Asheville NC to Knoxville TN

[Navl AV8R]

Planning a trip in May from Asheville NC to Knoxville TN via Interstates 40 & 140.

Wondering about crossing the mountains in that area. Anything to avoid or be concerned about (extremely steep grades are prime concern)?

Driving a 36' gasser MH, and with the Workhorse brake issues always on my mind I don't want to have to rely on brakes too much. Not too worried about going up, but what goes up usually has to come back down again, and I don't want to use my brakes any more than necessary.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Hitchhiker]

You should be fine. Use your transmission as much as you can on the downhills and keep your speeds down to something reasonable. It takes less braking energy to maintain a slow downhill speed than to slow down from a higher speed.

I RV in these mountains all the time.... speed is your worse enemy.

[GaryKD]

Hi Navl AV8R,
I also travel I40 over the mountains many times. Not to restate what Hitchhiker posted, as you crest the hills, gear down before your speed increases. There are also left and right hand bends in these up/down hill sections. If you do use your brakes, stab the brakes instead of applying slow even pressure. If you stab the brakes, you slow faster, use the brakes less and be able to gear down another gear, if needed.

Compared to a night landing on a carrier, this road is a walk in the park.

[Colette and Joe]

Navl, we live in this area. The great thing about 40 is that in the roughest area , the trucks are restricted to the right lane and the speed is 50 mph, so at Maggie Valley area, just fall in the right lane and enjoy the ride, grades are not bad and it is a beautiful drive. After Pegion river gorge, the grades are gentle to Knoxville.

[Sixpack98]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colette and Joe Navl, we live in this area. The great thing about 40 is that in the roughest area , the trucks are restricted to the right lane and the speed is 50 mph, so at Maggie Valley area, just fall in the right lane and enjoy the ride, grades are not bad and it is a beautiful drive. After Pegion river gorge, the grades are gentle to Knoxville.

The trucks being restricted is nice, makes it a great drive with lots to see. Not a bad drive, just do as mentioned above and you will be fine. If I remember correctly there is a tunnel so be quick taking off the sun glasses. .

mark

[Navl AV8R]

Thanks to all who responded. Appreciate the advice on the hills. We are really looking forward to the drive.

GaryKD - thanks for the comment. Sounds like you know something about those landings. My experience has shown that not much in life has been quite as "interesting" as night, high seas and low fuel state.

[Sixpack98]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navl AV8R Thanks to all who responded. Appreciate the advice on the hills. We are really looking forward to the drive. GaryKD - thanks for the comment. Sounds like you know something about those landings. My experience has shown that not much in life has been quite as "interesting" as night, high seas and low fuel state.

Have fun, it is a scenic ride.

[blucrabbie]

We are going to be traveling from Raleigh to Nashville in August. We were wondering how the grades and curves would be. We have only been as far as Boone since we have had the Motor Home.
We are spending the first 2 nights in Asheville, then on to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg for 2 nights.
Any more info about I-40 would be appreciated. I had heard something about Saluda Mountain being dicey?

[tmar10]

Betty and I have made numerous mountain voyages and plan to take a similar trip to yours from Four Oaks, NC to Nashville in June. RVing in the mountains is much like sailing in the ocean, Mother Nature is in control and you must know your limitations. If you are in a hurry or try to keep up with the locals, you are going to have your hands full and dread the experience. There is a long steep grade around the area of Saluda Mountain, just take your time and enjoy the ride.

[Jim28730]

Also from the area. As mentioned, just follow the posted truck restricted speeds and you will be fine. Nothing to it...compared to crossing the Rockies it's like a speed bump!

[HobbyJack]

I traded my old RV that was V-10 Ford powred for an Diesel Cat. engine. I was born and raised in Gastoin, NC. The Smokies are my home. After I bought my first RV, I knew that it had no chance in the Smokies. That is when I traded it for an RV with Diesel power.. Have never had a problem in the Smokies since.