I75 south..mountains?

[rvcruiser]

Have never driven a Class A down I75 from Ontario to Florida.
Took I77 and the mountains wiped out our brakes. Cannot downshift
because of 'wonky' shifter.
Just wondering what the I75 from Knoxville to Atlanta is like.

[Ken_O]

thecampingman wrote:

Ken O wrote:
I agree also that I75 is better for hills. If you are going to the Atlantic side of FL, I would suggest that you get on I40 in Knoxville, and swing over to I26 to avoid Atlanta, then down to I95. Much more stress free.

And you're back in the mountains.


The I-75 route only has one mountain. Jellico Mountain on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. But it's enough to smoke a set of brakes if that's all you have slowing you down.
My son recently took his Semi on 25W around Jellico Mountain. He described it as a lot of two lane traffic lights, traffic lights. I don't think he'll take that route again.

I-65 is the premium route north/south. Better road, better topography, Louisville is the only big city and it has enough bypasses for the traffic.

I personally take the I-75 route. But I have 4 wheel disc brakes plus exhaust brake on the truck. Then go thru Atlanta on Sunday morning right down the middle.

Not at all like I-77. I made around 20 trips, trying to go a different way each time the first several years, even took US23 all the way once. I was settleing on I75 all the way, but last year I had a bad time going through Atlanta. Then I thought, it has always been bad that way compared to the I-26, why am I doing it... So this year I did the 40 to 26, and it is by far the best in my opionion.

[Ken_O]

double post

[GLaidlaw]

We have found that the I75 route is the best winter route from Toronto (compared to the centre or eastern route)- have used it many times. The highway is relatively flat with only the one mountain and that is usually south of the snow area- although you can get snow and ice if the conditions are right. I would not consider this mountain a problem for either the ascent or descent compared to other mountains. Simply gear down and practise the proper braking technique (don't ride the brakes- slow right down and then let the vehicle run until the speed builds up and then repeat) and you should have no problems. Your vehicle should have no issues with this area. Heavy trailers with inadequate tow vehicles could have a problem, but this is not relevant to your situation. Just relax, take your time and enjoy the view.

If you want to be entertained along the route, buy the "Along the Interstate 75" by Dave Hunter. It gives you mile by mile information on the highway, proper lane position, fuel locations and brand, hotels, restaurants, and nearby attractions. We still enjoy using our old copy even though we have driven the route many times.

[rvcruiser]

Thanks for the heads up ivylog and thecampingman.

We have done the I75 route a number of times in a van (about 15+ years ago) and with a Ford F350 diesel with engine brakes. But this time we have a Winnebago gasser and just wondered if others have taken or would take I75 with 'just' brakes.:@

[thecampingman]

Ken O wrote:
I agree also that I75 is better for hills. If you are going to the Atlantic side of FL, I would suggest that you get on I40 in Knoxville, and swing over to I26 to avoid Atlanta, then down to I95. Much more stress free.

And you're back in the mountains.


The I-75 route only has one mountain. Jellico Mountain on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. But it's enough to smoke a set of brakes if that's all you have slowing you down.
My son recently took his Semi on 25W around Jellico Mountain. He described it as a lot of two lane traffic lights, traffic lights. I don't think he'll take that route again.

I-65 is the premium route north/south. Better road, better topography, Louisville is the only big city and it has enough bypasses for the traffic.

I personally take the I-75 route. But I have 4 wheel disc brakes plus exhaust brake on the truck. Then go thru Atlanta on Sunday morning right down the middle.

[Ivylog]

I go through Atlanta often and it's not a problem at non rush hours. Do not stay in the right lane as they can become exit only without much warning. I-40 over to I-26 is not that great a road. Tune 750 AM and go straight through.

[rvcruiser]

Ken O wrote:
I agree also that I75 is better for hills. If you are going to the Atlantic side of FL, I would suggest that you get on I40 in Knoxville, and swing over to I26 to avoid Atlanta, then down to I95. Much more stress free.

Thanks Ken O looking that up right now.

[rvcruiser]

sorry folks....the brakes were bad after our trip down to Florida last winter on I77...had all fixed down south (brakes, caliphers, drum and fluids). Should have clarified that better.
That is why I was considering I75 this year. Previous years I have gone down I65 and across 231 to I10 but wanted to avoid that longer route this year.
Thanks for the responses.

[Ken_O]

I agree also that I75 is better for hills. If you are going to the Atlantic side of FL, I would suggest that you get on I40 in Knoxville, and swing over to I26 to avoid Atlanta, then down to I95. Much more stress free.

[poncho62]

I75 is much better than I77 for hills.

[Ivylog]

There is only one long downgrade north of Knoxville. South there are not any long ones.

[s_N_s]

Good idea to get them fixed. Don't want to read about you in the paper or watch a report of an accident on the tv.

[K_Charles]

75 might be better then 77 but you need to use brakes eather way you go.

[edsland]

Get them fixed it's very hilly.