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Old 03-04-2016, 04:40 PM   #21
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So far they say the southbound lanes will be open on the 17th. So keeping my fingers crossed
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Old 03-04-2016, 05:42 PM   #22
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Just remember to gear down going up and down the mountains. A good rule of thumb is to use the same gear going down that you went up in. If you have to use your brakes, do a quick stab to drop you about 10 mph and then let off. You can do this intermittently. Do not ride your brakes. Gearing down will help immensely. 5% is a little steep but not horrible. Many mountains in NC and VA Have 7% grades and out west they are steeper than that. I think with smart driving you will be ok.
What she said !!

The typical 7-8% grades in the mountains here require my tranny to be in 2nd gear going up the mountain, and I use 2nd going down also. I don't make the engine do the high rev thing, I just like to settle in the mid to upper 2000 rpm range, and enjoy the scenery. Some mountains in Western Va and WVa I have even used 1st gear, and again there is no need for high rpms. On and off the brakes as asquared indicated.....gotta give the brakes time to cool off. I pull of the road when I get a chance to let traffic go around me, and usually receive a polite wave.

Growing up with mountain roads results in me not being concerned with them with a trailer behind me, although some tight turns on the Va/WVa line had me concerned when I could see the tail-lights on the trailer. (Of course, that is an exaggeration. )

I keep the eastern mountain in my truck for reference: http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Direc...directory+east

The last paragraph in the description is interesting comparing the eastern mountains to the western mountains.
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Old 03-04-2016, 06:18 PM   #23
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Amazon is very expensive....
I'd go directly to Mountain Directory's webpage
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Old 03-04-2016, 09:49 PM   #24
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Go through Kentucky. From I-79, Route19 through WV is a speed trap especially around Summerville. I personally despise that drive.


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Old 03-04-2016, 10:10 PM   #25
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Go through Kentucky. From I-79, Route19 through WV is a speed trap especially around Summerville. I personally despise that drive.

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Every small berg on 19 between Beckley & Summerville is a speed trap.

The most fun to and from OH from SE NC is right at the NC/VA line ~~ that 7 mile 7% hill. No longer going to slow poke going up with only 11,000 # behind the 6.7 diesel. Will really test the engine brake coming home.
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Old 03-04-2016, 10:42 PM   #26
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Every small berg on 19 between Beckley & Summerville is a speed trap.

The most fun to and from OH from SE NC is right at the NC/VA line ~~ that 7 mile 7% hill. No longer going to slow poke going up with only 11,000 # behind the 6.7 diesel. Will really test the engine brake coming home.
Yes I know that hill. I was quite glad to have the exhaust brake.
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Old 03-04-2016, 10:46 PM   #27
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This is something that we will have to be learning. Living in Florida- we've never had any need to do any shifting (unless you drive a manual).

We both know how to drive a manual but we have no idea how to shift our automatic truck manually (or if we need to). We do have a "tow mode" button on our truck.

This is something we will definitely be reading up on before we leave on our long trip across the country and into Canada/Alaska.
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Old 03-04-2016, 11:36 PM   #28
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If you come down I-75 and it is still closed you may want to get off I-75 at Corbin, KY (Exit 29) and take Highway 25E down to I-81 and then South on I-81 for 8 miles where it joins onto I-40, take that westbound about 14 miles for your exit going down to Gatlinburg. If you are a Good Sam member check it out on the trip planner. It looks like it is about 10 miles further than going through Knoxville. About 3/4 of the drive down 25E is four lane highway. A little more curvy than I-75 but a pretty drive through Cumberland Gap. If they are still using a detour on I-75 you may want to give 25E some serious consideration.
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Old 03-13-2016, 07:20 PM   #29
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Karrun, did you guys get the excursion?
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Old 03-13-2016, 08:05 PM   #30
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Karrun, did you guys get the excursion?
Oh yes, yes we did. Feast your eyes on this primo rust free low low mile beauty. Can you tell I'm thrilled?
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Old 03-13-2016, 08:19 PM   #31
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Nice! Enjoy your new truck... Cherry would be a good name for her as she is a wonderful sweet Cherry pick.
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Old 03-13-2016, 08:25 PM   #32
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That is a good name. She is Cherry. I was thinking Big Red, but I think I like yours better.
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Old 03-13-2016, 08:35 PM   #33
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Every small berg on 19 between Beckley & Summerville is a speed trap.

The most fun to and from OH from SE NC is right at the NC/VA line ~~ that 7 mile 7% hill. No longer going to slow poke going up with only 11,000 # behind the 6.7 diesel. Will really test the engine brake coming home.
Did that run in my GTown last November. Decided on 55mph @ 3000rpms and it pulled like a charm. I could have gone faster, but the engine seemed very comfortable right there. That is quite a hill.
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Old 03-13-2016, 08:40 PM   #34
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Awesome congratulations!!
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