Repkad Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 Has anyone traveled east from Essex Junction, VT toward Lubeck, ME? Hwy 2 seems to be a logical choice, but when I look at the map it is a very wiggely line. Does it follow a river, or are those switchbacks through mountains? Will we run into a lot of low overpasses or bridges with bad weight restrictions? We pull a 45' fifth wheel with a heavy duty truck with a Smart car on deck (very long). We are 13'4" high. Friends have warned us of low overpasses in New England and small scale RV park roads and sites. Guess I'm getting a little nervous about our post-rally travels as the Escapade approaches. Any routing tips or caveats would be appreciated. We've never been in VT, NH or ME, but plan on being there for all of August. Dottie & Bob Repka SKP #90581 Lifetime Members 2007 Teton Reliance XT-4 2006 Volvo 780, Ultrashift 2014 Smart Car on deck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Repkad Posted May 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 Hmmm...seems I should have posted my questions to the Travel section of this site Sorry....Since I do not know how to move it, I hope you all will forgive me and comment anyway Dottie & Bob Repka SKP #90581 Lifetime Members 2007 Teton Reliance XT-4 2006 Volvo 780, Ultrashift 2014 Smart Car on deck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NH2 Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 The two of us lived in New Hampshire for 40 years(thus our nickname, NH2). Any road in New England running east-west is bound to be hilly & curvy. Naturally, the larger the road the more relaxed the hills & curves. Sure, there are a few steep pitches along Hwy 2 but well worth the drive as the scenery is breathtaking. I don't recall any low bridges but all it takes is one to ruin your day. I suggest looking up that info online or check with the NHDOT.You'll be approaching the town of Gorham from the west. Before you get to Gorham, there's a steep grade 8%) that is about 1/2 to 3/4 mile long. NH is pretty good about placing truck runaway ramps where necessary but let's not talk about that. Engine brake, downshift, you'll be fine.Let me know if you need add'l info. Mark Mark & Sue---SKP#86611 '06 International 4400LoPro DT570 310hp 950ft-lbs.-Allison--3.70 gears '05 36' Teton Liberty '12 BMW F650 twin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc2 Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 We'll also be checking out NH & Maine but several weeks before Essex Junction. Will be interesting to see what comments others may have in answer to the OP's concerns. 2010 Newmar Dutch Aire 4304-Spartan Chassis-Cummins ISL 425hp-2013 Chevrolet Equinox AWD Towed-SKP# 120487-FMCA #402879- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandsys Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 Doing a bit at a time we drove US Hwy 2 from coast to coast. I don't have specific memories of the section that interests you so at least we know there were no horror stories along our way. In that section we would have been in a 35' class A towing a CRV. Linda Sand Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/ Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted May 5, 2016 Report Share Posted May 5, 2016 Here's Trip Advisor's take on Hwy 2. It seems like it's a major truck route to Maine and o.k. for big rigs. We use the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers and RVers - Western Edition' before driving any questionable secondary roads. You might look into getting the Eastern Edition. Naturally, not all roads are covered. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g28950-i526-k1436002-U_S_Highway_2-New_Hampshire.html Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Repkad Posted May 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2016 Thanks to all who replied. Good to know that Hwy. 2 is also a truck route. We can deal with the grades just fine. If we can survive Utah, I guess we can do NH I'll also do a little more homework on the overpasses, though. We don't like to go under anything lower than 14'. Got a trucker's atlas. That's a good start. We hope to see some of you at the Escapade. Dottie Dottie & Bob Repka SKP #90581 Lifetime Members 2007 Teton Reliance XT-4 2006 Volvo 780, Ultrashift 2014 Smart Car on deck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmitche4 Posted May 23, 2016 Report Share Posted May 23, 2016 I've been on highway 2, then onto 16 in Maine through Rangely Lakes. I saw Tractor Trailers on 2 all the time on 16 not so much. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefneon Posted May 23, 2016 Report Share Posted May 23, 2016 Howdy! What kind of gps system are you using? We were worried about our travels a few years ago up in the northeast also. I started using Co-pilot on my smartphone and tablet to navigate with. We also have a large rig MDT with 44' toy hauler and the 5er is right at 13'6" so we have to be careful in our travels. Co-pilot has a verison out for RV's been using it and it hasn't steered us wrong. See you at the Escapade. https://copilotgps.com/us/rv-navigation/ "Happy Trails Chiefneon "Class of 2007 Fulltimer's" Gary & karen Smoochie & Michaela (fur babies) 2018 Chevorlet 3500 HD/LTZ 2L Custom Hauler 2014 Heartland Cyclone 4000 2016 Smart Car Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dswhite Posted May 24, 2016 Report Share Posted May 24, 2016 Howdy! What kind of gps system are you using? We were worried about our travels a few years ago up in the northeast also. I started using Co-pilot on my smartphone and tablet to navigate with. We also have a large rig MDT with 44' toy hauler and the 5er is right at 13'6" so we have to be careful in our travels. Co-pilot has a verison out for RV's been using it and it hasn't steered us wrong. See you at the Escapade. https://copilotgps.com/us/rv-navigation/ "Happy Trails Chiefneon Do you feel the Rv version is worth the large difference in price compared to the standard CoPilot GPS version? Does it offer many different features? Thanks, Dave David & Sandi 2010 Silver Fox 29 5T 2011 Silverado 3500HD Crew, SB, SRW Duramax, 6 spd Allison 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis M Posted May 24, 2016 Report Share Posted May 24, 2016 The Mountain Directory iPhone app has this note on Rt 2: US 2 just west of Gorham, NH As you approach Gorham from the west you will climb a 1/2 mile 8% hill and then descend a hill with a runaway truck ramp at the bottom. At the top of the hill the steep grade sign says "8% next 2 miles" The truck ramp exits to the right and is almost flat. Immediately after the ramp the road narrows to two lanes and the speed limit drops to 30 MPH as you enter town. That is the only note on US 2 in VT or NH Dennis & NancyTucson, AZ in winter, on the road in summer.1999 Volvo 610 "Bud" 425 HP Volvo, Super 10 spd.2005 Mountain Aire 35 BLKS2013 smart fortwo CityFlame riding on Bud(Replaced '05 smart first loaded in '06 and '11 smart that gave it's life to save me!)Our Travel Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill w/bus Posted May 25, 2016 Report Share Posted May 25, 2016 Rt 2 is fine. But getting to Rt 2 is not easy. Suggest Rt 15 via Hardwick to St Johnsbury to join RT 2. Avoids Burlington and Montpelier as you have to drive through them. Rt 2 will get you to Newport. Suggest I95 to Bangor. Then turn to Ellsworth via Alt US1. Then your choice of towns to visit along the coast. Check with the locals in Pembroke about the reversing falls. Wouldn't take an RV down the road but a tow vehicle or a toad is fine. Lubec has a museum about the sardine fishery and is the entrance to Campobello Island. When you are coming south do stop in the Camden/Rockport area. Camden harbor is beautiful filled with all the boats. Shops are neat and plentiful. Or you could come across Rt 2 to Bethel, then RT 26 to Poland Springs then left to the Maine Turnpike and north to Augusta. Actually get off at Gardinder and follow Rt 126 through Gardiner and across the Kennebec River to left on Rt 226. Then right on RT 17 to Camden and US 1. Bill Bill & Lynn Baxter MCI102A3 Conversion, Detroit Diesel S50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefneon Posted May 25, 2016 Report Share Posted May 25, 2016 Howdy! I would say the only reason you would need the RV version was if your RV is over 13' tall. The RV version lets you program the height over 13' and easy program to Campgrounds and Truck stops. Our 5er is 13'6" so we need the ability of the RV version. "Happy Trails" Chiefneon "Class of 2007 Fulltimer's" Gary & karen Smoochie & Michaela (fur babies) 2018 Chevorlet 3500 HD/LTZ 2L Custom Hauler 2014 Heartland Cyclone 4000 2016 Smart Car Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dswhite Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 Thanks for the information on CoPilot RV. David & Sandi 2010 Silver Fox 29 5T 2011 Silverado 3500HD Crew, SB, SRW Duramax, 6 spd Allison 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NH2 Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 I would say the only reason you would need the RV version was if your RV is over 13' tall. The RV version lets you program the height over 13' and easy program to Campgrounds and Truck stops. Our 5er is 13'6" so we need the ability of the RV version. I respectfully disagree. I believe there are three factors related to the reason for an RV-version GPS. 1) as you mentioned, height 2) weight 3) length We've relied on Garmin's trucker version to redirect us if a route involved a bridge that couldn't handle our weight or a tight corner because of our overall length of 62'. Yes, low clearance is a concern but not the only one, IMHO. Mark Mark & Sue---SKP#86611 '06 International 4400LoPro DT570 310hp 950ft-lbs.-Allison--3.70 gears '05 36' Teton Liberty '12 BMW F650 twin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dswhite Posted May 27, 2016 Report Share Posted May 27, 2016 Does RV CoPilot have the ability to enter & route by height, weight & length? David & Sandi 2010 Silver Fox 29 5T 2011 Silverado 3500HD Crew, SB, SRW Duramax, 6 spd Allison 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NH2 Posted May 27, 2016 Report Share Posted May 27, 2016 https://copilotgps.com/us/rv-navigation/ Mark & Sue---SKP#86611 '06 International 4400LoPro DT570 310hp 950ft-lbs.-Allison--3.70 gears '05 36' Teton Liberty '12 BMW F650 twin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dswhite Posted May 28, 2016 Report Share Posted May 28, 2016 Posted Yesterday, 05:43 PM https://copilotgps.c.../rv-navigation/ Mark & Sue---SKP#86611 Thanks for the link. David & Sandi 2010 Silver Fox 29 5T 2011 Silverado 3500HD Crew, SB, SRW Duramax, 6 spd Allison 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cookie1 Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 We haven't made any plans for after Escapade other than we want spend time in New England. Anyone of plans? Cookie & Comer Queen Punky Brewster 2015 Entegra Cornerstone 2015 Grand Cherokee Facebook. CookieRvLife Rocks When Your Home Rolls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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