Travelling from I-26 to Newport TN (Greeneville: campgrounds, safe, trailer)

[f4jrg15]

If I-40 is not re-opened before we travel with a 38' 5th Wheel camper thru North Carolina, would it be a good route to go up I-26 from Asheville, then take US 25/70 over to Newport, TN? It can be difficult to manage tight curves with a camper this long.

[Bones]

Originally Posted by f4jrg15

If I-40 is not re-opened before we travel with a 38' 5th Wheel camper thru North Carolina, would it be a good route to go up I-26 from Asheville, then take US 25/70 over to Newport, TN? It can be difficult to manage tight curves with a camper this long.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/12162430-post48.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/12283626-post49.html

There are a few campgrounds along the French Broad river East of Newport, so I don't think it would be much of a problem. Slow going for most of the drive....if there is ice or snow....forget it....

[mbmouse]

If you are nervous about that drive with a 5th wheeler, and I personally would be, there are 2 tight 90 degree, on a slope, curves (think Nasscar banking but not quite as steep) that I can think of off the top of my head on 25/70 that might take a year or two off of ya. Big trucks do travel that road and if you are experienced driving it and confided, than go for it, beautiful drive! If Not, take 70 through to Greeneville and then 321 over to Newport or for really sure safe drive, 3 lane, few curves but some hills, take I-26 out of Asheville, through the Tri-Cities, pick up 81 then connect back to 40 on the top side...Rocky Top side that is.

[richelles]

Originally Posted by f4jrg15

If I-40 is not re-opened before we travel with a 38' 5th Wheel camper thru North Carolina, would it be a good route to go up I-26 from Asheville, then take US 25/70 over to Newport, TN? It can be difficult to manage tight curves with a camper this long.

I did that stretch with a 20 foot enclosed Featherlite trailer behind my F 150 recently several times with as much as 9000 lbs and manged a decent 55 MPG over most of that route. The only scary part was a bridge in Tennessee which didn't look wide enough for two vehicles to pass but a pair of semi trucks showed up while I was looking at the width and passed each other. I took off and nothing was coming the other way. Go for it!

[Bones]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

If you are nervous about that drive with a 5th wheeler, and I personally would be, there are 2 tight 90 degree, on a slope, curves (think Nasscar banking but not quite as steep) that I can think of off the top of my head on 25/70 that might take a year or two off of ya. Big trucks do travel that road and if you are experienced driving it and confided, than go for it, beautiful drive! If Not, take 70 through to Greeneville and then 321 over to Newport or for really sure safe drive, 3 lane, few curves but some hills, take I-26 out of Asheville, through the Tri-Cities, pick up 81 then connect back to 40 on the top side...Rocky Top side that is.

Yes, the two "right turn Clides" are the towns of Hot springs and Hurricane, but not really a problem. The last 10 or so miles ( NC side) is dual lane.....

Richelles, yes the bridge looks a bit narrow....will be nice when the new bridge is finished.....