Community Forums

Terryshirley · 07-29-2016, 04:22 PM

Is there a descent way to travel from the Chicago area to raleigh NC without going through lots of mountains. Thank you

gfs1943 · 07-29-2016, 04:34 PM

I use www.onthegomap.com (from Google) to plan routes. You can see the elevations and how steep the grades are. Doesn't look like much on the most direct route from Chicago to Raleigh; max elevation is about 3000 feet.

Mountains are in the western US; just hills in the east.

Betr2Trvl · 07-29-2016, 04:42 PM

Just take 65 or 75 to 40....... not sure there is any meaningful difference between 65 all the way down to 40 other than taking you too far west, or transitioning from 65 to 75.

The trip over the smokies on 40 is a big snooze in an RV, although it seems some people make a big deal out of it........

It's been a long time since I drove 77 between 40 and 70, so that is the other option (65-70-77-40) but I have no opinion on driving that route in an RV. I will say, that the pass on 77 at Fancy Gap is another big snooze in an RV........ Yes, it can get slow going up, and you have to manage your speed going down, but it's not big deal.

Spk64 · 07-29-2016, 04:49 PM

That will be an easy trip. Nothing to worry about traveled that route quite a few times in RV and by car. The "mountains" are just not that big and the roads are open. Just keep it under the posted speeds and you will be fine.

Steve

baraff · 07-29-2016, 04:53 PM

I avoid I-65 through Indiana whenever possible. We had $1500 worth of pothole damage to our rig, the road was that bad. I will never travel that road again.
From Chicago, I take I-57 to I-24 to Nashville. A few more miles and fuel but a lot more sane.

Spk64 · 07-29-2016, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

I avoid I-65 through Indiana whenever possible. We had $1500 worth of pothole damage to our rig, the road was that bad. I will never travel that road again.
From Chicago, I take I-57 to I-24 to Nashville. A few more miles and fuel but a lot more sane.

How long ago and what section on I-65? They have been working on re doing most of it the past few years. The vast majority from Louisville to West Lafayette is in decent shape except the construction zones.

Steve

twogypsies · 07-29-2016, 08:43 PM

Mountains are mighty nice....don't avoid them or you'll miss out on lots of beauty.

kf6ybl · 07-29-2016, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfs1943

I use www.onthegomap.com (from Google) to plan routes. You can see the elevations and how steep the grades are. Doesn't look like much on the most direct route from Chicago to Raleigh; max elevation is about 3000 feet.

Mountains are in the western US; just hills in the east.

Wow, what a wonderful tool! I use Google Maps for trip planning, but haven't heard of onthegomap. That's what I love about this site/forum, I'm always learning something.

I did buy a copy of the Mountain Directory and found it helpful. It's always nice to have a hardcopy in case you are in an area with no wifi or cell service.

baraff · 07-30-2016, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spk64

How long ago and what section on I-65? They have been working on re doing most of it the past few years. The vast majority from Louisville to West Lafayette is in decent shape except the construction zones.

Steve

Honestly, it has been a few years since we've been down I-65. When we last went the road was coming apart from I-80 clear to Indianapolis. People actually died due to hitting potholes, causing blowouts and losing control. We had damage from debris from the road flying up and cracking the fiberglass. That road was a disgrace. Maybe it's better now, but I still won't do it. Too many trucks and I-57 is much better.