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jagocampers's avatar
jagocampers
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013

I75 from Knoxville, TN to Lexington KY

Greetings,
I am currently winding down a vacation in Townsend TN. I am wondering about the I75 north from Knoxville to Lexington. How are the grades, mountains in this area? Came over Monteagle on the way in. Anything like this in my future? My Trucker's Atlas and so on have these all labeled as truck routes.
  • We went that route probably 15+yrs. ago and going south but from the Ky./Tenn border it's a beautiful drive. Some fairly steep grades for this flatlander but easily manageable in a gas MH w/toad then.

    Enjoy
    Dave
  • As others have said, no problem. There is only one hill NB that you may slow down a bit, but in our E450 c-class with toad, whe are able to maintain 50mph.
    If you have engine/transmission braking 'tow haul mode' use it and you probably won't have to use your brakes.

    Beverley & Ken
  • Just before the Kentucky border there's 4 miles of 4-5% grade, that's as bad as it gets.
  • only "mild climb" is Jelico mountain and its not that bad at all. As mentioned there are several grades along the way, once north of Berea KY its fairly flat.
  • You'll run into some grades, but nothing bad. I was pulling my 35 footer through there for the first time, and was a bit concerned, but had no problems. I just wouldn't do it in snow or ice, or in high winds, but other than that, it's not bad at all.
    Also, whenever you're beginning to go up a grade, you will usually find an additional slow lane for RV's and semi's.