NJ to Key West in 4 days

[gandb26]

We leave for Key West on Thursday, January 26, evening. We were thinking of taking I-95, but I'm seeing lots of posts about 81. Pros/cons? Also, what apps would you put on your phone? This is our first long distance trip with our new Forester. Any tips, tricks or thoughts are welcome!

[GGCIII]

Your route depends on where you are in Jersey. I live near tpk exit 9 and 8A.
I still go south on tpk to Del Mem bridge and from there stay on 95 or go south on 13 to 301, then hit 95 just north of Richmond.
Route 295 might work also to the DMB.

You said you're leaving in the evening so 95 straight down could work just remember to go around Balt on 695, the tunnel prohibits propane tanks.

Going around DC just FOLLOW SIGNS for 95 south, you will be there after most of the traffic. The GPS could send other ways thru DC, not good.

Make your arrival day the short leg, since you may be required to check in by a certain time. We stayed at Grassy Key last Jan. and had to be there before 5 pm.

The car is a good idea. There is a small parking lot on Simonton St., north side of Key West and close to Duval St. All day for twenty dollars.

South of the Border, Carolina Crossroads, Coastal Georgia are some overnight stops worth considering. We stayed at the Miccosukee casino, west of Miami on our last night before the Keys.

The ride down the Keys will be easy enough, since you know what traffic is like back home. We had no problems at all with the MH and toad.

Enjoy!!!

[gandb26]

Well just found out golf carts are $100/day so maybe for a day or two, but thats crazy! It might be the $2 bus for us! Which is fine. Don't have to worry about driving and parking then.

[gandb26]

Thanks guys for the great responses. We do have a reservation for Boyds in Key West, so good go there. We have an brand new atlas, gps on the rig and our phones. Will get those apps downloaded. No toad. We are renting a car, golf cart or scooter. Haven't decided which yet.

[Triker33]

App for GPS CoPilot and for fuel Gas Buddy

[ct1964ups]

gandb26 wrote:
We leave for Key West on Thursday, January 26, evening. We were thinking of taking I-95, but I'm seeing lots of posts about 81. Pros/cons? Also, what apps would you put on your phone? This is our first long distance trip with our new Forester. Any tips, tricks or thoughts are welcome!

i like i_78 out of Jersey and because it's winter 78 to 81then to Winchster,Va to I-66 for 25 miles to rt 17 thru Warrenton,Va to 95 above Richmond,Va.....first stop either Americamps in Ashland or Caralina Crossroads in Roanoke....then SOB and into Florida
Apps we like on the phone are RVparky,Allstays and IExit....safe trip..Chuck

[tropical_ron]

Plan your route through Baltimore and Washington. There are route restrictions regarding traveling with propane onboard. I-695, outer loop, is the route thru Baltimore. I-495, outer loop, is the route thru DC. We prefer I-295 around Richmo d, VA. We always travel the I-95 route because winter weather through the alternative routes can cause havoc. Best advice is to plan your route and have documented route to follow. Enjoy.

[Steeljag]

Keys are always fun ! Where are you staying ! Toad? Keep in mind from Florida city, to Key West is two lanes can be a very looooong drive, especially this time of year with all those fleeing the cold north to the warm sun !

Bring lots of patience, relax, drive safe, and enjoy the adventure !

Hope all goes well with your new rig !

[jerseyjim]

I-81 isn't bad...but for the winter, keep in mind it goes thru the mountains (snow?) and then ends at I-40. I've only taken this route during summer...and it is nice.

I-95 is the most direct from beautiful downtown NJ, I've done this trip quite a few times. I always take the bypasses (Baltimore, DC beltway and Richmond...without a map, I think the route numbers are Balitimore:695,DC Beltway:495 westbound and Richmond: 295

I leave my house around 4AM just to get past the DC beltway before rush hour...even if I leave on, say a Saturday. Baltimore and Beltway add maybe 1/2 hour each to the trip...but much better roads and traffic....I surely don't want to drive my motorhome/toad thru these cities at ANY time.

My usual schedule of travel/overnite stops is: first nite, Florence, SC RV park, used to be a KOA. 2-3 gas stations at the exit, both easyin/easyout. Campground on the other side of I-95. Second nite, Ga exit #1..KOA. St.(Jacksonville north KOA?) right on the Ga/Fl border. Nice place. 3 gas stations, all easyin/eaasyout. From there...Florida is a long long state. Many gas stations and campgrounds along the way. Check out, for instance, the Trailer Life Directory and the KOA directory.

My OPINION, regarding Key West, make sure you have a RESERVATION where you intend to stop....there is only one way in and one way out...you want to make sure you have somewhere to stay. Simply parking somewhere overnight is a no-no...the last time I was there.

g'luck and enjoy