I-80, I-94, I-69: Nebraska-Iowa-Illinois, N. Indiana-Michigan

[Climb14er]

Been trying to get into the Flint, MI area with my 4Runner the past few weeks from Denver but the storms from Colorado straight through to Flint have been prevalent and have postponed my picking up a twenty foot lightweight trailer with racing dinghy to return to Denver.

Looking for an opening this week and it appears as if there's rain and snow showers on the roads mentioned, especially from Illinois to Michigan.

For the folks living there and who drive these roads regularly, do you think these rain and snow showers will be light or on the heavy side?

The trailer is lightweight (total trailer and boat 1200 lbs) and have to be careful hauling it through heavy wet and possibly icy roads.

Your thoughts or suggestions?

Last question: is it easier to take I-69 from Lansing to Flint rather than taking I-94 to Ann Arbor then 23 north to Flint?

 

[BC4Runner]

I'm not promising anything about the weather in Michigan this time of year but don't think there is supposed to be any really big storms.

If I was coming from your way, I'd stay on 80/90 until you get to I-69 and then head north. The toll road through Indiana costs a few bucks but the road is better and the traffic lighter. I-94 between Chicago and Detroit is really busy with big trucks.

I-69 from the toll road north has been worked on in the past few years and is pretty smooth. (at least for Michigan)

 

[Climb14er]

I appreciate the beta.

The morning before I was going to leave, got a call from the factory and their part-time delivery driver said he'd deliver the boat and trailer to my door, for a price that was less than the expenses I budgeted for the trip.

Plus I didn't have to spend four days on the road or the wear and tare on the 4Runner.

:

 

[loudog2]

You will be fine. I drive those roads every week all year round. My work van is an ford e350 extended. In the middle of winter it's a little dicy, but now should be fine. The way your going 90% will be with the wind. Be careful! If you go the speed limit, you'll get run over. The trucks even drive 80mph on that stretch from I-80 all the way to the indiana toll road.