oreo11zeus

Anyone towed a 12,000 boat with a 6.2L Turbo Diesel through Virginia? What is the best route to take from Cleveland Oh to Florida? I am planning a route this summer and wonder if my truck will make it (rebuilt the trans L480e) within a reasonable pull (speed) up those 2800 ft. mountains

Thanks!! (please no Ford or Chrysler comments)

t500hps

I've pulled 13,000 from Cleveland to Richmond, VA. Based on a map I just looked at it seems the most direct route would be 77 south into S. Carolina then pick-up 95. That route would be mountains through W. Va, Va, and a portion of N.C.....If it's with-in 100 miles longer distance I would recommend heading S.E. towards DC and picking up 95 S there. The road is flat all the way to FL.

Sydwayz

I can't offer any advice on I-77. I've never traveled it.

I have towed-(Chicago to Richmond, VA and back):

80/90 to the PA Turnpike to Pittsburgh
79 South to the MD Panhandle.
68 East to 70/270
270 to 495 to 95 South

Then take 95 South all the way to Florida (no hills Mountains on this part).

This is pretty far out of your path, but I can tell you the worst of the mountains is on 79/68, and they are not bad. These two Interstates are less than 15 years old; and they were built to alleviate traveling the steep mountain passes on the PA Turnpike.

Good luck.

Where in FL are you going?
I-95 in West Palm Beach SUCKS ASS. It was the WORST part of my trip when I towed to Pompano Beach in January. It was worse than freezing rain in the Carolinas. There is a tremendous about of construction and traffic. If you are going south of WPB, I highly advise taking the Florida Turnpike, and then picking up 95 again someplace south of Ft. Lauderdale, or just stay on the Turnpike.

oreo11zeus

I am going to Pompano Beach area - Yes, the Pike is the way to go. Thanks for the help - and I would think going through Palm Springs was the worst as I just drove it last week empty.

cbeastwood

Based on live.local.com, the best route is down 77 for you. I've pulled 11,000 lbs up the mountain on 77 that is in VA and I kept it at 75 the whole way and the temp gauges didn't even move. You should be fine.

handfulz28

quick hijack: where did you end up getting the trans work done? Are you happy with the deal? Just asking for when the time comes I need mine done.

HayJay

I-77 is a decent road until you hit the tollway, just south of Charleston, WV. Not so much because of the mountains, but because it rides like crap (amazing that they charge you to drive on a piece of junk road, but the toll-free stretch further north rides great! ) It has a few tight turns and is a little steep in some spots before you hit the VA border, but all in all, it's not too bad. It rides rough again through NC, but smoothes out through SC.

Have a good trip.

mwdill

Just watch the curves on I-77 toll road,seen alot of trucks end up on their side not knowing the road.

Pete B

Where in Florida, 77 is a good road, but very steep grades, check your brakes, and depending the time of year you are doing this. may matter.