Getting through Chicago

[Radshooter]

Don't know if this should be here or in the "Other" forum, but since it involves our 5th wheel, here goes.

We are taking our fiver back to the factory in Wakarusa IN. for a new roof and some other structural repairs. We will be leaving from Grand Island NE. and traveling Interstate 80. I have studied the maps and found no decent route around Chicago without hitting lots of small towns, stop lights, and stop signs. We will leave Grand Island on a Thursday, and need to be in Wakarusa Monday morning (preferably Sunday afternoon).

Would we be better getting through Chicago on a Saturday afternoon, or a Sunday morning? Would it make much difference? I hate towing a 38' fiver in traffic, so would like to minimize my exposure as much as possible.

I was planning to stay on 80 until I got to Hwy 20/31, and follow that south and east to Hwy 19, then south to Wakarusa. Does anyone know of any alternate routes that wouldn't slow us down much?

Thanks for any input from anyone who has "been there, done that. "

Steve

 

[MMeier]

Chicago sucks pretty much anytime of the day ot night... 3 days for 725 miles?

 

[yogibear]

Hi Steve, wish I was closer to ya, you could use my GPS, it would take you right thru there. I used to go up that way a lot, to Middlebury, to Jayco.

You don't go right thru Chicago, you are south of it.

Stay on 80 to 80/94, to 80/90, then on east to State 20 to Southbend, then 31/20 to 19, then so. to Wakarusa.

Sun. morn or after 9 PM is the best time thru there. The worse time is during rush hrs. Its really not bad. Now if you had to go no. on 90 or 94 that is a bear cat!!

There is a Flying J at exit #9 on 80/94 if you need a break, real easy on and off.

MM is right, its only 700 mi. from G. I. , 2 days real easy.

Have a good trip.



Larry

 

[KBalzuweit]

I run through that way all the time, the direction are good. The exit # off 80 in Indiana is 40. About 2 miles after you get off there are 2 places to fuel up and are usually cheaper by few cents than even the Flying J out on 80 (last night 2. 92 at flyj, 2. 85 there). top off there because anyplace past that will be atleast . 10 more. As far as traffic its usually not an issue anymore now that they have finished all the construction at the IL?IN border, the only place in IL you may see any is at the toll booth where 80 joins 294. Also when you get to around exit 12 in Indiana hang to the middle, they are working on the exit to I65 and it sometimes really jams up the right lane,

 

[Grizzly]

What brand of 5er is it that needs a new roof?

 

[DBohl]

If your going thru on Sun am traffic won't be a problem.

 

[AKaiser]

Heck, MMeier you can drive the Dan Ryan after 9 PM no problem, though I don't know why you'd want to. Just forget about rush hours (most daylight hours, right?)

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks for all the good info everyone.

I realize it doesn't take 3 1/2 days to drive 700 miles.

A little more info: We are full-timers in our '99 Travel Supreme Express 36RLTSO fiver. We are also traveling medical people. I do Diagnostic Imaging (X-Ray, CAT Scan, and MRI. ) My wife is an Operating Room Nurse (Circulator). She is currently working a contract in Tomball TX, just north of Houston. I am finishing a contract here in Grand Island. Both contracts end Oct. 24. She will fly up to Grand Island on Thurs. 25th, and we will hook up the fiver as soon as I pick her up at the airport and head out east. We may end up getting to Wakarusa Saturday. In that case, we will set up camp in the factory lot and take a day off on Sunday before they start working on the trailer Monday.

We have 2 weeks to get from Grand Island to Houston for another contract, with a side trip to Wakarusa for trailer repair. Plenty of time to get to Wakarusa, but depending on how long they keep the trailer, we will probably have to really haul to get to Houston in time. Not even sure what they will do to the trailer. I have been hunting a leak on the roof for awhile now. We may only have them re-caulk everything, but will probably go for a new fiberglass roof since we intend to keep living in this thing for at least another 7 or 8 years. We have a few other structural things that need fixed also. Due to our work schedules, I confess I have not taken as good as care of this thing as I should have. It has been rode hard and put up wet, but still in pretty good shape overall. May have to decide whether to dump the repair money into it, or would be better off to start shopping for a new trailer. Will see what the factory says after they look at it.

Larry... we do have a GPS unit, but the wife took it to Houston with her. (Houston is a little more complicated than Grand Island! ), but she will be bringing it back with her so we can use it on this trip.

Thanks again everyone for the info on exit numbers, construction, and fuel stops. That is the kind of stuff I was really looking for. Sounds like it may not be too bad getting to Wakarusa, but from there to Houston could be another story.

Sorry this got so long.

Steve

 

[CumminsPower98]

As far as traffic its usually not an issue anymore now that they have finished all the construction at the IL?IN border, the only place in IL you may see any is at the toll booth where 80 joins 294. Also when you get to around exit 12 in Indiana hang to the middle, they are working on the exit to I65 and it sometimes really jams up the right lane,

They finally got that little section done at the line huh? I ran through there for 2. 5 years dragging trailers out of Middlebury but quit this June and they were still working. Figures they would finish right after I quit. At least I got to use the rest of it for a while, it sure was nice when that opened up!

 

[Radshooter]

Hi guys-Radshooter's wife here-just reading and enjoying ya'll. Hello from Houston. It may take us a little longer to get from Grand Island to the Factory because I have not seen/touched/hugged/kissed/or loved on my hubby since July 24th. So if you see our trailer rockin-don't bother knockin!!!!!!Joan

 

[yogibear]

Steve, you better get in shape!!

Maaybe it will take you 4 days to get to "ROCKARUSA" !!!!

 

[tony597fitter]

I live and drive in Chicago everyday and Sat. and Sun. anytime you won't have a problem, you might get a LITTLE traffic but not rush hour. Have fun and have a safe trip.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

IT'S DONE!!!!



Like KBalzuweit says! Six glorious lanes of real CONCRETE, not asphault, BOTH directions! Stay on I-80 my friend!