Route to Newmar Service

[DennisT]

So, we are headed to Newmar Service and have a question about the route options.

Coming from Ohio so will be taking 30 to Ft Wayne.

From there it looks like we get a couple options
1. From Ft Wayne take 33 up to 6 and then to the service center.
2. From Ft Wayne stay in 30 then take 15 up to 6 and then to the service center.

Anyone taken these that has input on road conditions etc?

Or another that didn’t come up as an option from Ft Wayne coming in on 30.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Joe Hogan]

I'd take #2. I've driven that route. It is OK for a large Class A. Also less chance to make a wrong turn.

 

[DennisT]

I'd take #2. I've driven that route. It is OK for a large Class A. Also less chance to make a wrong turn.

Thanks. Should be ok for our Superstar then.

 

[Neal]

I quite frankly go where my Garmin RV 890 takes me.

 

[Joe Hogan]

neal you need to watch my video about trip to NYC. I ended up on a two lane dirt road following GARMIN. It was named Dusty Loop!
on that trip I wonder what founts the onboard Routing system would have provided. That system unfortunately was not engaged at the time.

I now always verify route in advance when traveling In a RV.

 

[Neal]

I haven't seen it @Joe Hogan and yes, I'm sure there can be surprises, my main situations have been with road closures. I blame part of the issues observed on user error based on inputs and settings such as what roads are allowed vs. not, etc. And beyond that, how are we going to have good stories to share if we take the fun out of it???

 

[sheridany]

No gps is ever perfect. been there and done that too many times to count. Trust but verify. I carry a truckers atlas to verify and I check other online sources if needed. I also check the weather so I know what is expected.

 

[Neal]

To date I've been very pleased with the Garmin RV 890. I'm sure as time progresses, tech continues to improve as well as products such as this. I do have my phone paired to it for live traffic which I believe is a valuable piece as well. As I've mentioned before I also have my phone on Waze which is connected to the dash unit via Apple CarPlay which gives me audibles for road hazards, etc. ahead. I do own and carry a trucker's atlas, that's the extent of it, I've never felt the need to use it to date but I have it if needed.

I remember a route on the coast of Oregon going through a tunnel. @ARD gave me a heads up on that one in some offline trip planning. I think I had an issue with the Garmin wanting to take me on a much longer route due to this tunnel as the tunnel may advertise something lower than it actually is...I can't remember. We have a lot of tools available to us to research as needed. Study as you desire based on where you're going. The main thing I believe is important is a good look at your destination such as on Google Maps (SAT view) but that doesn't apply to this thread. Although last time I went to Newmar @ARD gave me the heads up on a road closure getting into the campground and having to use the other road in (not at the BK).

 

[sheridany]

Is the correct phone number 1800CALLARD? I keep getting a busy signal. Could you please hang up so others can get through.

 

[Neal]

Premium subscription service. Adds call button to RV 890 screen. She's been everywhere and has every tunnel mapped as she loves tunnels.

 

[sheridany]

My understanding is tequila and or wine is involved after tunnels passages. Does the height of the tunnel favor one or the other?

 

[Rd1]

Coming from Ohio so will be taking 30 to Ft Wayne.

Joe has a good suggestion, 30-15 is a safe bet. I've just about taken any one of the combinations going from OH. Some extremly narrow and rough county roads too.. With a loaded 22' trailer in tow, all the stop and go traffic lights on 30 finally got to me. Mainly, I took 30-469-69N, then onto 6W. Looks longer, but it was faster and less fuel for me. Though, the early part of 6 off I69 goes thru a few small towns and some traffic lights. after that, its clear sailing. One item to be heads up, is any potential road work or after heavy rains a road closure. I've had those, even on 6 when you have to take a detour with a large unit and a trailer in tow going thru some back roads. some experience, you may want to check indiana DOT, they should have some potential road closure info.

 

[Joe Hogan]

We have made routing errors coming out of Nappanee. When we were Newbees picking up the CanyonStar in 2018.
Ended up with memories and lessons. Traveling down patched up, 16’ wide road, no line, no shoulders, tree covered will make you regret trusting Garmin!

But we saved 5 miles….

Taken RT 6 as well, both ways, from west and east, not bad either.

 

[DennisT]

30 to 15 was not bad.

Was one section on 15 they were working on where it was one lane with a temporary traffic light.

Will take the same pure out this weekend.

 

[Rich W.]

Coming from the west I’ll probably drop down from 80 to 30 just east of Jolliet to avoid the Chicago area. Anyone know of any issues with US30 from Joliet and Plymouth IA?

 

[Rd1]

I've done the 30 from Joliet, lots of small town and stop&go traffic. I even tried 80, 130, 30. Just the same. Had to go to factory from Autobahn a number of times. The best route for me was 80 to 19S right to Nappanee. 80 to 2 and then 20 is ok. Steady pace and as little stop&go as possibe, was my preferred choice. The 80 from S chicago to indiana line is usually a mess. If you pick the right time of the day, its manageable. Mid day, very early am or late night. is when I usually tried to time going accross the hell whole. I hate going accross that 'town'. I often had to go to Wisconsin, I even contemplated to go UP michigan and then take the ferry accross the lake to wisconsin, just to avoid that place, but the timing never worked.