Route suggestions for towing through PA

[fastwheels]

Living on the West Coast for nearly 25 years. My last time driving through Newark was in 2019.

I don't mind driving through Newark, but I don't know if you would. All routes involve some 90-degree turns, but none is particularly narrow. I'm guessing that all but the longest trailers should be pretty comfortable to drive on the state highways.

Likely congested during college move-in and move-out, also for football games if the stadium is still on 896 south of campus.

DE-273 is a more direct route from Newark to Christiana.

I hope this helps!

I assume the college should be quiet in Mid-July. My son used to live in Ann Arbor, so I know how crazy college towns are when classes are in session.

896 to DE-273 looks pretty doable. Thanks for all the suggestions!

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[fastwheels]

just adding in case you didn't already see it, the Breezewood RAN (off I-76) has a pull-through spot in addition to 4 regular nose in spots.

All the RANs I've gone to or looked at had trailer lanes so they are always my first choice. I considered the 'southern route' through PA using RANs at Breezewood, Hagerstown and Belcamp, but the tolls on 76 for a twin axle trailer are insane - plus it's a bit longer and I'd have to deal with Baltimore traffic. I lived in MD (DC suburbs) for 8 years and made lots of trips back to Michigan to see family so I'm very familiar with that route. Also made many trips back to MI from CT over the 6 years I was there so have driven both 80 and 90 many times. I recall that 80 was the best road across PA but I've never had to cut down to Newark like I am this time.

 

[technerd]

just adding in case you didn't already see it, the Breezewood RAN (off I-76) has a pull-through spot in addition to 4 regular nose in spots.

Second this, if you're taking 76, I was there this weekend and there was a nice pull in spot and everything worked, but that exit is a logistical nightmare.

 

[DarthBrader]

All the RANs I've gone to or looked at had trailer lanes so they are always my first choice. I considered the 'southern route' through PA using RANs at Breezewood, Hagerstown and Belcamp....

Hagerstown has no pull-through and you'll probably have to drop the trailer unless it's really quiet when you show up. I was there towing in June mid-day and the lot was very crowded with lots of traffic behind the RAN spots. Had to unhitch.

Also stopped at Christiana, which also has no pull-through but the lot was pretty empty and I had no problem taking several regular spaces and charging on the end unit.

 

[Jiji]

Using these stops and their alternates should give you a reliable and flexible charging strategy for your trip

Except the driving distance between Tesla in Lansing and EA in Ft Wayne is 132 miles, not 100 miles.

Also there is no EA in Altoona (Bedford) and using the PA Turnpike can be expensive, Pittsburg to Philly is $55 ($110 if you don’t have EZPass). good thing you are stopping in Bedford since it is 100 miles to Harrisburg, Altoona to Harrisburg is closer to 140 miles.

ChatGPT for route planning needs improvement, especially if you have reduced margins of error towing. You will be crossing the Appalachians in PA which won’t help the range.

 

[ksurfier]

Except the driving distance between Tesla in Lansing and EA in Ft Wayne is 132 miles, not 100 miles.

Also there is no EA in Altoona (Bedford) and using the PA Turnpike can be expensive, Pittsburg to Philly is $55 ($110 if you don’t have EZPass). good thing you are stopping in Bedford since it is 100 miles to Harrisburg, Altoona to Harrisburg is closer to 140 miles.

ChatGPT for route planning needs improvement, especially if you have reduced margins of error towing. You will be crossing the Appalachians in PA which won’t help the range.

You should have seen the map it made, looked like a 3 year old could have drawn it…
Actually just found it…
Always wanted to go to Grand Rapits/Wapits…someday

 

[KBabione]

In April I drove from Lancaster to Erie and back. There are also EA chargers at Walmart in Clarion and Dubois - just off I-80. I think you could charge at either of them by being parallel to the chargers and pulling your nose in to reach the cable. At least in Clarion you'd only be blocking some overstock of mulch or peat moss.

 

[fastwheels]

In April I drove from Lancaster to Erie and back. There are also EA chargers at Walmart in Clarion and Dubois - just off I-80. I think you could charge at either of them by being parallel to the chargers and pulling your nose in to reach the cable. At least in Clarion you'd only be blocking some overstock of mulch or peat moss.

Clarion is on our charge list for that very reason!

 

[Dave Cundiff]

@fastwheels, if you're starting from Southwest Michigan, I can confirm there's a very good trailer pull-through option at one of the chargers at the Granger, Indiana RAN.

Best wishes!

 

[fastwheels]

@fastwheels, if you're starting from Southwest Michigan, I can confirm there's a very good trailer pull-through option at one of the chargers at the Granger, Indiana RAN.

Best wishes!

Starting from NW MI. First two stops are at RANs with trailer lanes (Grayling and Saginaw).

 

[jeff76]

Thanks for the update.

 

[beatle]

Here’s ChatGPTs take:
“
Route 3: I-70 Route

Grand Rapids, MI to Millville, NJ
Distance: Approximately 710 miles

Charging Stops:

1. Lansing, MI (Tesla Supercharger)
• Distance from Start: 70 miles
• Charging Time: 30 minutes
• Amenities: Shopping and dining options available.
2. Fort Wayne, IN (Electrify America)
• Distance from Lansing: 100 miles
• Charging Time: 30-45 minutes
• Amenities: Located at a Walmart with access to food and restrooms.
3. Columbus, OH (Tesla Supercharger)
• Distance from Fort Wayne: 120 miles
• Charging Time: 30 minutes
• Amenities: Near shopping centers and restaurants.
4. Cambridge, OH (Electrify America)
• Distance from Columbus: 80 miles
• Charging Time: 30-45 minutes
• Amenities: Located at a Walmart with access to food and restrooms.
5. Pittsburgh, PA (Tesla Supercharger)
• Distance from Cambridge: 110 miles
• Charging Time: 30 minutes
• Amenities: Near shopping centers and restaurants.
6. Altoona, PA (Electrify America)
• Distance from Pittsburgh: 115 miles
• Charging Time: 30-45 minutes
• Amenities: Located at a Walmart with access to food and restrooms.
7. Harrisburg, PA (Tesla Supercharger)
• Distance from Altoona: 100 miles
• Charging Time: 30 minutes
• Amenities: Near several restaurants and shopping centers.
8. Millville, NJ (Destination)

Advantages of the I-70 Route:

• Avoids Major City Centers: This route bypasses larger cities like Cleveland, Buffalo, and Philadelphia, which can be congested, especially during summer.
• Less Congested Highways: I-70 generally experiences less traffic compared to I-80 and I-90, making for a smoother and potentially faster drive.
• Balanced Charging Options: The route offers a good mix of Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America stations, ensuring flexibility and reliability in charging.

Disadvantages:

• Fewer Major Cities: While this reduces congestion, it also means fewer large city amenities if you need them.
• Longer Gaps Between Stops: Some stretches might feel longer between charging stations, but they remain within the 100-135 mile range.

Comparison with Other Routes:

• I-80 Route: Passes through more congested areas like Youngstown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. Better suited if you prefer having frequent stops with more amenities.
• I-90 Route: Passes through scenic areas but includes more major cities like Cleveland and Buffalo, which can be busy in the summer.

Given these factors, the I-70 route is likely the best option to avoid city centers and congested roads during a summer trip from Grand Rapids to Millville. This route balances avoiding heavy traffic areas with having adequate charging infrastructure”

Additional info:

Stops and Alternate Chargers:

1. Lansing, MI
• Primary Charger: Tesla Supercharger, 5746 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI
• Alternate Charger: Electrify America at Walmart, 409 N Marketplace Blvd, Lansing, MI (3 miles away)
2. Fort Wayne, IN
• Primary Charger: Electrify America at Walmart, 10420 Maysville Rd, Fort Wayne, IN
• Alternate Charger: Tesla Supercharger at Glenbrook Square, 4201 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN (4 miles away)
3. Columbus, OH
• Primary Charger: Tesla Supercharger, Easton Town Center, 4005 The Strand W, Columbus, OH
• Alternate Charger: Electrify America at Walmart, 3900 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH (2 miles away)
4. Cambridge, OH
• Primary Charger: Electrify America at Walmart, 61205 Southgate Rd, Cambridge, OH
• Alternate Charger: Tesla Supercharger at Sheetz, 2031 E Wheeling Ave, Cambridge, OH (3 miles away)
5. Pittsburgh, PA
• Primary Charger: Tesla Supercharger at The Mall at Robinson, 100 Robinson Centre Dr, Pittsburgh, PA
• Alternate Charger: Electrify America at Walmart, 250 Summit Park Dr, Pittsburgh, PA (2 miles away)
6. Altoona, PA
• Primary Charger: Electrify America at Walmart, 2600 Plank Rd, Altoona, PA
• Alternate Charger: Tesla Supercharger at Sheetz, 1915 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA (3 miles away)
7. Harrisburg, PA
• Primary Charger: Tesla Supercharger at Harrisburg Mall, 3501 Paxton St, Harrisburg, PA
• Alternate Charger: Electrify America at Walmart, 6535 Grayson Rd, Harrisburg, PA (4 miles away)

Conclusion:

• Lansing, MI: Tesla Supercharger and Electrify America are very close, providing good options.
• Fort Wayne, IN: Both charger networks are available within a short distance.
• Columbus, OH: Convenient access to both Tesla and Electrify America chargers.
• Cambridge, OH: Both charging options are close to each other, ensuring flexibility.
• Pittsburgh, PA: Chargers from both networks are available within a short drive.
• Altoona, PA: Multiple options ensure you can choose based on convenience.
• Harrisburg, PA: Similar proximity for both chargers, providing good coverage.

Using these stops and their alternates should give you a reliable and flexible charging strategy for your trip

I would double check the supercharger sites in that list. The one in Altoona, for example, is V2 and not open to non-Tesla vehicles. I noticed this as I also have a trip that passes through the PA charging desert and stops are limited.

Clearfield, PA is a new V3 SC that's open to those with adapters, but it is further north than you'd probably want.

Claysburg, PA is a SC open to those with adapters.

There's an EA in Bedford, PA. But the last time I was there 2 years ago, it had a terrible layout for those with trailers. They have added capacity though, and one of the Plugshare pictures shows a Lightning pulling a trailer.

 

[fastwheels]

I'm not considering suggestions from ChatGPT as reasonable, or viable, for those and other reasons.

 

[ksurfier]

I'm not considering suggestions from ChatGPT as reasonable, or viable, for those and other reasons.

Cmon, it even knows what you look like!

 

[fastwheels]

Cmon, it even knows what you look like!

Close - but mine has a black interior...

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