Forum Discussion

Loving_God_s_Co's avatar
Jun 12, 2015

Asheville, NC

Heading to Asheville in July and are concerned about the trip from Knoxville to Asheville. We are towing a 38' FW and are concerned about the mountain travel. What are the best route suggestions to take? Are there any concerns we should know about? Thanks!!
  • Just stay out of overdrive and use a lower gear in the steep sections. They aren't very long. Don't ride your brakes, just pump them when needed.
  • I've driven that route many times from Cincinnati to Columbia, SC. on my way to pick up I-95. The road has a lot of turns, but that's so you can go around the mountains instead of over them.
  • Yes, that is the route we are taking.

    Are there any concerns about downgrades and overheating brakes? Our camper is large and heavy!

    Thanks!
  • I pull our FW frequently to/through Knoxville. There's nothing really white knuckle about the interstate east from Knox to Asheville through the gorge. Drive prudently as noted in the previous post. I assume your coming down I-75. I drive I-75 to Knoxville, I640 to I-40 and I-40 to Asheville.
  • Nothing really to be concerned about. There is bridge construction over the French Broad river before you get to Newport. Traffic has to merge to one lane. It can back up.

    Some notes of mine that might help:

    I-40 East from Knoxville, TN

    I-40, TN, MM 444, Begin 55mph Truck restriction lane.
    I-40, TN, MM 445, Caution, 50mph Left curve.
    I-40, TN, MM 450, Caution, sharp 45mph left curve.
    I-40, NC, MM 20, End Truck restriction lane. 60mph downhill race to Asheville, NC