JRS & B
Florida/Michigan
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Joined: 05/09/2010
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We have taken I-75 in mid-February. It was not planned that way. My wife had been summoned to appear as a witness in a court case so we couldn't leave until that was over. It snowed about six inches two days before we left but when we actually got on the road all was dry and clear the whole way on I-75.
There are campgrounds open. They just won't have any water service in places like KY so you have to use their bathroom facilities. But when you get to a place like Forsyth GA (south of Atlanta)things are usually much milder.
One year we left in December and there was a big storm promised. It never came. But we left a day early and just drove straight through to the North Georgia border. Just stay on top of the weather and plan for a little flexibility in your schedule.
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Randu
South Central Michigan
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Joined: 01/26/2005
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I have driven I-77 and I-75 many times in the last 15 years. I-77 is rough in West Virgina on the toll road between Beckley and Princeton. I-75 is more gradual on the inclines and less roller coaster feeling. I would run I-75 and save many gallons of fuel. Atlanta is the only point of congestion and timing is everything. Randu
2004 GMC 2500HD 8.1 Big Block gas
2008 Mobile Suites 36TK3
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jeb5
Western Ohio
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I 75 is the best route. If you want I77, take 23/75/15 to Columbus and then head SE to I77. I 80 to 77 is at least 150 miles out of your direct route. I 80 is toll and not any better road than the above highways.
75 is a MUCH EASIER DRIVE. Avoid Atlanta during rush hour. Saturday or Sunday is even better.
I think that you have been given poor advice.
Ford F-350, 6.7 Diesel, 4x4, Long Bed
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JRS & B
Florida/Michigan
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FYI - Atlanta's morning rush hour lasts until at least 9:30 or 10:00 am. There is also some extra traffic around lunchtime. And, the afternoon rush hour starts up again around 3:00 to 3:30 pm and lasts until at least 6:30 or 7:00 pm, and probably longer.
The rushhour traffic congestion and backup actually begins to form before you get to the bypass exit and continues until after the bypass rejoins I-75. Hence, the bypasses themselves are worthless. There is just too much traffic.
So, on a weekday, stay overnight north of Atlanta and don't leave at the crack of dawn. Give the traffic a chance to clear out. Best best on a weekday is actually 1 o'clock in the morning. Now that's smooth sailing.
We use the HOV lanes.
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vfrmarc
Hamburg TWP Michigan
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etrippe wrote:We usually are not in a hurry and try to stay off major Inter states. Also I've been told I-75 is crazy w/ trucks, bridges, construction, cities, and that I-77 is less hectic, less mountainous and is by far prettier route.
I agree about the views, but they come at a price. That price is climbing up and down many mountains in WV and VA. There are a few 5-7 mile climbs and descents, a couple of points above 3000'. The twists and turns of the WV Turnpike are not for the feint of heart with many 55mph corners with the trucks tipping signs as a warning. It got me quickly acquainted with the value of my turbo/exhaust brake. I don't recall anything as hairy in I75, but I have not yet traveled I75 with my Motorhome. If I was going to West Florida I would take I75, my last trip that way took me through Atlanta at 2:00am - bingo! right down the middle on I75 no traffic problem.
Good Luck
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Tripalot
Golden Horseshoe, Ont. Canada
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Somonee recommended to us to take I-75 to I-71 then I-65 down to Montgomery, Alabama and pick up 231 to I10 and either take Fla. 98 or I-75 to your destination. We have not done this route but were told it avoids the mountains and is more leisurely (also misses Atlanta) and not a lot further than I-75 all the way.
We are considering doing this route next trip to Florida.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this route.
2007 Holiday Rambler Admiral 30 SFS with lots of good stuff!
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MegB
driveway
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KOA in Wapakoneta,Ohio just off I-75 is open March 1 to Nov. 30.
Meg
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jeb5
Western Ohio
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The I 65 route (in my opinion) a much better option than the I77 route. I never have a problem with Atlanta, but I CLOSELY WATCH THE TIME OF DAY. We always go straight through town. If a small group of RV'S travel together, it helps. A GPS gets you in the correct lane. We stay at Chatannoga, leave around 7:30 AM and arrive at Atlanta round 10:30. The traffic South of Atlanta where the bypass comes back into I75 can be worse than downtown. 7 lanes into 4 lanes just does not fit.
Hope this helps.
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Richert
Pennsylvania
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Just traveled I 77 and there are quite a few big hills and lots of twisty turning and stuff. I would take the straight road I 75 the whole way, we have some friends from Detroit that do it every year and have had very few problems. We did it a couple of years ago and when we were just north of Atlanta, we stopped at a Cracker Barrel for dinner, asked the manager if we could stay a little while, set the alarm for 3AM drove through Atlanta with great ease, found another Cracker Barrel south of town, had breakfast and took a nice long nap, we were not in a hurry and it made our trip very enjoyable.
Blake
2000 Kountry Star 3565
98 Jeep Wrangler Toad
Wife in passenger seat.
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charles
Ohio
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We always take I-77 from the Cleveland, Ohio area. Weather is generally OK once you get out of W. Va. The mountains are nasty but from Va. on, it's really a nice drive. Charlotte N.C. is the only place to be concerned about traffic, and then Jacksonville which you would by-pass by taking I-10 over to 75.
Nick
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