so i apologize for posting here but if i post it appropriately i will forget to check for the answers.

over christmas i am going to drive from indiana to the florida keys. the last time i went down that way i-75 was a moving traffic jam. i am seeking info about it. are all the road repairs in the atlanta area done yet? am i crazy for thinking of going down i-65 and then i-10 over to florida and south from there?

i will be pulling my 35' trailer.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I think it’s more a matter of timing and luck. I have driven it both ways from Nashville. 1. Through Atlanta and straight down to Naples (my destination) 2. South on 65 to Montgomery, then 231 thru Dothan, and on down to I-10, etc.

The best travel time for me was the Atlanta route, but timing was critical. I left Nashville on a Sat. about 4AM, arrive in a quiet Atlanta early on a Sat. and blow right through. No issues at the Disney World cut-off, (there can be problems here) and straight on down.

Amazing run with absolutely no traffic or construction issues. About 900 miles to Naples in about 13 hours. Lucky! Driving the 2000 Suburban w/wife + 2 kids. Thank God for in-car video! BTW the V-8 was getting about 20MPG running at ~75MPH, range of close to 600 miles. Just made pit stops, as we had the cooler packed with food. I have had the same trip take closer to 18 hours.

The Alabama route can get tedious on the 231 part. 4-lane, but not limited access and you go through every little town along the way. Especially hard at night, I think. Lot’s of snowbirds go this way with trailers and RV’s. Best way if you are only going to the Panhandle. Personally, I would not do it on a run to Naples or the Keys.

Of course, if I was a retired guy I’d take the 240D, mostly 2-lane, and take about 2 weeks to get there. Day 1, get to the coast, day 2-14 futz around at every unusual thing that caught my eye along the way, including MB’s for sale.

I’m rambling, my .02, sounds like a fun trip, I love the Keys

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2002 E320 Sedan 93K Designo Mocha Black Metallic!
1995 E320 Wagon 205K Black Wagon
1982 240D 183K SloPoke

I believe each of these cars are the final production year for that model.

dec. 19 afternoon about 4pm with any luck. then would hit atlanta if i go that way maybe mid morning on the 20th. that is wednesday i think. i am thinking that that would be a bad time.

then you say the disney cutoff is bad? will it be bad on a wednesday the 20th? or the 21st thursday?

the old road that parallels i 75 to the west would be pretty slow going i bet.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Whatever you do, don't speed between milemarker 205 and 200 on I-75. If they're not hiding in the woods, they'll getcha from the air. (not everyday, but often enough not to be forgotten) Oh, and don't speed going through Northport...them guys have a reputation (still). (as a matter of fact, don't do anything wrong driving through there...don't even look dumb)

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

- I'm sure he will be booking with a 35' trailer.
tw - Wednesday is the 21st.

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Jim

Actually, Tuesday morning from about 10:00 till about 2:30 pm, might be your best time to slide right through Atlanta. They are doing a bunch of construction work on the weekends, and rush hour before 9:00 and after 3:00-better get some No-Doze and Depends!

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Wayne

the triumph of evil requires only that good men stand by and do nothing

13 Audi A3 TDI, the Wife's!
85 190D 5 speed, 195,000 miles
75 Triumph TR 6 w/Toyota 5 speed
2000 Ford F-250 powerstroke
03 Ml500, 109000

set on 73.

thanks for the tips. i will keep it all in mind.

probably will go south on 65 to the panhandle and cross east to 75 then south.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.