novi2some
Novi, Michigan
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January 2008, we will be heading south from Michigan to Naples, Fl. This will be the first time for us to take our motorhome out of the state. I am a little concerned about driving in January south to Florida. One thing about Michigan, the weather can change quickly. Any input or help to relax me would be appreciated.
2006 Damon Challenger 355 pulling a 2008 Mariner
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Go to www.weather.com and put in the cities on your proposed route to see what the weather is for them around the days you will be there. Don't shedule your trip too tight so if you get stuck somewhere it won't disrupt your schedule too much.
We will also be leaving the first week of January and plan to drive about 250 miles per day.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
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trop-a-cal
Palm Coast Fl
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Yes be flexible, don't leave or drive in a snow storm. Check the weather try to get a three day clear shot south without snow. I did it from upstate New York for years. Went to Naples then to Key West and stayed for 2-3 weeks during Februarys. Drive the valleys, not the hills. Naples is beautiful we stayed at Crystal Lake Resort on 951 for a season in 1998. Marco Island is to see, and you can catch a boat to Key West from there if you like. All kinds of shopping, golf, fishing, swamp boat rides, beaches, restaurants, cafe's, you'll love it.
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kycliff
Kentucky
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Hi we are from Shelbyville (northern) Kentucky. We will be in Northern Florida in January and moving to Naples area the first of February to Collier-Seminole State Park.
We stayed there last March and we enjoyed it. Once you reach the Kentucky state line we don't generally have any problems with the roads. I think after you leave the northern states you will do fine.
Lots of luck, when will you be returning?
See ya there
Cliff
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firemanmn
Bowstring Minnesota
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We will leave northern Minnesota around January 1st or 2nd, weather permitting. If the roads are good we will try to get into central Iowa the first night and close to Caruthersville, Mo. the next night, then southern Alabama and finally Florida. If the weather is looking like bad driving conditions we will postpone leaving for a day or two. Drive safe and have fun.
life's been good to me so far, the Eagles.
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You can't take the Fisherman out of this Camper
Ontario, Canada
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novi2some wrote:January 2008, we will be heading south from Michigan to Naples, Fl. This will be the first time for us to take our motorhome out of the state. I am a little concerned about driving in January south to Florida. One thing about Michigan, the weather can change quickly. Any input or help to relax me would be appreciated. We will be leaving during the last couple of days of Dec. I monitor this web site for a week or so before we leave and wait for a clear weather window for at least the first day. Once I get the first 500 miles under my belt I don't have to worry about freezing weather and I can take my time the rest of the trip. I usually travel the first 500 miles on day one.
1960's: Tents.. 1970's: Soft top & Hard top P/U.. 1980's: 17' RV.. 1990's: 24' RV.. 2000's: FINALLY... 2002 Cougar 276EFS; 2002 GMC 2500HD Ext Cab 4x4; (Nfld/Labrador-Yukon/NWT/Alaska-Gaspe', Que./Florida!!)
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avan
Sioux Falls, SD & Livingston,TX
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Our experience has been that the northern states know how to cope with snow very well and major roads will be cleared down to asphalt quickly. A small delay during and for a short period of time after a major snowstorm might be needed. Watching weather forecasts will give you an idea if you are moving towards a storm or away from one and you can plan accordingly. Freeways seem to be the first cleared. None of this is news to you in your area.
A storm is less likely in mid states but if there is one, reaction time to clearing the roads may be slower due to less equipment and your driving timetable may need adjustment. Who can say what happens in the south if there is snow. I remember several years driving through Atlanta on a Sunday morning when they had an inch of snow. The roads were wet and here and there was a little slush. I could hardly hear my radio new reports of what stores were opening early to sell snow tires and chains because of all the racket on the roads from chain equipped vehicles. It was quite funny.
Here in Naples, you've missed the snow. They had a snow machine in a park here for a day just before Thanksgiving. Where in Naples are you staying?
Click for more pics of our FT home, our snowbird digs and our summer trips
The puller - International 4700LP (530E) - Wiers Towmaster; Trailer-Saver Air Hitch
The pusher - 40' Travel Supreme Fifth
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novi2some
Novi, Michigan
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Thanks for all the replies. I was already planning to change my departure time from Michigan based on the weather. We need to be in Naples on January 25. I will keep tabs of the weather using the mentioned web site. As to where we will stay in Naples, we will be at Rock Creek. Never camped in Naples before, I decided on Rock Creek based on a recommendation from a rv'r a friend met in Naples. We have old friends staying on Marco Island for the winter. This is why we are staying in Naples. I'm not sure if we would camp there otherwise. It seems to be priced high in Naples area. Next year we might try a different area.
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avan
Sioux Falls, SD & Livingston,TX
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I'm sure you'll enjoy yourselves. Naples has lots to do and see and is a great place to visit. The pricing you refer to is a function of the sunny warm weather and balmy Gulf breezes that you'll experience. With some luck, the Marco road construction (main road onto the island) will be completed by the time you arrive.
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abbyarts
Southwestern Colorado
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Joined: 08/29/2007
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I too will be headed down in mid-January from SW Colorado, and thanks for the link to that weather forecast site. I'll try for the clear three day window to get over the mountains and as far south as possible before turning east, though previously folks had mentioned on this site to stay clear of I-10 around El Paso, so maybe south to Riodoso, N.M. and diagonally east from there to I-10. I'll base in Tampa at my folks house but love Naples/Marco Island and plan to spend time there as well.
AbbyArts
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