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Does anyone have any experience driving a big RV up these back roads as opposed to I-24. We are picking up our RV in Birmingham and it's a MUCH shorter drive to go this way instead of I-59 -> I-24. Anything I should be aware of? Also, I'm wondering if there's a good spot coming in the back way to stop and park an RV overnight before joining the circus early Thursday morning.
I'm leaving from work in Birmingham on Wednesday. When I mapquest my route, going I59-I24 to Manchester says drive time is 3hrs 9minutes. When I changed my route to US231-TN55 to Manchester, it added 40 minutes to my drive time. I'm assuming this is because you can drive faster on the interstate than on those back roads, and you don't have to deal with red lights or stop signs on the interstate. Sorry, I know this doesn't answer your question about driving a big RV, but I hope it helps.
Edited to add: I65 to Huntsville, then 231 to TN55 doesn't look as bad; just an extra 15 mins. Also, I guess both of these alternate routes would help you avoid driving over Monteagle Mountain just outside of Chattanooga.
Is it your RV or are you renting it? I ask that because if you're not used to driving an RV or a big truck, driving on two-lane winding back roads that go through small towns, red lights, stop signs, etc. can be a lot more stressful than driving on the interstate. Just something to think about.
Rental, I have driven large vehicles several times before though. I would be lying if I said I weren't worried about the Monteagle Mountain pass on I-24, which is another factor (other than a pretty distinct mileage difference) that makes the back way from Huntsville more attractive.
Rental, I have driven large vehicles several times before though. I would be lying if I said I weren't worried about the Monteagle Mountain pass on I-24, which is another factor (other than a pretty distinct mileage difference) that makes the back way from Huntsville more attractive.
IMO that Monteagle Mountain pass really doesn't merit the worry. I've run it, and roads a dozen times worse than it, in my RV many times with no problems. What are you worried about, specifically?
Mainly my transmission running hot up the hill, and my brakes getting too hot going down the hill. I've seen plenty of RVs/trucks make it, I've just never done it myself.
Understandable. I just get over in the right-hand lane and put my flashers on and go uphill at about 35 or 40 in whatever gear the automatic transmission wants to be in. Then coming down I set the transmission to 3 and coast down on it at around 35 using the brakes only to keep the engine from winding out. That way I'm not riding either one. Doing it that way, I've never yet smoked my brakes or overheated my transmission, and I haven't had any trouble on the curves, either.
