I-95 south

Charles Firth · 03-17-2016, 05:22 PM

Headed for Charleston SC late April. Directions have me getting on I95 at Emporia Va going south to Charleston SC. Not crazy about I95 , I guess just stay in the right lane. Should be plenty of truck stops for diesel. How is I95 in that area ? Am I just overly concerned about that stretch of highway. Thanks for any advice..

phillyg · 03-17-2016, 05:58 PM

It not bad, except that SC roads don't seem well maintained, low gas taxes, I guess. Plenty of diesel stops throughout 95.

merrykalia · 03-17-2016, 06:12 PM

I guess you could get on Rt 17 and head that way, but it goes through lots and lots of small towns, so 35 mph speed limits in many places. It is scenic, though.

I-95 is fine, just like any other interstate, but if there is an accident or broke-down vehicle along the way, the traffic can and does come to a complete stop. That's when we will head east and hit Rt 17 or Rt 13, whichever is closes. Go along for a few miles and then get back on I-95 after you have passed the "stop" spot.

Right before and after holidays, traffic can be really heavy. That time of year, it should be fine.

grumpy0374 · 03-17-2016, 06:18 PM

Just this past Nov we ran I-64 east From Waynesboro, Va. to I-95 south down to Savanna, Ga. Haden't been on I-95 in many years and was not looking forward to it.
Suprise. Was not bad at all. Did not run into any back-ups due to construction, and roads were all in all, pretty good.
You shouldn't have any problems.
Grumpy

**ependydad** · 03-17-2016, 06:31 PM

No issues thru there at all. Slow and steady keeps you safer. I drive 62-64 everywhere- there included.

poppytoymaker · 03-17-2016, 06:52 PM

Heading North to Richmond last May,going through N. Carolina and S of Richmond convinced me to have 4 Koni Fsd shocks installed need I say more? We were in Charleston last month and stayed 4 nights at Oak Plantation RV park. First class park and closest to downtown Charleston

uhduh camping · 03-17-2016, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyg

It not bad, except that SC roads don't seem well maintained, low gas taxes, I guess. Plenty of diesel stops throughout 95.

Agreed! Might want to use left lane though SC as much as possible. Right lane is wore out.

VinceU · 03-17-2016, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Firth

Headed for Charleston SC late April. Directions have me getting on I95 at Emporia Va going south to Charleston SC. Not crazy about I95 , I guess just stay in the right lane. Should be plenty of truck stops for diesel. How is I95 in that area ? Am I just overly concerned about that stretch of highway. Thanks for any advice..

No problem, you'll have no major cities to cross and it's wide open North Carolina and most of South Carolina to cover. Avoid April 1st, a major "snowbird" trek underway.

OldCoot · 03-17-2016, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uhduh camping

Agreed! Might want to use left lane though SC as much as possible. Right lane is wore out.

I agree, from I26 to just south of Savannah is not very smooth in the rh lane going south. Northbound is borderline from bad to good.

camaraderie · 03-17-2016, 08:02 PM

Just did most of this yesterday and the day before. It is a helluva lot better than I-95 north of Richmond. Roads are mostly good with a few sections a bit rougher but not too bad. We traveled at 68-70mph the whole way without delays. There WERE extensive backup in a few spots heading south due to construction and one accident. This is where knowing about the alternative small road routes merrykalia wrote about can help a bunch...but I would ONLY use them to go around stuff unless you want the trip to take a LOT longer. Good luck!

Mmnsc · 03-18-2016, 10:16 AM

I live in Charleston and for the past 14 years commuted to NC via I-95 and I-26. The roads have been much improved over the years. Drove to Maine this past summer I a can tell you the SC roads are a million times better than the ones in the Northeast.

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

Mike Tav · 03-18-2016, 04:11 PM

No concerns needed. Have a nice trip.

Charles Firth · 03-18-2016, 05:07 PM

Thanks for all the reply's , it appears to be a pretty straight forward trip. Not REAL crazy about I95 but I typically take my time anyway. I will have to stop along the way for fuel, I haven't checked, but there should be truck stops along the way. I would assume they all can service trucks towing campers. Are some truck stops better than others, and are there some to stay away from ? This will be my longest tow, could be around 8 hours. Probably not that long of a tow for you seasoned veterans, but I prefer 5-6 hrs. But the destination is not far enough away to make it a 2 day trip. Thanks again for the responses.

camaraderie · 03-18-2016, 07:51 PM

Pilot, TA, Petro, FlyingJ and Loves all cater to big rigs. They all have web sites AND mobile apps that will show you all their "stores" near you or on your way and plenty of turning room and other services needed for the "long haul" including parking if you need a nap. Pilot/Flying J offer 3 cent off discounts to Good Sam members...and some have special RV lanes and sections with long handled windshield squeegees, propane fills, etc.
Here's their by state booklet under the RV link:
Pilot Flying J

kenandterry · 03-18-2016, 08:33 PM

Hey Charles Firth.........

Being a "Snowbirder" and travelling Interstates a lot, don't let I-95 worry you.

We travel with car in tow, and I set the cruise for 62MPH (100KMH). It's the sweet spot on the tachometer for best mileage, and the best spot for acceleration performance if needed to get around "Bert & Ethel"

Although interstate speeds may be posted higher than 60 and even as high as 75, (remember that's the MAXIMUM POSTED SPEED) when I travel in the right hand lane, it doesn't really matter to me how fast others travel past me in the left lane.....my lane in front of me is what's important and it's clear. By the time they pull back into my lane, their higher speed has them way out front in MY LANE!! Don't even have to adjust my speed.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!!!!!!!!!!

Rich5117 · 03-19-2016, 09:20 PM

Agree with others. I prefer fuel stops that are able to do credit cards at the pump, we typically try to hit the Pilots, and Flying J, just concerns me giving my card to a someone. I usually have my DW stand at the register and hold the card if we have to stop where they don't do cards at the pump

CaptnJohn · 03-19-2016, 09:41 PM

I prefer I-77 to I-95 Never gave it a thought towing the TT BUT the 7 mile 7 degree hill at the NC/VA line has me thinking. No problem going UP but even with the diesel engine brake coming down could get hairy.

Charles Firth · 03-20-2016, 05:29 PM

Captnjohn, is the 7 degree hill on 95 or 77 ? It's been a while but I don't recall one on 95 but it has been years since I have been down that way.

Coolharts · 03-20-2016, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

I prefer I-77 to I-95 Never gave it a thought towing the TT BUT the 7 mile 7 degree hill at the NC/VA line has me thinking. No problem going UP but even with the diesel engine brake coming down could get hairy.

With your F-250 don't worry about the downhill on I-77, your Tow/Haul mode will keep you under control.

CaptnJohn · 03-20-2016, 10:52 PM

It is on I-77. Thanks Cool -- I figured with truck, trailer, and engine it should be ok. Used to running that up and down at 60 but now rethinking the down speed

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