Best route from Zooland RV Park to Fancy Gap ?

[pasdad1]

We are currently staying in Zooland RV Park (3671 Pisgah Covered Bridge Road, Asheboro, North Carolina 27205)
and have made reservations at Fancy Gap RV Park (202595 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Fancy Gap, VA 24328)

What is the best route to get there for a 43’ DP with toad?

Does this copilot route seem reasonable? I wish to avoid steep inclines and sharp curves as much as possible. The KOA in fancy gap didn’t have any availability for the 7/17-7/19 timeframe we are looking at.

Thanks!

[Winemaker2]

Sharp curves shouldn't be a problem but that section of I77 below Fancy Gap has a pretty steep section.
I use google earth to check out unknown sections of road and you can see elevations as you move the cursor. Not many alternatives that I'm aware of for a somewhat direct route.
Only way I know to avoids the steep climb would be I73 /220 N to I81 at Roanoke then I81 S to I77S to Fancy Gap. A short curvy section on 220 but no steep climb like on I77 S of Fancy Gap.

[pasdad1]

Is coming at that same section of I77 from the north side better? Will that mean I’m traveling down the steep section rather than climbing it? Going down steep inclines worries me a little too until I build more confidence in mountain driving. Which way would you choose if it were you ?

Thanks!

[twogypsies]

I can't tell the highway from the map you posted but if it's all interstate I surely wouldn't have an issue with it. Going up would be a piece of cake with your DP. Going down get into lower gear before you being a downhill; not in the midst. Curves should be no problem.

There are many roads on YouTube of folks driving fun and/or scenic roads... just plug in the road number/name and the section & it might come up although most are for secondary highways; not interstates. You need to take into account that some of the videos are taken by motorcyclists who love those kinds of roads. They will be going faster than you will & also some of the videos are speeded up. Don't let that deter you. You'll also have to either mute or listen to their sometimes awful music! However, it's a good source.

Another thing that would really help you is to get the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers & RVers' - Eastern Edition (it comes in Western, also). It will give you a heads up on mountain roads. We used it all the time in the West - even if we drove the same road the next year or so. It was good to refresh our mind. We used the paper version but it now comes in an electronic version, also. Personally, I like paper for planning, including maps.

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

Is coming at that same section of I77 from the north side better? Will that mean I’m traveling down the steep section rather than climbing it? Going down steep inclines worries me a little too until I build more confidence in mountain driving. Which way would you choose if it were you ?

Thanks!

From I81 to Fancy Gap you don't have the steep grade as it is S of that where the steep section is. I have come down that grade many times but have not done the N bound up.
I do agree your MH should handle it OK. Just let the Allison trans do it's thing. The Allison is really a pleasure to drive. It should maintain Eng RPM around 2,000 RPM which is close to the peak output of torque & HP. Just maintain steady acceleretor to keep the RPM in that peak range - Im not sure what eng you have and sure it's different that my Cummins ISB
Going down it also handles it very well. Activate your engine/Exgaust brake and downshift the Allison to maintain speed. Practice a little on other smaller grades to get the feel and build confidence.
Just avoid riding brakes - if you gain too much speed - brake and downshift another gear to maintain speed. The Allisons are smarter than we are in some respects - they won't let you do something that would damage the tranny.
If you transit the Blue Ridge Mtns at any crossing you will run into grades some more some less than avg but there isn't a way to avoid it completely.