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Boondocker · 10-07-2005, 07:07 AM

I've noticed that over time that given the option, I tend to choose two lane routes over interstate and state four lane routes. This is tendency is amplified west of the missippi where the gaps between towns are larger and the speed limits are more forgiving. I like these roads because the pace seems more gentile, the view less generic, and the cafes a whole world better. Thinking about this on my last trip (southern Illinois to north west Wyoming gives a guy time to think) I started to wonder about other airstreamers travel preference. So.... are you an interstate or two lane type? love to hear from everybody. (BTW how the heck do you do a poll? I thought that might be neat but I didnt see how to do it, must be a moderator thing)

xrvr · 10-07-2005, 07:30 AM

We prefer 2 lanes or non-interstate 4 lanes, however, time constraints usually have us on the superslab. good towing,JIM

**azflycaster** · 10-07-2005, 08:00 AM

Anything solid between Point A and Point B.

85MH325 · 10-07-2005, 08:38 AM

There ya go, Rodney... I added your poll for you!

Personally, I'm a two-lane kinda guy... and I voted... and it looks right now that it's unanimous for us two lane folks!

Roger

AgZep · 10-07-2005, 08:53 AM

We drive 55-60 mph these days to conserve gas, so 2 lane highways actually work out better for us. Will use interstates when that's the best option, but it seems like we see a lot more of America on the 2 lanes roads.

yukionna · 10-07-2005, 08:56 AM

I can't vote on this because there are too many variations...

...If I'm riding my motorcycle, I always opt for back roads.
...If I'm pulling my Airstream and have time, then I opt for back roads.
...If I'm pulling my Airstream and don't have time, then I opt for the highway.

Is it too late to modify the poll for a 50-50 option?

silvermoon · 10-07-2005, 09:14 AM

Isn't there something about seeing what is over the next hill and around the next bend.......?
Anyway, 2 lanes for fun and pleasure, 4 lanes for stress and anger!

Stay safe- Holly

markjoandall · 10-07-2005, 09:20 AM

I've spent my share of time on 2 lane highways and eventually I gravitate back to the interstates. I do so because I find the interstates easier to drive. They're easier because:

The lanes are usually wider and the berms on the side of the road a better if I have an emergency.

My cell phone usually works better along the interstate system.

The services for gas and food are usually more plentiful along the interstate. Granted the food, sometimes lacks character.

It's much easier for some one following me to pass me on the interstate. I don't feel as guilty trying to keep up with traffic. I sometime tend to poke along.

The resources and signage are much better along the interstate. I like to use the next exit book, and the Walmart books.

Campgrounds naturally seem to be more prevalent and in my opinion seem to have good services.

Just my humble opinion

Mark

rseagle · 10-07-2005, 09:50 AM

I prefer two lane roads. If I can find some, I like one lane roads, as well. Usually Forest Roads while out "Boondocking".

SilverRanger · 10-07-2005, 10:16 AM

From point A to point B, I prefer the interstates. But when I am just out wandering around (as I have a tendency to do), I love those two lane highways. On my recent return from Florida I decided to stay off the interstates as much as possible by taking RT. 17, which I have not traveled in over 25 years. Imagine my surprise when much of it now resembles an interstate, complete with rest stops and visitor centers. I did stay in a campground in North Carolina that time seems to have forgot. But that would be another story for different thread.

**Stefrobrts** · 10-07-2005, 10:53 AM

Like most, if I'm just wandering, going to stay at 'wherever we find, whenever we find it', then two lanes are perfect. I can take my time, pull off and see the sights, and find secret out of the way places you'd miss blowing by at 70.

But if we're on our way somewhere specific, and we need to be there by a certain time, then it's I-5 all the way! Straight, fairly well maintained (but watch out for road 'gators), and we know all our favorite stops for breaks and food and where the easy parking lots are to get in and out of.

tin sista · 10-07-2005, 11:24 AM

Honest I'm not being contrary, I love them all. I love the idea of the four laners especially when I'm stuck on a two laner behind a hay wagon or a gravel truck with no net on the top...and the thought of a two laner when we fly past a gorgeous scene and look down to see a lovely winding road far away...I'm still at the stage where I like the highway, rest stop and truck stop when I'm driving. When he's driving, I get to sightsee!!

wahoonc · 10-07-2005, 11:24 AM

As a general rule I don't like towing on the interstates...too many maniacs on the loose. I have found that quite often there will be a US highway parelleling the I. An excellent example is US 301/I-95 corridor thru NC and most of VA. Just for fun (and sanity) I drove US 301 on 4th of July weekend to avoid the mad house on I-95. I drove from Clinton, NC to Richmond, VA. It took me about an hour longer than using the interstate. But it was a very relaxing drive, minimal traffic and only saw one minor accident. In the meantime I-95 had been shut down in at least two locations by multi vehicle accidents causing 2-3 hour backups...gee I wonder how I missed those

This is another excellent reason to run a laptop/GPS rig in the truck...quick bail out!

Aaron

Bradjun1 · 10-07-2005, 11:38 AM

Out East some of the two lanes have just too many stops and people so if you need to get somewhere the 4 lanes can get you there. They also can become very congested at certain times. Most of the places you want to stop and see are on old 2 lane roads. Given my choice I opt for the 2 lane.We took a trip of over 8000 miles a few years ago and less than 1500 were 4 lane.

Porky Pig · 10-07-2005, 12:59 PM

Both.

Depends upon where we are ... and where we're going. We prefer a nice scenic two-lane road (who doesn't?

) ... but if we have to get somewhere in a hurry ... nothing like an Interstate.

Good example ... we got a call last week that my little sister is in ICU at the hospital ... serious stuff

. We drove I-15 from Brigham City, UT to Ventura, CA in 2 and a half days ... hitting all the truck stops along the way and never unhitching. Not our usual relaxed pace as fulltimers ... but when you gotta be there ... you gotta be there.

maxandgeorgia · 10-07-2005, 02:27 PM

Porky, not asking any nosy questions~ just know that your sister with her "serious stuff" is held in my thoughts and prayers. Hope all is well for your family. ~G

pmclemore · 10-07-2005, 02:55 PM

Two-laners are especially nice when we are traveling in the West. We drove across most of Ohio and Missouri on non-interstates, and across Kansas and Col to Breckenridge (our current location) without getting on any interstates. Beautiful roads, exotic scenery (for us Virgininians) and a much slower pace than when we are pushed by heavy traffic.

Pat

SafeHarbor · 10-07-2005, 02:57 PM

On my recent trip to Ft. DeSoto for the rally, I had a choice. Take a four lane road to I-75 65 miles away or go down into FL on US 1 and cut across on US-301. It was no contest. I managed to have an easy ride of it and only the last 100 miles or so I-75. I DO NOT like towing on the interstate. I putter along at about 60 - 65 and WHOOSH a truck goes by running 20 mph faster than I am. Very unpleasant, Reese dual-cam not withstanding... I HATE that!

Lamar

Pahaska · 10-07-2005, 04:24 PM

Here in Texas and adjoining states, the state and even the so-called Farm-To-Market or Ranch-To-Market roads are typically great ways to travel. Few towns, few stops, good scenery, smooth pavement, usually with wide paved shoulders.

On the other hand, heading to west Texas from here, the super-slab is about the only viable option for most of the way. The interstate has overlayed lesser roads for much of the distance.

When I use the mapping programs, I always have to insist on routing that makes use of the FM and RM roads. A recent example was my route from Bakersfield, TX to Monahans, TX on a FM road. For the first few miles, I was treated to the sight of many hundreds of wind turbines lazily rotating on the mesas. From there, it was through the oil patch with occasional herds of antelope amid the desert scenery. If I had taken the major routes, I would have missed all that.

safari57 · 10-07-2005, 06:17 PM

Distance to cover, time to do it in, and the tow vehicle all determine our choice of roads, but whenever we can, the two lanes, the small towns, the small local campgrounds and shops are our preference. It seems we are usually trying to get someplace fast at the start of the weekend so blast down the four lanes and freeways and take the back roads home.
Barry