Something other than Interstate 95?

[BugsRLB]

Going to take our new to us 5th wheel on its' maiden voyage. Heading to Florida in January!

My question is: Is there a less stressful and better interstate to get there other than I-95? :@

[PatnRich]

From MA to Arcadia FL we travel 84 to 81, 77 to 26, 95 to 4 to 17.

[joelc]

When I go to NC from MA I take I-84 to I-81 and then continue to just out of Richmond, VA to I think 255 that goes around Richmond, then I-64, which leads to I-95, that you can't avoid at that point. Double check the area around Richmond on a map to be sure, I've got the right roads. There are no issues with low bridges, but you do have to go through some mountains in VA and PA. We are in Destin, FL now and you can not avoid I-95 at some point. If you do take this route and need stop over CG I can give them to you. We drive about 3-4 hrs/day.

[EscaladeEscaper]

Ivylog wrote:
Assuming NH to Fla and even though it's 100 miles further than 95 most of the way, I'd use 81 to 77/26 to 95 in SC. This gets you around the big cities and some tolls.

I agree that this might be the best solution. I'm from Maine, live in NC, but travel all over the SE for my job. Once you get on 95 in SC, it's not bad at all.

[SkiSmuggs]

gbopp wrote:

Ivylog wrote:
Assuming NH to Fla and even though it's 100 miles further than 95 most of the way, I'd use 81 to 77/26 to 95 in SC. This gets you around the big cities and some tolls.

Yep, best route. From NH take I-84 west to I-81 south.
You can overnight at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Wilkes-Barre PA. Enjoy your trip.

And this is the route I take from Vermont to Richmond, VA. We pick up Rte 17 in Warrenton, VA to Fredericksburg where we get on I95 to Richmond. And even that part of I95 sucks, so stay on I81 for your trip.

[BugsRLB]

gbopp wrote:

Ivylog wrote:
Assuming NH to Fla and even though it's 100 miles further than 95 most of the way, I'd use 81 to 77/26 to 95 in SC. This gets you around the big cities and some tolls.

Yep, best route. From NH take I-84 west to I-81 south.
You can overnight at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Wilkes-Barre PA. Enjoy your trip.

Thanx for all the info. This looks like a good route!
We will take it easy and enjoy the trip! 🙂

[ACZL]

Will be more stressful pulling the camper in winter than the trip itself. FWIW, I'd adjust the brake controller so the 5er brakes don't come on soon or delayed some after the trucks brakes are engaged. That is until you get away/far enough south so your out of any snow/ice then turn up the controller. If not, then you may end up like a figure skater going in circles. Kids will love it though.

[Padlin]

While I agree with Lantley that 95 may have a little milder weather, heavy traffic in even mild weather is no cake walk either. The OP did ask for an alternative to I-95. Hopefully one would be bright enough to keep an eye on the weather when determining which of the routes to take or when to leave.

[Veebyes]

Can't suggest much N of DE other than give NYC a very wide berth.

Being based on the Delmarva we avoid the whole Baltimore, Washington, Richmond, 95 as a whole by either going down & crossing the CBBT into VA Beach then pick up 301 or, cross the Bay Bridge (no toll westbound) & follow 301 down that way. Once past Waldorf a very pleasant ride.

[Lantley]

I won't disagree with the I-81 users. However the OP wants to travel in January In winter months I-81 can be treacherous. 81 is hilly and can be subject to serious winter weather.
There have been a few multi vehicle pile ups on I-981 over the years.
During the winter 81 is not a foolproof route.
The OP needs to allow time to wait out bad weather if required.
While it may still snow on I-95. 95 is closer to the coast and not quite as susceptible to bad weather.

[W4RLR]

RoyB wrote:
that would not be US1/US301 for sure hehe... Other folks like to take US17 for a more scenic view...

Alot of the truckers like to use I81 but it ends in TN at 140...

I would take I95 and use the bypass around the major towns along the way...

Roy Ken

You can continue down Interstate 40 and join Interstate 75 and take it all the way to Florida. I would recommend Interstate 81 as a good Interstate 95 alternative.

[Coach-man]

CarlT100 wrote:

Allworth wrote:
Another vote for 84, 81, 77, 26, 95.

That is (sort of) the way we came back to Orlando from the Maritimes last summer.

Given the possibility of bad weather I would stick to the Interstates and carefully watch the weather forecasts at least till you get to I-26. That time of year you may have to wait for the plows for a couple of days, particularly on 81 and 77.

I also recommend this route. I used it in March to tow my fiver to Ontario and came back the same way in August. Be sure to check the weather before you hit I77.

X2, or more! There is Jacksonville, either grin and bear it, or go around depending on whay time you go thru it. Then there is south FLA. if you are going that far, consider getting off I 95 at Jupiter and taking the turnpike south. If you are going all the way to the keys, Turnpike to US 1, a lot will depend on the time of day going thru Miami, Rush "hour" from 7:00 - 10:00 AM, and from3:00 - 7:00 PM should be avoided. Good luck, take your time and enjoy the journey!

[Big_Katuna]

Ivylog wrote:
Assuming NH to Fla and even though it's 100 miles further than 95 most of the way, I'd use 81 to 77/26 to 95 in SC. This gets you around the big cities and some tolls.

That's how we go tho we usually get on US301 on I26 at Orangeburg into Florida.
It's a nice road and you miss Jax. We go to Maine and never get on 95 until we are in Maine.

[Roadpilot]

JoeTampa wrote:

Ivylog wrote:
Assuming NH to Fla and even though it's 100 miles further than 95 most of the way, I'd use 81 to 77/26 to 95 in SC. This gets you around the big cities and some tolls.

It's also more scenic. We took that route when traveling to the NYC area, and it was much nicer. 95 from SC into Florida isn't bad.

You've got some great advice. We take this route from the seacoast of NH all the time. It's much more relaxing and interesting then 95.

[CarlT100]

Allworth wrote:
Another vote for 84, 81, 77, 26, 95.

That is (sort of) the way we came back to Orlando from the Maritimes last summer.

Given the possibility of bad weather I would stick to the Interstates and carefully watch the weather forecasts at least till you get to I-26. That time of year you may have to wait for the plows for a couple of days, particularly on 81 and 77.

I also recommend this route. I used it in March to tow my fiver to Ontario and came back the same way in August. Be sure to check the weather before you hit I77.