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Born2RV · 03-29-2010, 06:18 PM

We'll be leaving the Detroit area in three days for Myrtle Beach. We've never traveled 77, etc. and wondered if there are any steep grades? Low clearance issues? any other advice?

GENECOP · 03-29-2010, 06:55 PM

I am heading to the MB area from Indiana in a week, same basic route for me, G

Algoma · 03-29-2010, 07:18 PM

No low bridges but there are some steep grades crossing from West Virginia to Virginia.

Baby Bear · 03-29-2010, 07:39 PM

If you are not in a hurry this can be a good route. Area around Beckley, starting to the north, is ROUGH. To the south there are some fairly good pulls going up and believe the speed signs at the bottom of the hills on the bends!
If you take your time and enjoy the scenery it's not too bad.
NO way would I do this at night!

smlranger · 03-29-2010, 07:42 PM

I-77 just south of Charleston, WV starts the toll portion and there are some grades and sweeping curves. However, it is good interstate road with some rough pavement in spots. Toll boothes are very narrow so suggest you use the far right booth which has no curb side barrier. Toll portion ends at Princeton.

I-77 south of its intersection with I-81 in the Fort Chiswell/Wytheville area also has some long and steep grades around Fancy Gap but, again, good interstate highway. I would agree with Lee's advice above to avoid traveling this area at night, primarily because you will be traveling through some of WV and VA's most spectacular mountain scenery. You don't want to miss it.

Good fuel stops along the way include the huge Travel Center near Beckley, WV at the Tamarack center and two Flying J's along I-81 at Wytheville. Also, if you will be traveling with anyone who loves great crafts, the Tamarack gift center at the Travel Center has some beautiful stuff made by WV artisans. Also a great place to eat since the Greenbrier Resort operates the food operation there and puts out some great food at reasonable prices.

Born2RV · 03-29-2010, 08:17 PM

Since this will be our first time with our "new" diesel instead of our gasser in mountains, do you have any suggestions for going down the steep grades? I like to use the "retarder" brake - but do you have any special advice regarding the air brakes?

What about the uphill climbs?

Thanks for the great advice for gas stops! I was consulting our Flying J book and already spotted the one you mentioned. We'll be leaving Michigan around 10:00 p.m., so we should be hitting the Ohio/Virginia border around sunrise. I'm assuming our route through Ohio should be fairly simple. We're so accustomed to traveling I-75 south that this is something new for us!

DriVer · 03-29-2010, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Born2RV

Since this will be our first time with our "new" diesel instead of our gasser in mountains, do you have any suggestions for going down the steep grades? I like to use the "retarder" brake - but do you have any special advice regarding the air brakes?

What about the uphill climbs?

Born2RV, Like gas RV chassis go down the grade in the same gear as you went up the grade. Yes by all means use your exhaust brake if you have one.

Only occasionally pump the brakes for brief periods of time to control your rate of descent. Do not stay on the brakes for any length of time.

You'll do just fine by the way ... give yourself a little bit of seat time. Before you know it you'll be a mountain grade pro!

Born2RV · 03-30-2010, 04:00 AM

Thank you so much for your help and advice. We appreciate it! Happy Easter!

Born2RV · 03-30-2010, 08:15 PM

Do you know of a good place to stop for an hour of sleep/rest at the border of Ohio and West Virginia?

Abnmarine · 04-01-2010, 08:02 PM

There is a Cracker Barrel off of 77 about 20 miles across the border at

100 Mineral Wells Heights
Mineral Wells, WV 26150-9676

Get Directions
(304) 489-2382

beckley west virginia - Google Maps