Community Forums

kgates · 10-10-2021, 09:51 AM

Hello all

We're heading south in a few weeks with our (relatively) new class A gasser and toad. We've done a few trips around MI, OH, PA & NY over the summer, but it's all pretty flat. So, we're a bit nervous about the hills as we head south. This will also be our first trip flat-towing (supplemental braking system is being installed this week).

I know the "recommended" route is I-77, but we're looking for other options until we build up our confidence. From what I have read on the forums, it seems the worst of the I-77 route is between Charleston, WV and Mt Airy, NC so, if that's right, we're hoping to avoid that section.

Looking at a map, seems like taking I-75 south to Knoxville and then I-40/I-81 to meet I-77 in Wytheville might be a decent option, but not sure what the route is like from Wytheville south and if the time to back track is worthwhile.

We're also looking at taking I-40 direct from I-75 to I-77, but the section of I-40 from Cosby to Canton looks pretty daunting (at least on a map).

So, would really appreciate any advice on how to navigate/circumvent those hills as we head south - given our newness

Thanks in advance!

amosnandy · 10-12-2021, 02:35 PM

You wont have any trouble around Charleston. It's a little windy and twisty but I did it many times in the big truck. It's still the best way

I've chased some of those side roads along the river doing deliveries and if you are concerned about the interstate, wait until you meet a big truck on some of those mountain roads.

You do not want to go down I75 and back across 40. The road looks straight on a map but it is not. Runs through some canyons on very narrow roads for interstate.

NXR · 10-12-2021, 03:20 PM

We live south of Cleveland, OH. Having driven I-77 south in a car we now always take I-75 instead when driving the motorhome to avoid the hills and curves. The only hilly part is Jellico Mountain just as you come into TN and it's pretty much a non-event. We just park ourselves in the right lane, use Tow/Haul mode for engine braking on the way down and it's a nice drive.

We've taken I-40 east a ways but not all the way you're going.

Quote:

You do not want to go down I75 and back across 40. The road looks straight on a map but it is not. Runs through some canyons on very narrow roads for interstate.

I do not know where this is or even how it could be since interstates are supposed to be 12' lane widths, although we've seen 11' inside a few metro areas like Atlanta.

Ray

rfg9585 · 10-13-2021, 08:08 AM

I have taken all the routes mentioned. All are pretty easy, just maybe more curvy on some than others but all are still a good choice. Take then one you think will show you more of what you are looking for on a drive.

Also I use google street view a lot to ensure portions of roads are something I feel comfortable driving.

George Schweikle · 10-13-2021, 12:51 PM

Here's something with great details: https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Dire.../dp/0964680572

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgates

Hello all

We're heading south in a few weeks with our (relatively) new class A gasser and toad. We've done a few trips around MI, OH, PA & NY over the summer, but it's all pretty flat. So, we're a bit nervous about the hills as we head south. This will also be our first trip flat-towing (supplemental braking system is being installed this week).

I know the "recommended" route is I-77, but we're looking for other options until we build up our confidence. From what I have read on the forums, it seems the worst of the I-77 route is between Charleston, WV and Mt Airy, NC so, if that's right, we're hoping to avoid that section.

Looking at a map, seems like taking I-75 south to Knoxville and then I-40/I-81 to meet I-77 in Wytheville might be a decent option, but not sure what the route is like from Wytheville south and if the time to back track is worthwhile.

We're also looking at taking I-40 direct from I-75 to I-77, but the section of I-40 from Cosby to Canton looks pretty daunting (at least on a map).

So, would really appreciate any advice on how to navigate/circumvent those hills as we head south - given our newness

Thanks in advance!

kgates · 10-13-2021, 07:03 PM

Thanks George!

I'll check that out, but the markup on Amazon is way too much for me. I ordered it from the publisher. $300 for a $15 book seems excessive.....

CamJam1 · 10-13-2021, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgates

Thanks George!

I'll check that out, but the markup on Amazon is way too much for me. I ordered it from the publisher. $300 for a $15 book seems excessive.....

Looks to me like somebody must have made a mistake there!

kgates · 01-03-2022, 03:40 PM

Sorry it's been a bit and things have been busy for the holidays, but I just wanted to close this out in case anyone was interested in this info in the future.

We ended up taking I-75 South to I-40 which we took East to 321 South to finish up outside of Charlotte. That seemed the best route from the mountain directory that George recommended - basically two steep grades to contend with. Jellico and outside of Asheville.

We made the trip in early November and had good weather except for the southward approach to Jellico - it was overcast, drizzling and the sun was setting. For a first timer, nit the best of conditions. A little nerve-wracking, but I kept my eyes open with everyone in the RV alert and let the cruise control handle the speed (40-50) - for the most part. I admit I git nervous and tapped the brakes a few times, but once I got comfortable with the speed control handling it, I let it do it's job.

That was the worst of it. The trip through the pass on I-40 outside of Asheville was a steep drop, but no challenges at all. Same story on the trip north home.

If it hadn't been our first time going through the hills in an RV (and with a toad to boot) and it hadn't been dark, I'd say the whole thing was uneventful.

Thanks for all the tips and advice!