From Cullman, AL to northeast corner of MD for new rig

[Magua]

Well, we fly out early Friday to Birmingham to purchase/pick up a new-to-us 2008 Allegro 35QBA. GULP! We're pretty darn sure it's in excellent condition, but we won't know for sure until we get there.

Then we're hoping to hit the road Friday afternoon to head home to Maryland. Here's what I'm thinking for routes back.

From Cullman, get over to I59 somehow (278?).
I59 to I75 around Chattanooga to I40 around Knoxville.
I40 to I81 and stay on I81 forrrrrever.
Then either pick up I70 in Hagerstown, MD (which forces us to come south on I70 to I695, up and over to I95)
or.
I81 and grab 340 somehow around Winchester, VA and take that over to I70.

This will be our first time driving a class A. GULP! Not sure where we'll stop off for the night (or 2 nights). Not wanting to spend $$$ on campgrounds since we just want some shut eye and to get right back on the road. Walmarts make me a little nervous. My dad says Cracker Barrel.

What are your thoughts on any/all of this?

[SkipnPatty]

Thats a good route to go. We just got back from Gulf Shores. Only issues with 340 coming through is Harper's Ferry. Can get really backed up getting across the one lane bridge. If you want to stay overnight in a pull through campground, Wills Creek in Ft. Payne was nice, and the KOA in Sweetwater Tenn, was nice. Easy on and off. The roads up were easy drives, no issues or construction.

[Thom02099]

Magua wrote:
Well, we fly out early Friday to Birmingham to purchase/pick up a new-to-us 2008 Allegro 35QBA. GULP! We're pretty darn sure it's in excellent condition, but we won't know for sure until we get there.

Then we're hoping to hit the road Friday afternoon to head home to Maryland. Here's what I'm thinking for routes back.

From Cullman, get over to I59 somehow (278?).
I59 to I75 around Chattanooga to I40 around Knoxville.
I40 to I81 and stay on I81 forrrrrever.
Then either pick up I70 in Hagerstown, MD (which forces us to come south on I70 to I695, up and over to I95)
or.
I81 and grab 340 somehow around Winchester, VA and take that over to I70.

This will be our first time driving a class A. GULP! Not sure where we'll stop off for the night (or 2 nights). Not wanting to spend $$$ on campgrounds since we just want some shut eye and to get right back on the road. Walmarts make me a little nervous. My dad says Cracker Barrel.

What are your thoughts on any/all of this?

Regarding your route, I think you'll enjoy that much better than any alternatives. Back in my youth, I lived in NJ and parents lived in north Alabama, so I made that trek many times. I used basically the same route. It was at a time when I-81 was still being built, so there were times I had to get off on US Highways. Still, it was a good route then and it's likely an even better route these days. Cutting across Alabama on US 278 is fine, that road's been there forever! Was a good route back in the 60s and still likely a good route.

[Magua]

Hospital parking lot...never thought of that! Sounds safe(r)...

Thx Padre for the 278 tip! Wasn't sure how big/small that road is. Sounds like we can do it!

[padredw]

Yes, US 278 to Gadsden, AL area. Have made this a couple of times towing a fifth-wheel.

[ccxnola]

I much prefer a hospital parking lot to a WalMart!!
Many have 24 hour security. So a quick stop, dinner and shuteye with an early departure next morning is usually acceptable. We have even had the security guy stop by to assure us he would check on us during the night.