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Old 10-26-2016, 08:10 AM   #1
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Harrisburg PA to Naples FL

We are beginning plans for our first trip to Naples, FL for the winter and would love to get some input as to the best route to take.

Definitely want to avoid the Washington DC traffic but don't want to leave at 2 AM to do that so I am thinking 81 but there are several different routes possible and I have no idea which would be the easiest ride with a 35' TT.

We are hoping to make 1 stop somewhere in SC or Georgia, then on to Orlando area for a couple of nights before getting into Naples.

Thanks for any help you can provide.
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Old 10-26-2016, 09:09 AM   #2
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Gone that way many times. 81 is the ticket, then down through Charlotte and then down to 95, the across 10 at Jacksonville to 301, down 301 to Ocala and onto 75 to Naples. Nice route, no problems, no significant grades (the only one is north of you on 81) and lots of places to stop.

If you want to go to Orlando, you should continue on 95 past Jacksonville to 4 and you are there...then stay on 4 to 75 and then to Naples. The Orlando traffic sucks any time of day.
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Old 10-26-2016, 09:16 AM   #3
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Thanks for the info.

Do you mean 81 to 77 to Charlotte? I kind of remember quite a steep grade just after getting onto 77 but if you dont see that as an issue, we will give it a try.

Thanks.
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Old 10-26-2016, 09:30 AM   #4
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We just came from Ontario down 81 to 77 to 26 to 95 into Florida last week. This avoided sections of 95 that were still closed in NC because of Hurricane Matthew.

The steepest climb on the entire route was 77 just after leaving 81 near Wytheville. Nothing killer. I never try to be the fastest guy over the top. Lots of truckers were slower than us. Drop a gear or two coming back down the backside, enjoy the scenery, and save your brakes.....unless you want to test drive one of the run away ramps.

Enjoy the journey.....not just the destination.
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Old 10-26-2016, 09:33 AM   #5
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Thanks to both. Sounds like this will be our planned route.

Looking forward to a winter without snow.
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Old 10-26-2016, 11:21 AM   #6
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We just came from Ontario down 81 to 77 to 26 to 95 into Florida last week. This avoided sections of 95 that were still closed in NC because of Hurricane Matthew.
We just drove this exact route for the exact same reason. Added about 100 miles to our drive.
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Old 10-26-2016, 12:18 PM   #7
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Thanks to both. Sounds like this will be our planned route.

Looking forward to a winter without snow.
When you get to Jacksonville, take the East loop around to I95 south, no construction as on the west loop, and shorter. Happy Trails and safe motoring.
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Old 10-26-2016, 12:23 PM   #8
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Hope you've got reservations already, including your "overnighter". Lots and lots of snowbirds travel to Florida for the winter.
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Old 10-26-2016, 12:29 PM   #9
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2 weeks ago we drove from Central New York. 81 to 77 to 26 to 95
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Old 10-26-2016, 05:51 PM   #10
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We are from Buffalo, NY area. When we drive down with the 38 footer, which we just did on Friday, we call it the "Akron, Ohio Route" (we hate WV and the 19) it's 90 to 271, then 77 all the way to 77/81 - then back to 77 and 26 then the 95 - Now we are going to South East Florida, Lake Worth (West Palm Beach), so it will be different for you a little bit. But we avoid all the really bad mountains.

Another FYI for anyone with Diesel - DO NOT BUY DIESEL FROM "LOVES OR TA" it is Bio Diesel and you get Lousy gas mileage!!!! Stay with Pilot or Marathon - and it is cheaper, too!!!

Made it safe and sound to John Prince County Park Campground in Lake Worth, FL - 3 day trip and no issues (Thank God)
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Old 10-26-2016, 05:58 PM   #11
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Does it say if a diesel is bio or not on the tank?
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:41 PM   #12
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81 to 75. If you do 95 you'll have to come back west.
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Old 10-26-2016, 08:27 PM   #13
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If you have a tow/haul feature on your vehicle, use it, it'll downshift to keep your speed steady over the crest of a peak. And I use the trailer brakes to slow us down using the brake controller. This will save the truck brakes for emergencies if you need too. Just enjoy the ride, and take it easy. I never go over 60 regardless of the higher speed limit. Gas mileage is low as it is.


We take 81 to 66 to 17 into Fredericksburg, then onto 95
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Old 10-26-2016, 08:49 PM   #14
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81 - 66 - 17 - 95 nice easy trip.
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Old 10-26-2016, 08:51 PM   #15
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Does it say if a diesel is bio or not on the tank?
Bio Diesel pumps are supposed to be labeled. Found bio in both Flying J and Pilot in a few locations. No less expensive but mileage does suffer.
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Old 11-02-2016, 06:58 PM   #16
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When we leave Mechanicsburg to go to Hilton Head we like 15 to 29 to 17 to 95 it's slower but a nice drive
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Old 11-03-2016, 07:01 AM   #17
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Thanks for all the replies.

Our plans have changed. We will be leaving around 4am New Years morning so will be heading down 15. DC traffic should be non existent so this will be the shortest/quickest route.
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