Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Campgrounds and RV Parks -> Advice Regarding Towing Through The Nanthahala National Forest Between Ellijay, GA and Asheville, NC?
Post Info TOPIC: Advice Regarding Towing Through The Nanthahala National Forest Between Ellijay, GA and Asheville, NC?
BillA


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 26
Date:
Advice Regarding Towing Through The Nanthahala National Forest Between Ellijay, GA and Asheville, NC?
Permalink  

I am unfamiliar with this area and am seeking advice from those that have driven this route.  I need to travel from near Ellijay, Ga (Doll Mountain COE park on Carters Lake) to Asheville, NC towing a 38' fifth wheel.  The direct route is mostly on state highway 74 through the Nanthahala National Forest and about 170 miles.  This skirts the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountain National park and I am sure has it share of twisty up and down road.  My question, is it reasonable to tow a 38' through this route if one uses proper speeds and caution?  The only alternative to this route is to go west to I-75 or south to I-85 before heading east either of which will add 100+ miles to the trip.  Would appreciate benefit of your experience on these roads.



-- Edited by BillA on Wednesday 12th of September 2012 09:16:10 PM

__________________

Ann & Bill Anderson
Houston, TX.
2011 DRV ES38RS4 - On order
2007 Frtlnr M2-106 Chariot
Jim01


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 1144
Date:
Permalink  

We have never been on this road, but from looking at maps and knowing what that area is like, I'd say that it would be pretty slow going, which isn't bad if you're not in a hurry. 

Like you said, it looks like a lot of hills with lots of twists and turns. I'm sure you could go that way if you're comfortable driving on those kind of roads. You may find that it would take you less time and maybe even save on fuel if you take the longer route. Plus, if you're not real comfortable on the roads you would be much more relaxed when you arrived at your destination.

I'd take the longer route, but of course the final desision is yours.

Travel safe,

Jim



__________________

Jim and Linda
Full-timers from 2001 to 2013
http://parttimewithjandl.blogspot.com/ 
2006 Dodge 2500 Diesel pulling a Heartland 26LRSS TT
May your days be warm, and your skies be blue.
May your roads be smooth, and your views ever-new.
Terry and Jo


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 5399
Date:
Permalink  

I don't know the area at all, but here is another thought.

If you have to take the shorter route at a slow speed, is there a chance that your going slow is going to slow down all the other traffic on the road?  I don't know how many and how long any straight sections will be or if there are places that you can pull off to allow others to get past you.

I mention this because I heard that if one is pulling a trailer in Alaska and more than "x" number of vehicles gets behind one, the it is required that the RV pull over to allow traffic to flow.

Terry



__________________

Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug
Bill and Linda


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 2074
Date:
Permalink  

I’m from North Carolina and know much of the GA area.  If you aren’t really comfortable with mountain roads and feel your truck struggles somewhat with the trailer then I would go, believe it or not, up I-85 and then up I-26. I-26 is a climb but anyway into Ashville is a climb.  You can go up I-75 to I-40, but while I drive I-40 all the time with a 5er, there is a bit of winding road through the mountains on I-40.  It’s no problem for us with a 39 foot fiver, but if you don’t drive mountains it might be different for you.  You just must pay attention.  But it is all Interstate.

 

There is no law in GA, TN, SC or NC, like Alaska, about pulling over as such if you go slow except where posted, like on Intersates.

 

All that said, the real question about most mountain roads is single or double lane divided highways.  If they are single lane, think about it.  If they are double lane divided your probably OK.  If you’re not sure, go on Goggle Earth and look.   Sometimes that can help tell you about the road "situation."

 

Hope this helps just a bit.

 

Bill



__________________

Bill & Linda
The Hensons


RV-Dreams Family Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 164
Date:
Permalink  

I have pulled my 43' fifth wheel on that stretch and, yes it was slow going, but no problems. Wide road. Gorgeous scenery.

__________________

Kyle, Lisa, and Kylee

Full-timers since 2011

RV-Dreams rallies: Myrtle Beach '09, Hershey '11, Sevierville 2014

RVer Insurance Exchange
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Campgrounds and RV Parks -> Advice Regarding Towing Through The Nanthahala National Forest Between Ellijay, GA and Asheville, NC?
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us