Interstate 64

[Trixie47]

One leg of my travels is giving me some concern...Will be coming out of Richmond, VA from I-95 connecting to I-64 traveling to I-81. My concern is: what are the hills or mountains like in that area on I-64 to I-81 ? Will be pulling a 39' 5r with a 3500 chevy silverado dually. Thanks !

[bukhrn]

Trixie47 wrote:
Thanks for all the input. I am coming from the south on I-95 (Florida) . It does look like I could take 288 around Richmond and connect with I-64. Would this route be less congested then taking I-295 around Richmond ?

It's a coin toss, depending on time of day.

[pinesman]

azdryheat wrote:
If the OP's dually is a Duramax diesel then I can guarantee him that there is no mountain highway in the US he should have any worries about.

Mine is a Duramax Diesel and my opinion is the Duramax Allison combo is the best out there. I still make sure my cooling system is up to par and I take my time. I have drug my trailer all over the mountains out west but that is the hill that took out my turbo.

[Trixie47]

Thanks for all the input. I am coming from the south on I-95 (Florida) . It does look like I could take 288 around Richmond and connect with I-64. Would this route be less congested then taking I-295 around Richmond ?

[bukhrn]

swphotobug wrote:
Take I264 around Richmond. X2 about the long hill. Just plan on staying in the right lane.

I do believe you are referring to I-295, but that would depend on where in Richmond the OP is coming from, if from the South side, he could also take 288 which comes back to I-64 on the West side of Richmond.

[azdryheat]

If the OP's dually is a Duramax diesel then I can guarantee him that there is no mountain highway in the US he should have any worries about.

[pinesman]

Since the OP's question was about hills, there really is only one area for concern between Richmond and Staunton--Afton Mountain. I have frequently seen rigs having trouble in the west bound lanes, mainly in the summer heat. My guess is that most of that is due to drivers pushing their rig too hard for what it is capable of or poor maintenance. I pull a 38 footer with a 3500 and sometimes I just have to slow down on mountain grades. Just make sure your cooling system is up to par

[RoyB]

There is a coupe of spots going West Bound where you will need to really slow down making a few left and right slow turns. You will lose momentum in these spots.

I64 has the truck lanes to the right so just blend in with the other slow traffic...

There is one section East of Afton Mountain where rocks slides are prone going West Bound...

Afton Mountain area is also prone to poor visibility with heavy fog etc.. usually on the very top...

Like I81 lots of truck traffic on I64 so it can't be all that bad...

We always stop at the West Bound Rest Stop at the 113 and check things out...

To me I64 East bound coming off the mountain is much more wear and tear on the driver then the West bound traffic...

Even when pulling the big rigs or the small OFF-ROAD POPUP like me you got to be aware of your surroundings for sure...

Roy Ken

[Trixie47]

Thanks for the quick replies...I feel better already !! Be safe out there !

[swphotobug]

Take I264 around Richmond. X2 about the long hill. Just plan on staying in the right lane.

[K_Charles]

Only one long pull but it isn't very steep. You will have no trouble.