San Franciso to D.C. -- Unique journey: would like to find smoothest roads

Hi Roadtrip America Forum,

I am planning a cross-country drive from San Francisco to D.C. and I have one unique planning criteria: because the primary purpose of my trip is to transport audio equipment to my home in D.C., I want to travel on the smoothest possible roadways in order to minimize the jostling of relatively sensitive electronics.

Could any of the Forum members provide guidance on either 1) smoothest interstates on this journey; or, as importantly, interstates or major roadways to avoid?

Your help is most appreciated!

Martin
Washington D.C.

Welcome to RTA!

Interstates are probably the smoothest available highways for your equipment. Your best bet is to wrap your equipment in the best way possible in the first place, and stick to interstates. (I-80 to I-29 to I-70 to I-79 to I-68 to I-70 would be my recommendation. I'd stay off the PA Turnpike as that one IS rather bumpy in places, and also costs an arm and a leg in the form of tolls. Thus, the recommendation to take 79/68 and back to 70.)

Donna

I'd have to disagree a bit with Donna. I-70 through western PA is terrible, it's been plagued with sinkholes, and it's no picnic through IL. In this case I have to recommend the toll roads - I-80 all the way across to Youngstown OH, then I-76 to I-70 to I-270.

Thank you Donna and Glc!