Anyone who's traveled this stretch of I-40, I'm wondering how the road is overall (winding, hilly, etc) for a 37' 5th wheel. We've been through the Smokey Mtns but not with the 5th wheel, but only looking to get over to Gatlinburg and then day trip through Smokey Mtn NP.This is a pick up and pack up (from Tucson) our graduating youngest daughter from Virginia Tech. Taking the 5th wheel to eliminate the need for bathrooms, restaurants and hotels. And enough room to pack her stuff!Thanks for any info!

It depends on your tow vehicle. But we've travelled that route a few times with our 32' travel trailer and F250. No problems if you take your time and expect to go slower on some steep inclines.

stallsmi wrote:It depends on your tow vehicle. But we've travelled that route a few times with our 32' travel trailer and F250. No problems if you take your time and expect to go slower on some steep inclines.2001 F350 with 7.3 Powerstroke. But being an older truck, I don't have exhaust brakes. Don't mind going slow but I do like to be able to stop.

I40 does not go anywhere near Gatlinburg! Take I40 west from Ashville to Hwy 66 South through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. Those roads are doable towing your 5th wheel. Alternatively, you can take Hwy 321 from I 40 direct into Gatlinburg.

We traveled the other direction 2 years ago with the RAM 1500 with 5.7L v8 Gas w/air suspension and 34' TT (not 5th wheel). I can't remember anything particularly concerning or problematic. I'm vigilant about using the transmission to slow down on downhills and keep my foot off the brake as much as possible, never riding them occasionally stabbing them to slow down if necessary.Hopefully goes without saying, but fwiw take into account how much "stuff" you're picking up and where its placed in the truck and fifth wheel. Weight and balance can make a huge difference.

A few curves and very little up and down. You should have no problem with that route. We drove it last spring. Visited relatives in Asheville and then went to PF/Gatlinburg for some rest.

I-40 traverse from Asheville, NC to Gatlinburg, Tn

Horsedoc
Explorer II
May 04, 2020
the truckers are not allowed in the left lane for a few miles in the gorge. Sometimes they tend to get clogged up. If the timing is right, we will pull into the rest area, west bound, and check the tires and let these guys go on. These guys are trying to make a living and we are just traveling for pleasure. Let these truckers get on over the road and make it home
tomman58
Explorer
May 04, 2020
Horsedoc wrote:
the truckers are not allowed in the left lane for a few miles in the gorge. Sometimes they tend to get clogged up. If the timing is right, we will pull into the rest area, west bound, and check the tires and let these guys go on. These guys are trying to make a living and we are just traveling for pleasure. Let these truckers get on over the road and make it home

That's what I was saying, you really should use the right lane with them. They will set the pace and it is over the speed limit in spots lower in others.. You can get behind a "newbe" him I will pass and get behind one of the big boys. Like I said at 4am you cannot see those cures and how hard they are in the dark BUT you can follow the truckers taillights as they know.
bgum
Explorer
May 04, 2020
Concerning your campground selection.
Twin Creek is a nice campground but tight. It is close to downtown Gatlinburg. We have stayed there many times mostly with smaller campers but once in 35 ft MH. Again very tight.
Pine Mtn is very very nice and only a few years old. Has very clean showers and restrooms. Easy to get into and wide roads. Long pull throughs. Is located back off the strip so town hustle and noise is not a problem. It is located on the Gatlinburg end of PigonForge so if you want to go there the drive is only about 6 miles.

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I-40 traverse from Asheville, NC to Gatlinburg, Tn

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