US 30 south of Chicago - Montana Owners Club

sreigle · 08-09-2006, 03:22 PM

We like to take a different route every time we go somewhere we've been before. We've been to Indiana so many times I'm running out of choices and may have to repeat some routes.

One route I'm eyeing that we've not taken before includes US 30 south of Chicago. On the map it appears it might just be close enough to the big city to be a slow route with lots of towns and/or city stop and go. We would turn onto US 30 either near its junction with I-80 or perhaps I-57. Or maybe US 45. We'd be eastbound from there, headed to Goshen.

Is anyone familiar with this stretch? Would appreciate thoughts on appropriateness for towing a Montana and making reasonably good time while doing it.

Thanks.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

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CountryGuy · 08-09-2006, 03:43 PM

west of 65 it looks about the same as 17 through Kankakee. We have done that twice, it is not fast, but you can run 55, slow down for rrtracks. We enjoyed the corn fields, and the little towns on 47 to 17.

But, on a closer look, I don't think I would care about seeing Chicago Heights. And that is probably why I chose 47 to 17 and not 30.

Only so many roads from KC to Goshen!

Carol

SAndreasen · 08-09-2006, 04:57 PM

We have a friend that drives a semi from Omaha to the east coast and he takes US 30 around the windy city. He says its a good 4 lane road with some traffic lights. No problems. This is the route he has suggested that Fordzilla and us take to the rally this fall.

Steve & Sharon Andreasen
Cherokee, IA
2003 315RLS TT
2002 2500HD Chevy 8.1/AT

"Every thing I've seen teaches me to trust the Creator for that which I have not seen."Apollo Astronauts/Emerson

toolmanroy · 08-09-2006, 05:30 PM

Before we headed to the NW in the late '70's, Roy and I lived off Route 30 in Indiana just a stone's throw from the Illinois border. The last time we were there was about 5 years ago and it has not changed much. Roy worked off I-57 in Illinois and I worked in a little hospital in Dyer, Indiana (where we lived) located on 30. You brought back some memories. It will take you through Valparaiso, Indiana, home of Orville Redenbacher. It is a regular highway, no problem with towing the Montana. Most of it is 4 lane. Bob Pasternak lives in that area, and I am sure he will help if you need him. I am sure it is a much more interesting drive than any of the interstates or toll roads in Indiana.

Roy and Nancy

2001 F250 CC 4x4 Lariat diesel
2005 Montana 2955RL

Montana Sky · 08-09-2006, 08:03 PM

I just rolled through Rt 30 over the 4th of July weekend. A road many rv'ers take to avoid the 80 tollway. The road is a great road, although it does have many stoplights. If 80 is bad I will be picking up Rt 30 in New Lenox, IL and heading over to I-15 and go north to Goshen.

2004 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CrewCab Duramax
2004 Montana 3400RL

Fordzilla · 08-09-2006, 08:54 PM

I have been told to listen to the truckers on the CB if you have one. They normally talk about how long of a back up there is on I80 if there is one. One of my co-workers was just thru there and said he jumped off and took an alternate route on his way to Michigan and stayed on I80 on the return trip because it was clear at that time. We will have to see as time gets closer and play it by ear.

Ron & Melinda Rosewall
Marcus, Iowa
'06 F350 DRW King Ranch 4x4, diesel pulling machine.
'04 3685FL, Fireplace, Cent Vac, Fantastic Fan, Safety Glass, 2nd A/C, Slide out awnings.

http://www.picturetrail.com/fordzilla

old turbo · 08-10-2006, 02:06 AM

Just made the trip west and east on 94 to 294 to 80. 45 minutes going west on a Saturday afternoon to the one and only toll booth. Came back thru on a early Sunday morning and just put my money in, clear sailing.The 294 is tight with narrow lanes both ways. Bridge supports are close and the trucks are close.94 has a lot of lane shifts and the trucks have a problem staying in thir lanes,they like to take part of yours.All and all its just a typical drive around Chicago.

patodonn · 08-10-2006, 08:22 AM

Had a couple of cousins try I-80 Eastbound around CHI two weeks ago. Took one hour to go 5 miles to get through the toll booth....they went from 4 lanes to 2 lanes way prior to the toll booth, plus construction. They went back via I-80E to 49 (south)to 30 near Valpariso, then 30 across to I-80E again on the other side of CHI area, but they weren't towing anything, so no meaningful comments re that route.

PJ, Nan and Scooter
3655FL
'99 Dodge Diesel 2500, BD auto trans, pwr chip, Pac brake, Bielsen shocks, Banks Exhaust.

zteg · 08-10-2006, 08:49 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by sreigle

We like to take a different route every time we go somewhere we've been before. We've been to Indiana so many times I'm running out of choices and may have to repeat some routes.

One route I'm eyeing that we've not taken before includes US 30 south of Chicago. On the map it appears it might just be close enough to the big city to be a slow route with lots of towns and/or city stop and go. We would turn onto US 30 either near its junction with I-80 or perhaps I-57. Or maybe US 45. We'd be eastbound from there, headed to Goshen.

Is anyone familiar with this stretch? Would appreciate thoughts on appropriateness for towing a Montana and making reasonably good time while doing it.

Thanks.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

zteg · 08-10-2006, 09:17 AM

Steve,
30 is a slow go. Have gone further south on 57 to Sauk Trail which ends at 30 before dyer ind.. Liked it better. Went to Michigan 2 weeks ago w/o trailer and since we live in Oak Forest I took 167th to Dixie highway south to Ridge Road. East on Ridge to Torrence and South a short way to pick up Ridge again. East to calumet then north to 80 to pick up tollway. Its not as far south as 30 or Sauk trail. Limits 40 45 on 167th down to 30 - 35 on Ridge. Plan on going same way with trailer. Ridge is south of the quarry that you can see from 80. Would not recommend 80 due to construction.

sreigle · 08-10-2006, 05:07 PM

Thanks to all for some great replies. I've settled on a more southerly route for the trip to Goshen but am still thinking maybe US 30 for the return trip. We won't be in a hurry and are thinking of stopping at the Amana Colonies for maybe a week. I'd just as soon not drop down south, then back north for Amana. I may (if I can remember) talk to Steve and Ron and anyone else about your experiences getting to the rally on US 30. I don't need fast but I don't want to crawl and idle a lot, either.

As for I-80 around Chicago, we did that route a few years ago. I don't like paying tolls in the first place. But to have to pay tolls for the privilege of towing on one of the roughest roads I've ever been on was particularly aggravating. Maybe they've resurfaced it but it was terribly full of potholes at that time.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

jrgwdenner · 08-10-2006, 05:29 PM

Steve, the rural roads in Illinois and Indiana are in quite good condition as a rule so I wouldn't worry too much about taking a rural route. Rt. 47 in Illinois is a good route for going to or from 30. My family lives just south of 30, near 47, so we're on the rural roads a lot.

Judy
http://spaces.msn.com/bamatravelers/
http://bamatravelers.blogspot.com
Traveling with Glen and Greta in our 2004 Dodge dually and Montana 3380 RL

sreigle · 08-10-2006, 06:18 PM

Thanks, Judy. That's good to know. I know I've used state roads (e.g. 15) in Indiana in the past and they've been very good choices. In July we took 15 from US 24 all the way to Goshen. Good road. Nice drive.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

Bob Pasternak · 08-12-2006, 04:43 AM

Steve; Most of the routes you've been given are good routes to avoid I-80 construction. There is NO good time to go thru it. 30 will take you around it, but I'd not go to IN 15 on it. It slants south to Ft. Wayne. I'd go to Valporaiso and pick up IN route 2. Take that north to U. S. 6. That will take you straight east to Nappanee. Go north out of Nappanee a few miles and catch IN 119. That will take you right into Goshen.

'05 Dodge 2500 SLT Quad-cab Cummins. Auto 4X2 LB 3.73. 15K Reese. '06 Montana 3000RK.
I bought a Cummins engine, it just came wrapped in a Dodge.

Seen on a tombstone in Tombstone, AZ "Here lies Lester Moore: 4 slugs from a .44: No Les no more."

Our '06 3000RK. Length: 36' 2". (Nose cap to ladder.) OAL 52'. Dry weight (2 filled gas bottles.)10340. Pin weight: 2240

sreigle · 08-12-2006, 11:15 AM

Thanks, Bob.

I'm now thinking 30 for the trip to Amana Colonies in Iowa when we leave the rally. At least part of the way. When should I cut south from 30 to avoid Chicago congestion?

Looking at Streets and Trips, when I reach Valparaiso, I can either stay on 2 to up around Westville, then south on 421 to pick up 6. Or I can stay on 30 from Valparaiso to US 421, then north to 6. Or stay on 30 to US 31, then north to 6. I haven't compared distance but am wondering if one of those is preferable. Actually we'd do it the reverse of that but for this discussion, not to muddy the water...

I've towed 6 from US 31 Bowling Green and know that's good road.

Judy, thanks for your route, too. I probably wouldn't take 47 all the way to 30 since 30 swings up around the west side of Chicago near Aurora before it meets 30. I'd want to cut east a bit farther south. Good to know 47 is a good road, though.

Thanks. It helps to hear from those who know the roads.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

jrgwdenner · 08-12-2006, 01:01 PM

I thought you were driving east on 30 to Goshen. My suggestion to drop down on 47 was so you could get around Chicago. The metroplex is solid all the way out to Aurora.

Judy
http://spaces.msn.com/bamatravelers/
http://bamatravelers.blogspot.com
Traveling with Glen and Greta in our 2004 Dodge dually and Montana 3380 RL

sreigle · 08-12-2006, 02:01 PM

Thank you, Judy. When I started the thread it was about going east, as you thought. But since then I decided on a different route (and made reservations) because the northern route is more appropriate for our return trip since we are thinking of stopping for a week in the Amana Colonies on the way back. So I shifted gears on you. I just neglected to mention that!

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

Bob Pasternak · 08-12-2006, 05:59 PM

Steve; If you take IN 2 north from Valpo, you'll come to US 6 at Westville. Make a right there. It will go a couple miles, curve south and run paralel to 421 then curve left and take you on to Nappanee. Just watch the signs. You will be on the southwest side of Westville when you come to US 6.

If you take US 30, you'll pass 3 miles south of our house when you go through Shearerville, IN. If you go Ridge RD. (Bus. route 6) you'll be one block from our house. Hope to see you at Goshen.

'05 Dodge 2500 SLT Quad-cab Cummins. Auto 4X2 LB 3.73. 15K Reese. '06 Montana 3000RK.
I bought a Cummins engine, it just came wrapped in a Dodge.

Seen on a tombstone in Tombstone, AZ "Here lies Lester Moore: 4 slugs from a .44: No Les no more."

Our '06 3000RK. Length: 36' 2". (Nose cap to ladder.) OAL 52'. Dry weight (2 filled gas bottles.)10340. Pin weight: 2240

sreigle · 08-13-2006, 04:18 AM

Thank you, Bob. I put that in my notes.

One more question, if I may. How far west can I take 30 without getting into too much stop and go? In other words, how much of that can I do and make reasonably good time, for US highways? Can I take it all the way west to I-80 near Joliet and meet that criteria?

I assume I'd want to take I-80 around Joliet, then link up with US 52 on the west side. Or maybe pick up 30 again.

For some reason I had it in my head you folks live on the West Coast. I was surprised to see you live in the Chicago area. I look forward to meeting you at the rally.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

Bob Pasternak · 08-13-2006, 07:25 AM

Steve: I'd take US 30 at exit # 137 at Joliet. It will take you about 1 1/2 hour to get to Valpo. IN rt 2 isn't a bad road. I've run it many times with a truck before the days of the Interstates. If you'd rather stay closer to the interstates going to Goshen, you can take 30 to Shearerville and catch US 41 (Indianapolis Blvd) north to I-94. Another way is 30 to I-65 at Merrillville, IN, then north to I-94. Go east on 94 to exit 40A. That is US 20 EB. It will be marked "US 20/US35, LaPorte/South Bend. Stay on US 20. At the 4th traffic light IN 2 and US 20 meet. 20 goes to the left, 2 goes straight. Stay on 2. In about 12 miles you hit the west edge of South Bend and see a cemetary on either side of the road. At the east end of the cemetaries, you'll see what is called "The St. Joe Valley Parkway." It will be marked "US31 south/US20 east" Take that. About the 4th exit US31 will go South, 20 east will go straight. Stay on 20 'til you see a sign "US 33, Elkhart/Goshen" Go south on that. At that point you're about 10 miles from Goshen.

'05 Dodge 2500 SLT Quad-cab Cummins. Auto 4X2 LB 3.73. 15K Reese. '06 Montana 3000RK.
I bought a Cummins engine, it just came wrapped in a Dodge.

Seen on a tombstone in Tombstone, AZ "Here lies Lester Moore: 4 slugs from a .44: No Les no more."

Our '06 3000RK. Length: 36' 2". (Nose cap to ladder.) OAL 52'. Dry weight (2 filled gas bottles.)10340. Pin weight: 2240

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