Towing through the Smokey Mountains

[Jgill5455]

I tow a 2012 346 QBUD with a 2012 Ford F-250 with a Diesel Engine. I planning a trip through the Smokey Mountains on I-40 to Ashville N.C.. Then on to Charleston S.C. via I-26. Should I have any special concerns?

[4mula1fan]

Watch your speed through the gorge. The curves through there are flat and sometimes off camber. Use lower gears when descending, and watch the temps when climbing up the plateau. Enjoy the beautiful scenery!

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Jgill5455

I tow a 2012 346 QBUD with a 2012 Ford F-250 with a Diesel Engine. I planning a trip through the Smokey Mountains on I-40 to Ashville N.C.. Then on to Charleston S.C. via I-26. Should I have any special concerns?

No, have towed it many times with a 5.3L 1500 Silverado and a 831RLSS and a 8528RKWS and no problems.

[Canadiancrew]

I would not be concerned. The grades are not that steep or long compared to others we have done. We have done it with an f150 5.4 l and a 31 foot trailer.

[keith_h]

Coming up the western side on I-40 can have some rough, narrow road and there always seems to be a section that has construction, so I would plan for the possibility that it might take longer than planned to get through. Other than that as has been said above lots of nice scenery.

[robert.beck.7737]

No problems as long as you stay off the the Blue Ridge Parkway and those low tunnels.


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[Dodge Guy]

You won't have any problems. We drove it west bound coming back from MB. Now the WV Turnpike!!!!!! That's a different story. Still had no issues, but much more steep and more grades!

[harderd]

The Saluda grade in Columbus NC on I26 is a 6% down grade in the direction you are going and is 3 miles long. It has some fairly tight curves also. Be prepared.

[Oakman]

I can't really add anything other than to be sure and use the tow/haul mode. It does a great job helping to control speed on the downhills.

[dbarr]

Originally Posted by robert.beck.7737

No problems as long as you stay off the the Blue Ridge Parkway and those low tunnels.


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I'd have to disagree. Traveled Blue Ridge from Ashville, NC to Roanoke, VA a few years back to salvage a disappointing vacation including the Pigeon Forge area. Blue Ridge was fantastic.
TUNNEL HEIGHTS - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) Notice the lows are the far edges, not the center.

[robert.beck.7737]

I'm sure you are correct. It all depends on the height of the tunnels and the RVs. A saw a guy bring in his brand new RV to my dealer and he had sheared everything on the roof off going thru one of those tunnels. The rule is to be careful and watch the tunnel and RV heights.


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[rattleNsmoke]

We made that exact run thru the Smokies down thru Columbia SC summer of 2013. It was a gorgeous ride with ZERO difficulties. As others have mentioned, keep your speed down and use Tow\Haul. You will enjoy the heck outa that trip. Btw, a few real cool tunnels to go through too. They are real tall so no worries.

[harderd]

I counted 5 that wpould get me. I'm 13.3 level so towing I am sure it is taller. I would be afraid of the the 13.7 so make it 6.