Mountains..

[Rayax23]

I am taking a trip to gatlinburg Tennessee in about 3 weeks. I am in North East ohio and my route is taking me through West Virginia and Virginia to Tennessee etc... I seen some of the down hill grades are pretty steep 5% I was wondering if any one has made this trip. And how do the brakes hold up etc... I am running a Ford excursion with v10 and pulling a Coachman 292 bdhs with outdoor kitchen fully loaded with gear around 8000 lbs.. I can also go sort of out of the way over to Cincinnati OH through Kentucky. Not sure about the mountains on that path.. I guess in a round about way I am asking for advice or knowledge of the areas to see what my best options are.. Thanks for the help in advance.

[Lynkage]

The lower the gear and the slower you go the less brakes you will use. Pretty sure you would have the tow/haul mode on your truck, if so use it.

[lbrjet]

Use your engine braking by downshifting and you will hardly use your brakes with that V10. Don't be scared of 3.5K-4K RPM's if you see that. The V10 is made to run at those RPM's all day long.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[Rayax23]

I was sort of thinking that but wasn't sure.. Thanks!

[asquared]

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.

[nc-canuck]

I have done this run a lot with various RVs. Last time was with my 35' windjammer and I pull with an 8.1L 3/4 ton suburban. Use the advice given above. Gear down both up and down the mountains. Touch brakes occasionally and you will be fine. Don't forget to bring $ bills to pay the tolls.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rayax23]

Thanks nc-canuck hadn't thought about the tolls.

[karrun]

Hey not meaning to hijack your thread, but how do you like your X? My husband and I are going to look at one this weekend to hopefully replace our under powered Durango.

[Chewie]

We went last year to Tennessee from NE Ohio also, we took I-71 and picked up I-75, went through Cincinnati and Ky, and it was a pretty easy drive. The mountain passes weren't as big as I-77 through WV area. We went to the same gatlinberg area as you. Once you get south in KY and into TN you'll have some longer hills and grades but nothing that would be concerning. Either way, take your time and stay to the right . Enjoy it there, it's a bueatiful place.

[Rayax23]

Karrun I like my x, it has 3:73 gears instead of 4:10 the 4:10 would be better especially on the hills etc.. But it is also a daily driver so fuel economy is a little better. We have two kids, two German shepherds (each 100lbs or more) and they fit great. The two dogs are "cosy" in the far back area and the kids each get a row of seats on long trips (saves fights) or if they each have a friend etc... We have plenty of room, rides great and comfortable. If you are looking at the v10 model make sure you look at the exhaust manifold studs. They usually rust and brake off and makes it sound like an exhaust leak. Most people try and tell you that is the problem ie.. The studs can be replaced with stainless ones but it will cost around 800-1000 to have a shop do them. If you can get a good price on an x with this issue it is worth it. But if you are paying top dollar you may have to think about it. Now if you are looking at a 6.0 diesel one basically I would run as fast as you can from that.. The 6.0 motors were not the best and are really finicky and problematic and very expensive to maintain. Don't believe the hype on the "bullet proofing either" if your husband is really really handy then you may be ok...

[Rayax23]

Thanks Chewie I was kind of leaning that was as it is only a 20 minute difference for me on the overall trip. I figure it may be worth it to save the wear and tear on my tow vehicle.

[The_Rhino]

We have an 8,000 lb. TT pulled by a Ram 2500 w/lowly 5.7 Hemi, for a GCVW of 15,000. We also live in NE Ohio & took I71 to I75 for our stay at the KOA in Gatlinburg. At all times we were able to maintain highway speeds in tow/haul mode & only dropped 2 gears twice - on the steepest passes. With no engine brake I just kept it on tow/haul mode downhill & tapped the brakes occasionally. Ram recently replaced my Hemi under their 100K powertrain warranty, so I only got about 7-8 mpg in the mountains... However, on my daily commute I get 15-17...

IMO the Excursion w/V10 is just as capable but due to older engine/tranny technology gets lower mpg. Make sure you plan your fuel stops accordingly!

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Rayax23

I am taking a trip to gatlinburg Tennessee in about 3 weeks. I am in North East ohio and my route is taking me through West Virginia and Virginia to Tennessee etc... I seen some of the down hill grades are pretty steep 5% I was wondering if any one has made this trip. And how do the brakes hold up etc... I am running a Ford excursion with v10 and pulling a Coachman 292 bdhs with outdoor kitchen fully loaded with gear around 8000 lbs.. I can also go sort of out of the way over to Cincinnati OH through Kentucky. Not sure about the mountains on that path.. I guess in a round about way I am asking for advice or knowledge of the areas to see what my best options are.. Thanks for the help in advance.

Use T/H and gears Up and Down! Now I see you are saying "in about 3 weeks" if you go the 75 south route check about the "land slide cleanup" also! Youroo!!

[Oaklevel]

If you do go the I77 through West to I81 to TN the Worst Mountains are the West Virginia I77 part. The Virginia I77 and I81 through TN are not bad at all.

If you do go I77 the two tunnels near the WV - VA line require that your propane be shut off going through the tunnels. Big Walker & East River Mountain Any way they are only a few miles apart. An RV fire shut down one of the tunnels a few years back for months.

[karrun]

Husband is not handy at all, in fact I am the handy one. But not when it comes to diesels. But I am aware of the 6.0 diesel issues so are staying away. We are going to look at a V-10 gasser tomorrow. It's an '04 with 124K on it, but is in our price range. I'm sure the axle is the same as yours. Do you know what the tow capacity is for it? We have a Roo 21SS (about 4500 lb) now, but want the option of upgrading and towing more in the future.

[Rayax23]

Karrun the max trailer weight is 9,600 lbs. For 4x4 You will need weight distribution hitch and sway bar to tow that kind of weight though. I have attached a chart.

[karrun]

Originally Posted by Rayax23

Karrun the max trailer weight is 9,600 lbs. For 4x4 You will need weight distribution hitch and sway bar to tow that kind of weight though. I have attached a chart.

Thanks,
We have a Husky Centerline TS and brake controller now with the Durango, so would just need to get it set up with the X
We have an apptmt to see the X tomorrow morning, got my fingers crossed that it works out.

[Rayax23]

You will like it. It is a night and day difference. I had a Durango before as well. I liked the Durango but the x is head and shoulders above it.

[dmac1951]

If taking I-75 south from Kentucky into Tennessee be sure to ckeck to see if rock slide is cleared and the south bound lanes are open.

[Rayax23]

I am hoping the rock slide is cleared. I am heading out on the 18th of March.