I-81 through Virginia

[KQ2N]

Getting ready for my trek south from Central NY State. I have a 30 ft. class C and from where I live, I head down I-81 and cross over using Rt. 17 in Virginia to I-95 bypassing the traffic around Baltimore/Washington. 95 is very busy generally and last year was being passed by another Class C when he had a blowout while right next to me.

I have the option of staying on 81 until I reach southern Virginia where I can pick up I-77 and continue southward until I get to 95 south of Columbia, SC. I haven't been on 81 through Virginia in years, but remember it being quite hilly. I'm wondering if 81 would be less congested than 95 for that stretch. Weather will be monitored and will stay out of the mountains if a storm is forecasted. Any comments, experiences or opinions would be appreciated.

thanks

[sideout1961]

I took that same route from Ma. to Ga. a few years ago. 81 to 77 is a nice ride. We were just in a car but it is a more relaxed ride than 95. I avoid 95 when at all possible

[KQ2N]

I want to avoid 95 through Virginia and North Carolina altogether, that's why I'm thinking of continuing down 81 to southern VA and connecting to 95 in mid South Carolina.

[kerrlakelover]

81 to 77 is a nice ride. Yep, it's thru the mountains, but surely not of a death trap as 95 thru our state, NC. The only downside I really see is that 77/81 are not as populated as 95 so you will not have fuel/facilities/food as readily available along the way. Good luck and travel save.

[rracer5]

I-295 around Richmond in Virginia is a horrendously rough ride.

[MtnGuy]

I-81 is hilly, especially the southern part. But I would rather do I-81 than I-95 any day of the week.

[jbrostek]

Originally Posted by rracer5

I-295 around Richmond in Virginia is a horrendously rough ride.

But nowhere near as rough as the ride through richmond.

[kerrlakelover]

Originally Posted by rracer5

I-295 around Richmond in Virginia is a horrendously rough ride.

Amen to that.

[Teamfour]

Originally Posted by kerrlakelover

The only downside I really see is that 77/81 are not as populated as 95 so you will not have fuel/facilities/food as readily available along the way.

Can't speak for the 77 portion, but 81 is a semi-thoroughfare. Lots of services along this route. I travel this from VA on my way down to New Orleans a few times a year.

[sideout1961]

Originally Posted by Teamfour

Can't speak for the 77 portion, but 81 is a semi-thoroughfare. Lots of services along this route. I travel this from VA on my way down to New Orleans a few times a year.

Agreed, lots of tractor trailer traffic on this route and they really like to move! Should have no problem finding stops.

[KQ2N]

Ok, thanks all. Will give 81 a shot, of course depending on wx.

[TheFordes]

Hello. I happen to live in van at the intersection of 81 and 64. There has been some improvements to 81 towards Lexington area. Be mindful of the crazy people that drive on 81. We have had several bad wrecks in our area the last 4 months or so. Not sure your full route but if you need to go around Richmond might want to check out 288. If you are close to a pit stop in my area pm me and I can let you know of some good campgrounds. Good luck and safe travels

[Frank-VA]

I travel I-95 to I-295 to I-95 to US- 17 to I-66 and then I-81. I try to avoid US-17 and I-95 from Fredericksburg to Richmond at rush hours going or coming.
I travel this route several times a year.