Winter Travels from Grand Rapids to south

[bg5]

Hey Jayco’s!
We currently bought our first 5th wheel and truck to start our full time living. We were told it’s best to start in the middle of winter ( ALL JOKES).
Anyways, we need to go pick up our truck in Ohio then drive to Grand Rapids, Mi. to get our 5th wheel to then start our trek back to southern Utah. We plan to make a stop in Kansas City ( to celebrate our future Chiefs Super Bowl winnings) lol

My Question is:
-Best route from Grand Rapids to Kansas (in middle of winter)
- any RV parks that you recommend to stay along the way ( that are currently open).

I know most would suggest waiting until better weather however, our rental lease is up at the end of March, need to be moved out by then. So our time is crunched. Any helpful advice for winter travel is much appreciated!

[dwaynebmsg]

I would definitely keep a flexible schedule, keep checking the "10 day" weather forecast for both areas and when you have an opening, drive like hell! Good luck.

[PaulB12]

Keep to the interstates, they are usually clear.
PaulB12

[LuckyDuck]

I can’t help with routes where you’re headed, but weather, obviously, will be a key concern. After trying various weather apps, I found “Weather on the Way” to be outstanding. Input your starting location and destination, and departure time, and it gives you very accurate weather conditions along the route. For a small fee, the “Pro” version shows you wind/gusts, road visibility and more. I’ve used it all over the West and it saved my bacon more than once when there were heavy winds ahead. I don’t have any stake in the app, but I know what works for me. Happy travels!

[KCSA75]

Take this for what it's worth. Two of our TV Weather Guys said this week the worst part of winter is behind us in Kansas City.

As far as a route, I would take Google's suggestion of I-94 to I-80 on the south side of Chicago. Follow 80 to Des Moines then I-35 south to KC.

FYI: The Super Bowl victory parade is Feb. 14.

[LuckyDuck]

Originally Posted by KCSA75

…FYI: The Super Bowl victory parade is Feb. 14.

San Francisco is a bit out of his way…

[Campbell]

Once you have your route, You would also need to check on possible campground that are open, call ahead to know if Rv campgrounds is open and if water is available.
I would suggest get campground book where you can look them up not all are open December thru March
Enjoy and have fun with your truck and 5th

[Old and soft]

Originally Posted by KCSA75

Take this for what it's worth. Two of our TV Weather Guys said this week the worst part of winter is behind us in Kansas City.
FYI: The Super Bowl victory parade is Feb. 14.

And you believe them? Mine needs a disclaimer that says their forcast is for entertainment purposes only.

[SloPoke]

Originally Posted by KCSA75

Take this for what it's worth. Two of our TV Weather Guys said this week the worst part of winter is behind us in Kansas City.

As far as a route, I would take Google's suggestion of I-94 to I-80 on the south side of Chicago. Follow 80 to Des Moines then I-35 south to KC.

FYI: The Super Bowl victory parade is Feb. 14.

following that route, Just outside of Des Moines is a fantastic year round park. https://griffsrv.com/ We spent a week there.

[TAB TWO]

Originally Posted by bg5

Hey Jayco’s!
We currently bought our first 5th wheel and truck to start our full time living. We were told it’s best to start in the middle of winter ( ALL JOKES).
Anyways, we need to go pick up our truck in Ohio then drive to Grand Rapids, Mi. to get our 5th wheel to then start our trek back to southern Utah. We plan to make a stop in Kansas City ( to celebrate our future Chiefs Super Bowl winnings) lol

My Question is:
-Best route from Grand Rapids to Kansas (in middle of winter)
- any RV parks that you recommend to stay along the way ( that are currently open).

I know most would suggest waiting until better weather however, our rental lease is up at the end of March, need to be moved out by then. So our time is crunched. Any helpful advice for winter travel is much appreciated!

We are in Grand Haven/Muskegon area so not far from you. We have pulled out for travel during our Michigan winters in the past. We have a class C and tow our car. When we pulled out in Feb 2023, we had to drive four hours south before we could get the care on the dolly d/t frozen ratchet straps thanks to a good old ice storm. We've generally found roads to be ok regardless of where we've traveled.... our usual destinations are TX, MS, or AL. We've traveled 80, 70, and 57 at different times without difficulty. If you can hit that southern route on 70 through Kansas, though, you may find being a couple hours south to be helpful. As someone else suggested, keeping up on the forecast is crucial... never know where the storm systems will land, and the ice storms can be a bit unforgiving.

[norty1]

Welcome to the JOF community. Enjoy your travels and your new calling!