going around washington

homer1959 · 03-01-2016, 03:01 PM

Guys need your input here, which loop is the best to go around washington with a travel trailer I495 west or south ? Going to Orlando for a month Thanks

**norty1** · 03-01-2016, 03:07 PM

have tried both and my conclusion is there is no good one.

rkresge · 03-01-2016, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer1959

Guys need your input here, which loop is the best to go around washington with a travel trailer I495 west or south ? Going to Orlando for a month Thanks

IMHO, based on frustrating recent experience, go around Washington on the east side, not the west. There are more lanes of traffic. But no matter what, do not try it on a weekday, during the day. Do it on a weekend, or wait until sometime late at night. If you've never done it, you won't believe the backups on I95 south from Washington to Fredericksburg. 30 miles can take 2 hours or more.

I had no issues going around D.C. during the day on Saturday or Sunday on recent trips.

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

Roger

homer1959 · 03-01-2016, 03:25 PM

wow..ok LOL thats encouraging lol.....my second option is by I 81-66-17 ! will see , Im just worried a bit by the weather on I-81 ( leaving from Montreal ) ...anyway thanks a lot guys

homer1959 · 03-01-2016, 03:33 PM

Hey what about Baltimore ? 695 west or south ? with the trailer of course ?

navymommy · 03-01-2016, 03:46 PM

Go south through Oregon, then come up into Idaho and through the middle of Montana.

homer1959 · 03-01-2016, 04:25 PM

Since Im from Montreal and that English isn't my first laguage I'm not sure to understand your suggestion !! However I've looked at it and despite the price of gas now I wll not follow your suggestion LOL thanks anyway

Quote:

Originally Posted by navymommy

Go south through Oregon, then come up into Idaho and through the middle of Montana.

Ela1948 · 03-01-2016, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkresge

IMHO, based on frustrating recent experience, go around Washington on the east side, not the west. There are more lanes of traffic. But no matter what, do not try it on a weekday, during the day. Do it on a weekend, or wait until sometime late at night. If you've never done it, you won't believe the backups on I95 south from Washington to Fredericksburg. 30 miles can take 2 hours or more.

I had no issues going around D.C. during the day on Saturday or Sunday on recent trips.

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

Roger

X2
495 is the east side of of Washington and I think is the best. But as others have said,you want to do it on a weekend. Preferably early Sunday morning.

SouthCo · 03-01-2016, 05:19 PM

I travel 495 east of DC frequently (west side rarely). I'd take the east side. Plan to go through early and you'll be fine. Early morning the best or early afternoon. Otherwise I wouldn't...

Cosmik Debris · 03-01-2016, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by navymommy

Go south through Oregon, then come up into Idaho and through the middle of Montana.

I thought he meant Washington state too.

Tunce the traveler · 03-01-2016, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by navymommy

Go south through Oregon, then come up into Idaho and through the middle of Montana.

That's really really the round about route to avoid the Belt Way! I wouldn't do it if I were you Homer and your English is fine.

rkresge · 03-01-2016, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer1959

Hey what about Baltimore ? 695 west or south ? with the trailer of course ?

If you're coming south on I95, take the I695 East beltway. If you're driving an RV or towing a trailer, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES STAY ON I95, OR TAKE I895: Both of those have tunnels where propane tanks larger than 10 lb are prohibited. Luckily they are very clearly marked.

I695 west is at least 20 miles longer, so do I695 east. Best to avoid this one during weekday rush hours, although it's not nearly as bad as Washington.

Again, good luck!

Roger

3'senough · 03-01-2016, 06:24 PM

+1 for east side avoidance.

rkresge · 03-01-2016, 06:28 PM

Additional note: Going around Baltimore, I always use I695 West, but that's because I'm using I83 from York, PA. When approaching Baltimore from the north via I95, it's much shorter to use the I695 East beltway.

Edited to correct the reference to I83.

homer1959 · 03-01-2016, 06:32 PM

Ok guys we will use the inside loop on both account ! We are planning to leave on Saturday and sleep at flying J in Northeast MD if weather permit, so we will cross Balt. And Wash. Early sunday morning for the second leg of our trip to the next flying j in latta sc
Thanks to all ! ;-)

Rmgrose · 03-01-2016, 07:05 PM

If you come south on i81 through central pa, pick up 15 in Harrisburg and come in below Washington on 270. I went this way the last couple of times and love the 2 lane( most of the way) slower but scenic ride. Not to many places to stop for food/fuel though

RickAE · 03-01-2016, 07:11 PM

I don't know how much longer it would take, but going down I-81 to Staunton Virginia then take I-64 east to Richmond and get on I-95 south to Fla. I know for a fact that there is a lot of pretty sights to see going that route. You won't have to worry about the big city traffic (Baltimore Washington) and it may be a little more relaxing ride.

bedrck46 · 03-01-2016, 07:17 PM

After you get past Wash. DC and head south Be careful of your speed when going thru the area of Emporia. VA Stay within the limit or less.

rkresge · 03-01-2016, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedrck46

After you get past Wash. DC and head south Be careful of your speed when going thru the area of Emporia. VA Stay within the limit or less.

Apparently, speeding in VA can be *very* expensive.

Roy W. · 03-01-2016, 08:09 PM

When traveling south from northern NYS I take I-81 to I-66 then 17 to I-95 coming to I-95 just south of Fredricksburg VA. I find the little stretch of 17 to be refreshing after traveling so many interstate miles.

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