Community Forums

ehc · 02-05-2012, 11:59 AM

OK to travel 441 thru GMS from Waynesville, NC to Seveirville, TN in a Class A with toad. Mapquest recommends I-40 however 441 looks more scenic.
Ed
Alexandria, VA

Mac99 · 02-05-2012, 12:12 PM

I've driven it all the way in a car, but I think it would be too much for your rig.
Long steep climbs and descents, narrowish roads, lots of traffic. I have a 40' dp
pulling an Explorer, I went around. And I'm glad I did. Yeah, you could do it,
but it would be real hard on the equipment and you. If someone else does something stupid, you have few options.

jrd48 · 02-05-2012, 12:32 PM

I believe the traffic is still messed up on I40 because of new rock slides. Better check before going that way. Normally I would also go the I40 route. 441 is two lane, twisty, steep, and clogged with tourists,

Tha_Rooster · 02-05-2012, 12:34 PM

I travel through the smokey mountains pulling a ford expedition absolutely no problems with my c-9 cat. pushing cars up and down the mountain I set my tranny in third. When I had my 2004 HR with ford v10 I would take my car off at cherokee and have my wife or son drive it across, to much for it.I do not go through gatlinburg I take the by pass to pigeon forge the roads are to narrow. To me it's a lot better drive than going around on I-40.

GaryKD · 02-05-2012, 01:33 PM

Hi ehc,
I've done this many times. 40' DP with 5300 lb vehicle in tow. Between Cherokee and Gatlinburg you'll be going only 25-30 MPH. There is usually quite a bit of tourist traffic. It is a nice ride the first couple of times. If you go, take the bypass around Gatlinburg. Gas or diesel, there should be no problem because traffic will keep the speed down.

I own property in Sevierville and my son lives in Charlotte. I travel the route so often I've morphed into going the I40 route, just so I can use cruise control and drive brain dead. The GMC knows the way.

jrd48 · 02-06-2012, 07:20 AM

Update to I40 road conditions:
TDOT: I-40 rock slide cleared, one westbound lane to stay closed for more work » Knoxville News Sentinel

Superslif · 02-06-2012, 07:49 AM

Thanx...We will be in that area this summer and will at one point have to travel from the north side of the SNP (321 / I-40) Gatlinburg to the southern side to the Smokemont campground using east bound lanes of I-40. If they still have construction going on, or there is yet another rock slide, what is the best time of day to travel ? Tuesday is the day we travel from north to south. I will not do route 441, especially since I have never been there before.

GaryKD · 02-06-2012, 09:44 AM

Hi Superslif,
That area is known for morning fog. I you can time your travel to be in that area after say 10 AM, there should be no fog.

JimM68 · 02-06-2012, 12:09 PM

A beautiful road, and if just passing thru and gone i'd consider it.

When staying in the area, it is a drive for the toad.

ehc · 02-06-2012, 03:32 PM

Thanks for the info. We will be attending a Thor Diesel Club rally in Seveirville, Tn in May and am trying to do a little Prior Planning.
Ed
Alexandria, VA

johnsadventure · 03-06-2012, 07:22 PM

I live in Cherokee County, North Carolina Marble to be exact. I have a 35 ft Class A and a tow dolly with a Toyota Venza in tow. I have driven over and back with no problem. Beautiful SLOW ride. enjoy, you will be glad you did.