Nashville to Atlanta

Kaz wrote:

Goldencrazy wrote:
Haven't made the trip to Florida on the route through Atlanta in a long time. It has always been down 65 for stopover in Gulf Shores. So right after xmas we head south and take 24 to 75. Is there any thing we should know about roads and weather. As I recall there were several long pulls in the mountains around Chattanooga and Look Out Mountain but in those days I was driving a 1983 Winnebago Centauri with a 4 cylinder diesel that got 70 off a cliff. Cruised great at 55 and got 23 miles to the gallon but it worked in steep terrain. I am driving a Winnebago Vista (gas) 30T 2012 and towing a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee instead of my Smart Car this trip. Appreciate any warnings or advice on this stretch from those who are more current.

Made the Atlanta-Clarksville drive (through Nashville) many, many times. I agree with the posts above. The only read grade of concern is Monteagle, and it's fine up and down if you take your time and follow the 18-wheelers. The Nashville interchanges were designed by sadists; just pay attention to the signs and be ready for transitions on the opposite side of the freeway from where you'd expect them. I personally think I-24 between Nashville and Chattanooga is beautiful. Chattanooga has one sharp turn, a mild grade, and a population of lunatic kamikaze drivers who, for some reason, haven't finished exterminating themselves yet.

I've also done the Atlanta-Orlando drive many times. Avoid Atlanta rush hour. The "connector" through downtown Atlanta can be challenging--Southern hospitality is just about gone and Atlanta drivers now are pretty much mean as snakes. Once south of Atlanta, depending on how much of a hurry you're in, an option is to split off on I-16 at Macon, head over to I-95, and head down that way (525 miles). Or take I-75 to the Florida Turnpike (450 miles).

Have fun. I'm ready for Orlando myself!

Love your description of the city drivers. Have driven all over California and Chicago so know about the war zone of cities freeways although I have to say LA drivers were very courteous. I figured they saw the WI license plate on a motorhome, figured old fart and gave me right away instead of running for their lives. I also agree about Nashville. The exits often require some real lane changes.

Goldencrazy wrote:
Going to Orlando. I have considered that route but thought this time I would go thru Atlanta.

i don't have a problem with your original route either,,,been both ways and think the roads are a-ok thru Chatt to Atlanta..just I think it is less busy on 65
We just went from Destin,Fla to Conn the week of thanksgiving...and the distance was close to the same to go up 65 to 59 to 24 to 40 to 81 as it was to go 65 to 85 to 77 to 81...Chuck

Goldencrazy wrote:
Haven't made the trip to Florida on the route through Atlanta in a long time. It has always been down 65 for stopover in Gulf Shores. So right after xmas we head south and take 24 to 75. Is there any thing we should know about roads and weather. As I recall there were several long pulls in the mountains around Chattanooga and Look Out Mountain but in those days I was driving a 1983 Winnebago Centauri with a 4 cylinder diesel that got 70 off a cliff. Cruised great at 55 and got 23 miles to the gallon but it worked in steep terrain. I am driving a Winnebago Vista (gas) 30T 2012 and towing a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee instead of my Smart Car this trip. Appreciate any warnings or advice on this stretch from those who are more current.

Made the Atlanta-Clarksville drive (through Nashville) many, many times. I agree with the posts above. The only read grade of concern is Monteagle, and it's fine up and down if you take your time and follow the 18-wheelers. The Nashville interchanges were designed by sadists; just pay attention to the signs and be ready for transitions on the opposite side of the freeway from where you'd expect them. I personally think I-24 between Nashville and Chattanooga is beautiful. Chattanooga has one sharp turn, a mild grade, and a population of lunatic kamikaze drivers who, for some reason, haven't finished exterminating themselves yet.

I've also done the Atlanta-Orlando drive many times. Avoid Atlanta rush hour. The "connector" through downtown Atlanta can be challenging--Southern hospitality is just about gone and Atlanta drivers now are pretty much mean as snakes. Once south of Atlanta, depending on how much of a hurry you're in, an option is to split off on I-16 at Macon, head over to I-95, and head down that way (525 miles). Or take I-75 to the Florida Turnpike (450 miles).

Have fun. I'm ready for Orlando myself!

Going to Orlando. I have considered that route but thought this time I would go thru Atlanta.

Goldencrazy wrote:
Haven't made the trip to Florida on the route through Atlanta in a long time. It has always been down 65 for stopover in Gulf Shores. So right after xmas we head south and take 24 to 75. Is there any thing we should know about roads and weather. As I recall there were several long pulls in the mountains around Chattanooga and Look Out Mountain but in those days I was driving a 1983 Winnebago Centauri with a 4 cylinder diesel that got 70 off a cliff. Cruised great at 55 and got 23 miles to the gallon but it worked in steep terrain. I am driving a Winnebago Vista (gas) 30T 2012 and towing a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee instead of my Smart Car this trip. Appreciate any warnings or advice on this stretch from those who are more current.

i don't know where you are heading but...I like to go down 65 from Nashville thru Birmingham to Montgomery , then onto 231 down thru Dothan to I-10....some decent looking campgrounds on 231...good road..no hassle...but again....i don't know the mileage or where you are going...just my 2cents...Chuck

.

Weather will be more of a concern than the percent of grade .

The only real `mountain' we experience between Chicago and Orlando is on Route 24 just west of Chattanooga (MM 129 - 134) where there is a 5% grade. My notes state that we were doing 30 mph going uphill seemingly forever but more like 5 miles, then in 3rd gear (out of 6 gears) going downhill (in towhaul mode); towing our RV. Stay out of cruise control or you will use up fuel badly.

I-24 in Chattanooga was paved by some wackadoo and there are several "bumps" that will rattle your dishes. Going up the ridge-cut locals call it, a short curved steep incline you'll find about three miles before the I-75 split is where most every accident occurs mostly due to slow moving trucks and fast moving cars. Try and stay in the center lane, do the speed limit if you can up the hill, and you'll be fine.

I do take 39 and 24 to Nashville. Am not bothered by mountains as we go to California frequently. I suspect watching the weather will be key. Thanks so much to all of you.

Goldencrazy wrote:
Haven't made the trip to Florida on the route through Atlanta in a long time. It has always been down 65 for stopover in Gulf Shores. So right after xmas we head south and take 24 to 75. Is there any thing we should know about roads and weather. As I recall there were several long pulls in the mountains around Chattanooga and Look Out Mountain but in those days I was driving a 1983 Winnebago Centauri with a 4 cylinder diesel that got 70 off a cliff. Cruised great at 55 and got 23 miles to the gallon but it worked in steep terrain. I am driving a Winnebago Vista (gas) 30T 2012 and towing a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee instead of my Smart Car this trip. Appreciate any warnings or advice on this stretch from those who are more current.

I avoid Chattanooga like the plague. Did it ONCE towing and never again.

Coming down from Wisconsin I take 39 to 74 to 57 to 24 to 65.
I take 65 down to Birmingham and then take 20 over to Atlanta.

IMHO, JMHO a real nice pleasant route for MH traveling!