Chattanooga to Raleigh,NC

[Steve_Sheree]

I am traveling from Chatt to Raleigh and have concern about going thru the smokeys. On I-40, I have passed trucks barley moving going up the mountain, and down the other side. I can take another route up to VA and bypass the mountains altogether. Mapquest shows only 12 miles difference. I have a 30' fifth wheel, 2500 diesel which pulls it fine on flat roads. Has anyone driven I-40 pulling a 10K trailer, and what are your recommendations? Thanks

[BillMFl]

I've pulled a 13000lb 5ver both ways on 40 with no problems. Just requires common sense driving. Certainly easier than I70. Much lower elevations although steep for a short while, its nothing compared to the many long long pulls up or down in the Rockies with passes twice as high and thin air.

[navybanker]

I have a 2004.5 2500 Duramax and 37 ft. fifth wheel. No problems on I-40 through the mountains. If you are behind a semi and can't get by, gear down and keep RPMs up to at least 2500, but not "red line". This also worked on I-70 west of Denver.

[rockhillmanor]

I did that once. I now drive around it. Don't care how many more days it takes me to get down south.

I think it's a 7% grade going south but heading north it is a different pass and it was almost flat.

[jaycocamprs]

With the diesel pulling up through the gorge won't be any problem. What has been my issue is the narrow left lane and lack of straight road. I find it hard to pass trucks, so I don't. And I have found myself not towing behind some flatlander who would not pass or move over, so both lanes went 35. Fancy Gap (I-77) has a steeper grade east bound. If you really want to avoid the mountains go south to I-85 and back north, but that adds about 40 miles.

[Dick_B]

Mountain Directory East is a good reference.