Best route to Florida in December in Motor Home (rd cond)

[Triple_Time]

Will be traveling from S E Ohio to Glades,Florida late December. A little nervous about driving the mountains in West Virginia on I-77, sorry didn't realize there is more than one road thru this area,(just kidding} and Virginia. Have you traveled this route in late December? What are your experiences and or recommendations.

[Dick_B]

Stick to the interstates and watch the Weather Channel and go for it. If it snows keep off the roads unless they are clear.

[tatest]

I've been caught by snow going through West Virginia (Michigan to North Carolina) and by ice storms and snow in Ohio on I-75, December and January. Been stuck in snow all the way across Tennessee on I-40 in January. Also have gone through Ohio and W Virginia to Virginia, then down coast to Florida between Christmas and New Year's day without a drop or flake of anything on the road.

I think there is no best route or worst route for weather, it is luck of timing. Going between family in Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Carolinas, Florida during winter, I've just gotten used to the idea of watching weather forecasts, picking the route (of several always available) least impacted by weather when I want to travel, or stopping to wait out the problems. Interstate highways get cleared pretty quickly in the eastern half of the U.S., at least in the North and the mountains. Southern states may wait for the rare winter ice or snow to melt, since it does not work well to buy a lot of expensive snow clearing equipment for once in five or ten year events.

[bshpilot]

hanko wrote:
Yep BS Pilot need more info. what color underware, dentures or no dentures. he will noitify the media and petition for an act of congress. Hes a rascal that BS Pilot

the intended route that the OP intends to take could make a difference - he's asking about mountains, and theres no real way to tell him if we don't know if he's planning to take interstate or secondary roads....or what his comfort level is with his coach (this is after all a class A forum).

florida is a big state....and the destination east or west parts of the state will make a difference - knowing the destination would allow others (who've driven it) to make route suggestions.

perhaps next time you'd care to contribute something that might help the OP.

[is_it_friday_ye]

I've driven it in February pulling a 5th wheel from Michigan straight down I75. A few years ago, we pulled out in a snowstorm and drove in 4wd at least to Kentucky. Longest trip ever going down. Spinouts and jack knife semis all over. Must have not been too bad, as we are going again this February. The only bad part was the salt and the rust it caused on the frame of the trailer.

[Big_Katuna]

I'd plan on 81, 77 to 26 to 301. Just check the weather report. December usually isn't bad. Feb is usually worse.

[Dutch_12078]

We run I-88 to I-81 from NY down to I-77 in VA in January, passing briefly through WV. If the weather for the next day looks "iffy", we just hold up where we are for an extra night or two. Last January, we spent three nights at Ft Chiswell RV Park in VA, instead of the planned one night, waiting for I-77 through Charlotte to clear of ice and snow. We only make reservations a day ahead of time at most, and allow extra time for weather delays. If all goes well, we just take a couple of extra rest days along the way in GA or SC before getting to our first scheduled stop in Florida.

[bshpilot]

Trafficland has camera networks on most states interstates (including ohio, virginia, tennessee, the carolina's and many more)....they DONT have coverage for WVa.

Trafficland -> http://www.trafficland.com/map
WVa Interstate Camera Map -> http://www.wv511.org/

[bshpilot]

we need more info...where in ohio, where in florida, what type of coach, will you tow a toad ?

whats your intended route ? are you flexible enough that you could leave ahead of a storm ? are you familiar with your exhaust brake & locking differentials ? do you have chains ?

interstates are always the 1st roads to be cleared or kept clear during bad weather.

Ive driven the mountains of virginia (roanoke/blacksburg), tennessee (knoxville/chattanooga), charlotte & greenville and down thru atlanta multiple times - there are some steep hills but nothing crazy...interstate wise.

If the weather gets bad, stick to the interstate and/or pull into a rest area, truck stop or walmart....youve got everything you need (heat, food, water, shower, a bed & tv).

i just saw a new (smart phone) app that allows you input your origin & destination and the app suggest departure dates and routes to help you avoid weather.

[powderman426]

I have made the trip each of the last five years with no.problems. I look at the road conditions and choose either through. W.V. or through. Cincinnati depending on conditions . Usually W.V. is ok .

[wolfe10]

It could be totally clear or all the roads could be closed by ice and snow.

Check here for overall weather (temperatures by day part, precipitation, etc: http://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/midatlantic.php

Check with each state's DOT for specific road conditions.

[Crazy_Ray]

What route are you talking about?? might help. More info please. JMO