Route question Charlotte, NC Blue Ridge Mountains

[Campsters]

Love some input. We are leaving Charlotte headed for springfield, Illinois last week in August. We have 2 suggested routes.
Route 1: I-74 and I-40 route through Asheville and then headed through Knoxville and Nashville, TN. to Springfield
Route 2: I-77 ... I-70 through Indianapolis over to Springfield.

On Google maps both show construction. We are pulling a 21 foot Flagstaff Microlite with a Lexus Gx470 V8 SUV. All weight issues are fine. Actually under by at least 700 pounds. We have a sway bar, rear view camera on trailer so we know what's behind us. New truck tires, transmission and brakes are good. Tom Johnson Campers set are tow vehicle up with brake, sway, and tow. We understand about not filling water tanks and loading carefully as far as weight distribution is concerned. On our smaller camping trips vehicle has driven beautifully but this is our first time through the mountains.
Any concerns or issues we should watch for? And suggestions on which would be the better route safety wise?
We are concerned about keeping gas tank full in case we are stuck in stop and go and stations are few and far between through mountains.

[n4uaj]

I go up to Black Mtn/Asheville a good bit and I use I-85 to 321 to 40. Another option is 77 to Staesville and pick up 40. Really depends on which side of town you are leaving from. The climb up Black Mountain ain't too bad and doesn't seem as long a grade as you would encounter from 74 to 26. I only go that route if I'm going to Maggie Valley or Cherokee. Once you get around Asheville there are plenty of places to top off with fuel and you should be good to go down the other side to Knoxville. Taking 77 on up would have you climbing fancy gap and you might not be ready for that one. I avoid it.


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