HELP!!!! Need a route from SC to NY

Jammer11 · 05-25-2011, 02:06 PM

We could really use some help. This will be our first trip ever with our new 34' Windjammer. We are leaving from Columbia SC to go to Oswego, NY. We would usually take I-77 to I-81 but my husband is concerned about driving thru the mountains. Going up and down plus the high winds. We thought about taking I-95. But then we had relatives say that the belt way around DC is terrible. Also, were told not to miss our exit to go towards I-81 because we would end up in NYC. We have NEVER towed anything before and we have lots of concerns. We want to have fun and not worry about everything. Any ideas on the easiest and safest way to go to NYS?

MtnGuy · 05-25-2011, 02:15 PM

If it were me, I would go the I-77 and I-81 route. That is the preference that Google Maps is showing.

I have towed my camper on I-81 through southern Virginia with no major problems. Sometimes i would just get behind a loaded semi, and stay in the slow lanes with that. I would sometimes loose them going downhill, and have to pick another slow one for the next uphill trek.

I avoid I-95 as much as possible, especially around the D.C. area.

kamp k · 05-25-2011, 02:22 PM

After towing our previous travel trailer on the Beltway once, I can tell you I would avoid that route at all costs. Swore I'd never do it again. I was relatively new to towing and was only towing a 22' trailer, but talk about "white knuckling" it. After that trip, my DW said we'd never camp north again lol. On the other hand, I've always enjoyed towing on I81. Mountains are not too steep, the scenery is nice, and if you take it easy and watch out for the 18-wheelers, you'll be fine, though I've never towed farther north than Pennsylvania. Good luck!

camper_Lucy · 05-25-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jammer11

We could really use some help. This will be our first trip ever with our new 34' Windjammer. We are leaving from Columbia SC to go to Oswego, NY. We would usually take I-77 to I-81 but my husband is concerned about driving thru the mountains. Going up and down plus the high winds. We thought about taking I-95. But then we had relatives say that the belt way around DC is terrible. Also, were told not to miss our exit to go towards I-81 because we would end up in NYC. We have NEVER towed anything before and we have lots of concerns. We want to have fun and not worry about everything. Any ideas on the easiest and safest way to go to NYS?

Hope this works, this link is the route I use to get up/down the east coast and avoid the mountanitains (big ones at least) and DC. I think you can click on it, if not PM me and I will send you a personal email with the info.

Columbia, SC to Oswego, NY - Google Maps

I adds about 40 min to the more direct 77 or 81 route. Being from Ohio I jump on/off at Hagerstown MD, on the north end.

Willis · 05-25-2011, 03:38 PM

Personally, I would avoid I-95 if possible. Going thru Richmond, DC, Baltimore, and Philly is not fun!

The only downside to the I-77/I-81 route is the grade between Mt. Airy, NC, and Hillsville, VA. The really steep part is about 7 miles long. But there are slow vehicle lanes the whole way and pull-outs to rest your brakes (on the return trip). If you just take your time it shouldn't be too bad assuming your tow vehicle is adequate.

The rest of that route has its share of rolling up-and-down hills but so does I-95. I would take that one-time 7 mile grade over the city traffic any day.

kenandterry · 05-25-2011, 03:54 PM

Unless your tow vehicle is really under matched, the I-77/I-81 is not worth worrying about. It's not as steep as you're making yourself worried about and it comes in sections anyway.

Enjoy.

Jammer11 · 05-25-2011, 04:07 PM

Thank you all so very much!! We will look at all the possibilities everyone has been so wonderful to share.

Gadget63 · 05-25-2011, 04:53 PM

Of course you could take the scenic route through Va. by taking Route 11. It parallels I-81 the entire length but it'll take forever! So I'd do what everyone else suggests and take 77 to 81. I'll be taking that same route in July to camp throughout New England!

BigRed · 05-25-2011, 07:32 PM

Go the I-77/I-81, You should have no problem pulling the Windjammer ! Or I-77/ I-90..but I'd go the I-77/I-81 route ! We pulled our TT up/down I-77 Fancy Gap area, just take your time!

landcruisers · 05-25-2011, 09:03 PM

Hi Jammer11,

We live in Fort Mill and have gone the i-77/81 route a few times. As Willis stated, the grade up to Fancy Gap is no joke. But there is a third lane to allow for slow moving trucks and campers, so take advantage of that and you will be fine. Did the 95 Beltway thing once and only because we were spending a couple of days near DC. I'd rather do the climb at Fancy Gap anytime.

Just be sure to keep an eye on your tow vehicle's coolant temp while making the climb.

Enjoy your Windjammer. We got one a few weeks ago and love it. Wish we had made some Memorial Day weekend reservations

Happy Camping!

MtnGuy · 05-26-2011, 07:22 AM

Even though there are quite some pulls on this section of road, I got decent gas mileage doing the I-81 section. Last spring I filled up in Pigeon Forge TN., and even with about 10 miles of city stop and go traffic to get to I-40 and I-81, along with the hills on the interstate, I got 11.1 mpg when filling up in Wytheville, Va. And again, I got 11.1 mpg when I filled up at the next stop at home in Ruckersville, Va......and that includes a climb over the Blue Ridge.

My theory on this is that even though there are some hard climbs, I let the speed drop some to keep up with the truckers. Then on the downhill parts, I am getting great gas mileage because I am coasting, and that makes up some for the terrible fuel mileage I get on the uphill sections.

brianb · 05-26-2011, 07:56 AM

Is this your maiden trip? I had grande plans for my 2nd trip to go from PA to VA, but after our maiden trip (30 miles from house). I cancelled that trip. Was a very white knuckle ride on our first trip. I learned I needed to work on tweaking my hitch setup and maybe look at suspension upgrades for my truck. Also needed more practice towing something this big/heavy. Good news my second trip (within 40 miles) went much better after going over my WDH and adjusting my setup. For a longer trip still like to do some mods to the truck. Just my $0.02..

Jammer11 · 05-26-2011, 12:03 PM

This will be our very first trip with a camper period. I'm sure we are going to learn a great deal from this trip and from all you wonderful experienced campers. I've been watching u tube to learn more about how to do things. We are so excited. We leave this Saturday.

brianb · 05-26-2011, 04:45 PM

Well good luck in your travels. Take your time and roll with the challenges. If you do travel through DC in your route this weekend keep an eye on the news/internet for road closures and alternate routes. Lots of goings on in DC this weekend.

Jammer11 · 05-26-2011, 05:18 PM

Thank you all. I will let everyone know how it went.

caper · 05-26-2011, 05:43 PM

I would not take the DC beltway. I have pulled my 34' from Ont. to BC and back. About 3000 miles each way. Went over the rockies no problem. As stated stay in the slow lane and keep your RPM as low as you can. Have driven the DC beltway without a TT behind me and did not like it. The I77/I81 is a much better route to take.
Have a safe and fun trip North.

kablair · 05-27-2011, 06:27 PM

My wife and I have lived up and down the I-95 corridor (to include Hopkins, SC and Rochester, NY and 10 years in the DC area). In addition to the DC Beltway, you will also have to figure out how to navigate around the Baltimore tunnels that may not let you go in with the propane tanks.

Give yourself some extra time to enjoy the trip. There are many beautiful places along the way!

Have fun.

Jammer11 · 05-28-2011, 08:31 AM

Thank you. I didn't realize that. I have never been through the tunnels. We are getting ready to leave later today. Thank you so much!

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