    Agreed, no reason what so ever to go anywhere near DC, and the 81 trip is far more scenic