Travel advice for 1st long haul

[95tigeralum]

We will be taking our 1st "long" haul this spring with our TT, going from upstate SC to Red River Gorge in Ky. Looks like my main two options are I40 or I26. About 6 hours either way.
We just got the TT in September and only traveled to local (less than 1 hour) state parks, so this is why I call this our first long haul.
Any suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated!
Thank you,
95TigerAlum

[purduepete97]

Haven't done I26, but have traveled 40 some. Not a bad route. Take your time, tires fully inflated, keep miles per day at a number that you're comfortable with, have as much respect for going down the hills as up.
Have a great trip!

[CaptnJohn]

Have only run 26 a short distance, not enough for an opinion. Towed a TT (7500#) from the coast to Asheville with a F150 EB. Hills, yes but nothing I'd call a mountain. Beyond the NC/TN border I do not know.

[TKPINSC]

I26 between Asheville and Kingsport is more mountainous than I40. I40 between Asheville and Newport TN has considerably more truck traffic than I26 and has some twisty sections.

My preference would be to take one route there and the other home and enjoy twice the scenery.

[Homebrew]

Carry enough water to use the bathroom on the way.
Watch traffic patterns a week before to determine the best departure time.
Plan all fuel stops at large fueling stations like truck stops/rest areas.
Make sure the beer is on ice for when you arrive.

[rp53]

both offer beautiful scenery, we do I26 often from Jonesborough Tn to various NC campgrounds not a bad drive at all there is on BIG hill going into TN. about 4 or 5 miles long. I40 is not bad but there is much more truck traffic

[dblr]

My best tip is slow down and enjoy the journey, don't let other drivers rush you in your travels drive at your pace.

[sherman12]

If you don't have the WAZE gps phone app on your cell phones, get it. Great way to stay ahead of any traffic tie ups or accidents along your route. Also informs you of radar, road obstructions/debris (truck tire casings) and abandoned vehicles along the shoulder of the road.

[ryand]

We do a one big trip a year and the biggest thing I have found to be beneficial is to have an idea for Gas stops and approximate mileage between the two. We almost got burned by running out of gas last year because I got lazy. For us Gasser guys, hills and wind can throw off your calculations. Don't push it, drive reasonable distances and be flexible if weather or something needs to rearrange your plans.

[sherman12]

As far as gas goes, I sorta learned from my boating day's to always keep an eye on my mileage and gas gauge. When I'm at a !/2 tank I start thinking when will I pull over which I'll do before it gets to a 1/4 tank, which in my mind is as good as empty. No gas stations out on lakes. Watching exit signs and distances between goes hand in hand with knowing where your fuel level is at all times. Most GPS's have function for gas stations too.

[yetavon]

Never heard of the place, but thanks to you we will be now visiting....And in looking a google maps...it appears your about 30 minutes south of us. We have covered both routes and ones not better, both have some challenges. You could run 40, grab 25 to bypass Knoxville....some interesting country up there to.

[DavidBo]

For any long trip, especially if in a hotter climate, I strongly recommend an aftermarket TPMS system. Search the forum for more info and popular models/options. Knowing how your trailer's tires are behaving gives great peace of mind, especially late at night in the middle of nowhere!

[timfromma]

Bring a few extra gallons of gas with you just in case.

If you know how many miles you can go on a tank while towing, use google maps to plan your gas stops. Quite a few stations are near impossible to navigate through with a TT but if you use the street views, you can size up potential fuel stops along the way before you even hit the road.

[rsdata]

I google mapped three routes from Rock Hill SC... the one using I-77 to I-81 to KY-15 might be the least mountainous of the bunch and all routes were within 25 miles length of each other. I have not traveled that section of I-77 but my brother-in-law travels it every winter on the way to FL. He claims it is the least stressful drive going south thru the mountains from OH. About 400 miles and 7 hours driving... probably add an hour if pulling a trailer and additional gas stop or two.

Mountain pulling uses more gas then you would think. You did not mention the size of your TT or your TV.

Once near the Gorge, are you going to stay at the State Park, (Natural Bridge State Park, 52 reservable spots with electric) or are you going for no hookups, like at Koomer Ridge campground (1st come 1st served)? Koomer Ridge is beautiful and right ON the gorge, but the spots there go fast. There are a couple more smaller campgrounds in the area, both private and public, but some are considerably out of the way.

All of the campgrounds in this area are pretty crowded from early May to late October. There are only a few services available within 20-30 miles of this area. There is fast food, gas and small grocery stores.

Plan ahead to get to your destination early in the day. I don't believe this can be a ONE day driving trip... at least not going to... maybe going home if you stretch it.

Good luck

[sparkyd05]

Don't be I'm a rush. Also watch out for the guy in front of the guy behind you . have fun

[Zoom]

If you hit Rt. 77 from the west you will need to go through the Nada Tunnel. It is 12 feet wide and 13 feet high. I have ridden through the tunnel on motorcycles a few times and it is real tight and dark! Just plan your route on google earth to see how tight the main road is through the park.

[Kanga99]

Originally Posted by sherman12

If you don't have the WAZE gps phone app on your cell phones, get it. Great way to stay ahead of any traffic tie ups or accidents along your route. Also informs you of radar, road obstructions/debris (truck tire casings) and abandoned vehicles along the shoulder of the road.

X2 on the Waze app. In addition to real time traffic updates posted by other users you can also check different routes and based on the history data they store they can predict traffic based on your proposed departure time or needed arrival time. Play with these times and you can determine the best time to leave on any given route.

[95tigeralum]

You guys are all too awesome! This is all great advice and I greatly appreciate it all.
Sorry I forgot to mention this:
2014 F150 with max tow pkg
2017 29' Grand Design Imagine

Yes, it's not a FR. I joined this forum last year with with the plans of buying a Salem. But after a lot of research, the Imagine won out. So, please don't hate on me for going outside the FR family. I've stayed on the site because of the great advice and I hope to be able to help others as much as I have been helped.

[camaraderie]

Tiger...a few people have mentioned gas stops. If you have a smart phone...you might get the free apps from the truck stop firms... Pilot/FlyingJ, Love's, and TA/Petro.
They all have nice pull though facilities...and some like certain Pilots are set up with RC specific lanes & parking. Discounts at Pilot/FlyingJ for Good Sam members...3 cents a gallon. When on the road...they'll find the closest ones for you.

[rjshiflet]

Originally Posted by dblr

My best tip is slow down and enjoy the journey, don't let other drivers rush you in your travels drive at your pace.

Perhaps the best advice of the entire thread. :-)

We love taking the back roads for that very reason...enjoy the journey.