I77 From Columbia SC to Charleston WV

[dramsey1]

I am planning a trip home from Myrtle Beach SC to Kalamazoo MI. Never been on I77 with my gas class a before. I have a 2015 F53 chassis on a 29 foot class a and pull a small toad. Does anyone have any recent experience with the grades on this route? Any thoughts on areas to avoid?

[wvabeer]

Cocky_Camper wrote:
And try to avoid Charlotte NC to about the Lake Norman area during RUSH HOUR if at all possible! I'd be more concerned with that area than the mountain climb!

That's a fact, check ahead for construction in this area. Wife and I came thru this area and the state closed I77, we had to detour thru town. The roads were very narrow. It sucked, period. check before you leave. We will next time.

[Cocky_Camper]

And try to avoid Charlotte NC to about the Lake Norman area during RUSH HOUR if at all possible! I'd be more concerned with that area than the mountain climb!

[dramsey1]

Okay, thanks everybody it helps to hear from people who have actually done this before doing it for the first time. Feel much better now and looking forward to the beautiful drive. I have some time so I think I'll adjust my schedule on the weather as much as possible since who knows if I'll get to see it again.

[tropical36]

dramsey1 wrote:
I am planning a trip home from Myrtle Beach SC to Kalamazoo MI. Never been on I77 with my gas class a before. I have a 2015 F53 chassis on a 29 foot class a and pull a small toad. Does anyone have any recent experience with the grades on this route? Any thoughts on areas to avoid?

Nothing to avoid and pretty much interstate all the way.
There is a 7 mile grade near the VA/WV border, but not so steep. No matter, for what you're driving and doubtful that you don't have the GCWR to handle it, which is usually with a weak tranny, if anything.

[Bill_Satellite]

The basic info let's you know right up front that the drive will be OK. It's an Interstate Highway. The grades and curves are limited to make driving a safe experience for everyone. The condition of the roads vary drastically but the travel will be easy and safe. Pick the right gear and keep in mind that the gear you went up the mountain is likely the gear you want to use going down.
Enjoy the drive.

[ferndaleflyer]

I have made the trip from central NC up that way many times the last was 17 April. I wouldn't worry about the going up part but pay attention going down as its easy to get going way to fast and its hard on the brakes. I have a diesel pusher but its still up and down...you will be OK.

[DrewE]

As others have said, it's a hill for sure but not one that you will have trouble climbing.

Sometimes the area can be very foggy. They have digital speed limit signs that they lower when that's the case. Pay attention to them and use good common sense if you're driving in a cloud. I think that's somewhat more of a worry going downhill where it's easier to be cruising along only half paying attention and suddenly bam you can't see much of anything (and hopefully not BAM! you run into the vehicle in front).

[soren]

I do it several times a year with a 2006 34' Class A, F53 V-10, pulling a CRV. No drama up or down. Use the descent control on the trans,keep your foot of the brakes, your speed reasonable, and the downhill is actually quite pleasant, with some of the best scenery in the east. On the way up, the two biggest issues are idiot truckers holding snail drag races at 30 MPH, as they block a lane they shouldn't be in, and spend five minutes passing a truck that's going .001 MPH slower than they are. The other issue is being aware of what's happening far ahead, since you can be hammering along at 55+ and not realize that the truck lane and the next one to the left are full of trucks at a crawl. It's easy to end up stuck behind a few really slow rigs, while everybody else blows past, if your not watching the action as far forward as you can see.

[wvabeer]

Its an 8 mile climb at the Virginia/North Carolina line. I climbed it with less and heavier. you'll be fine. The lanes are many and wide. The WV turnpike after the third toll booth speed is lowered to 60 for a reason. There are a few 55mph curves.

[philandterri]

We have driven that route man times both directions, with a 35 class a 460 Ford and a class C V10 Ford and lately with a class A V 10. Never a problem even towing. Can get VERY foggy.

[golfknut]

We've taken that route a few times (both directions) in our E-450 (6.8L V10) based Class C motorhome.
I didn't think it was bad at all. We didn't break any speed records going up but that's okay, we got there.

[Merrykalia]

I can tell you that Fancy Gap (between NC and VA) is a long climb, but thousands upon thousands of every type of motorized vehicles do it every day. We pulled our fifth wheel up the mountain last summer. Don't try to make any type of speed record, get in the right lane, follow the tractor-trailers and enjoy the view. There are pull-offs along the way if you have some sort of mechanical issue and there are motor carrier help vehicles that travel up and down the mountain.

Once you get into WV, you will go through a tunnel that is kinda cool, cut right through the mountain and then you will cross some really tall bridges, but again, the scenery is breathtaking. Enjoy the ride.

[dramsey1]

Okay thanks, Rick. Anyone else have any experiences with the Ford F53 along this stretch?

[Rick_Jay]

I believe you'll be running through Fancy Gap. I've done that a couple of times in our gasser motorhome pulling a 4,500 lb. Honda Odyssey. Engine was cranking at 4,000 RPM the majority of the trip up the mountain, but no ill effects.

Try to hit it during the day as some of the scenic views are awesome.

Safe travels,

~Rick