I-40 vs I-26 - Boat Hauling through Blue Ridge Mountains

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by mkehoe85, Oct 3, 2025 at 10:57 AM.

  1. mkehoe85

    mkehoe85 Bobtail Member

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    I'm hauling a 27-ft boat (8.5 ft beam) from Detroit to South Carolina and I'm seeking input on making the mountain pass... I-40 looks faster, but I-26 looks more straightforward despite being an hour detour. Thinking taking 75 to 81 to 26 and stopping in Johnson City reset my shift clock. Anyone here have alternative suggestions?

    No significant time crunch, just looking to avoid surprises so I can safely deliver this boat on Monday afternoon.

    Thanks, all!
     
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  3. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    I-40 is down to 2 lanes at the Tenn/NC border and will be for a long while. the East bound lanes washed out last year during hurricane Helene
     
  4. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Yes ^^^ and I think you're too wide for that section of I-40 anyway. Are hills any problem? If not I-26 from Johnson City to Asheville has a couple of solid climbs but the bridge work (also from Helene) is complete and you won't have a width restriction.

    26 is a good road, beautiful too. There are NO truck stops on it. Well, there's a tiny one called Black Diamond off exit 32 but that's about it. If you are taking a full 34 I strongly recommend either stopping on 81 before you get to Johnson City or hitting one of the beautiful rest stops through there. They are two of my favorites, at exits 46 and about MM5 in NC north of Asheville.

    There a huge Petro on up at Glade Spring VA before you get to TN if you need a complete truck stop, restaurant and all.
     
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  5. Constant Learner

    Constant Learner Heavy Load Member

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    You can take I-77 also.
     
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  6. KDHCryo

    KDHCryo Medium Load Member

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    26 is good to go now, if you're not over 96" wide....

    Good climb up the hill till you descend into Asheville, then after that it's all downhill into Spartanburg.

    Right before Spartanburg theres a really nice new truck stop.

    Roady's Hotspot, I-26 exit 10, Inman, SC.

    80 Spots, doesn't get filled up, free parking
     
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