Driving from Chicago to Charlotte - Mountains?

[RoadTraveler]

Originally Posted by Riley09swb

She could always take 75N to I70 E. It might put her a bit out of her way but if she doesn't like mountains and curves then I think my route is the less evil.

A bit out of the way?

Really? How about 130 miles out of the way?

I guess you didn't fully understand what I was trying to say.

The OP is a bit intimidated driving a rental truck. It cost more time and more money for fuel taking your route. I am sure they want to get to their destination without any extra driving.

And extra 2 hours may not seem much to me when I am driving across the country but when you are lacking experience in a truck, it can seem like a whole lot of extra time that would be better spent having lunch somewhere or getting into Charlotte before the rush hour.

I suggested a route that is a pleasant drive with not much traffic, access to rest areas and places to eat with as little mileage and time behind the wheel as possible.

We will just let the OP decide and I wish them well.

[urbancharlotte]

Originally Posted by RoadTraveler

Hey, I drive this area many times during the year pulling a trailer. Probably more so than you recently have with your know-it-all attitude.

It's all good my man. I simply responded to a post written in all bold (which can be a code for yelling online just like posting in all caps). It's possible your bold post was an honest mistake.

[chicagocubs]

Originally Posted by urbancharlotte

Good tips, but the tolls will be higher due to that U-Haul I believe. I went through that area with a Penske moving truck and I honestly can't remember how much I paid in tolls. It's certainly something worth looking into if the OP is choosing that route. A NY EZ-Pass is the only non-cash payment WV Turnpike authority will accept.

Actually it accepts the IL I-pass, too. I know this from experience!

[Zipper775]

I am late coming to this thread but have some helpful ideas to prevent drivers from going into epileptic shock while driving thru a mountain tunnel.
1) get in the right lane and slow down to the speed limit or slightly less.
2) turn on your lights
3) turn off your car radio ( no need for further stimuli)
4) tell all passengers to KEEP QUIET>>> no distractions!
5)keep you eyes on the vehicle in front of you... don't get distracted by the lights that zip by on the side of the tunnel.. concentrate
6)the minute you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, concentrate on that light
7) realize that in the Appalachians, these tunnels only last for about 20-30 seconds

[richard rawaon]

To avoid mountains, go from Chicago, to Indianapolis, Columbus, Zanesville to I-77 south to Charlotte. Longer but no mountains.

[tread102]

Originally Posted by richard rawaon

To avoid mountains, go from Chicago, to Indianapolis, Columbus, Zanesville to I-77 south to Charlotte. Longer but no mountains.

your kidding right. 77 through WV, and virginia is nothing but mountains.

[richard rawaon]

They aren't mountains compared to the ones in Kentucky and Tennessee. As a matter of fact, they are so insignificant that I forgot they were there and I used to drive from Columbus to Charlotte regularly. But you are right, there are mountains but far less challenging.

[tbj123]

Drove the TN/NC route from Chicago... with the biggest U-Haul you can get... probably overloaded... and towing a car carrier. I too stressed over this trip but in the end, it was easy as pie. Just take it easy and slow in the curves. Plus, by the time you get to the big hills and curves, you will have a much better feel for the truck and how it will handle.

[Zipper775]

I think it is a bit easier going thru Ohio down Interstate 77, however, you will still have two tunnels but the distance is longer. But Richard is right. The mountains don't seem to be as steep or curvy as when you go thru Asheville. You just have to weigh whether you want to travel further with less steep mountains.. or go the shorter route with a bit more curves and steeper incline. once you get past Asheville, it is a piece of cake.