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Going from Ohio to Alabama

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Jamal2017, Oct 6, 2019.

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  1. Oct 6, 2019 #1
    Jamal2017

    Jamal2017 Bobtail Member

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    Hi
    I’m a new driver and my first trip will be Sunday 10/6/2019. I’m going from Ohio to Alabama and I would like to know what’s the best route to take. I would like to avoid downhills if possible. I’m also carrying a heavy load and driving an automatic. I need all the advice and suggestions I can get. Wish me luck!
     
    Jamal2017, Oct 6, 2019
    Jamal2017, Oct 6, 2019
    #1
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  3. Oct 6, 2019 #2
    stayinback

    stayinback Road Train Member

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    chicago,il
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    Hi there Jamal.....
    It all depends where your at in ohio-
    Lets assume your starting right in the middle of the state (Columbus) ..Take I71 all the way to louisville- Then Jump on I-65 down to Alabama-(Depending on where in AL your going)...

    Its gonna have a few hills- But nothing too alarming- Your gonna have to get used to Hills-Because it wont be all flat roads.
     
    stayinback, Oct 6, 2019
    stayinback, Oct 6, 2019
    #2
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  4. Oct 6, 2019 #3
    truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    avoid down hills. lol
     
    truckdriver31, Oct 6, 2019
    truckdriver31, Oct 6, 2019
    #3
    homeskillet, CheeseCracker, Fire ant and 2 others Thank this.
  5. Oct 6, 2019 #4
    Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Auto's are better with heavy loads going down hill than a manual.
    Learn the advantages of what you are driving.
     
    Moosetek13, Oct 6, 2019
    Moosetek13, Oct 6, 2019
    #4
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  7. Oct 6, 2019 #5
    88 Alpha

    88 Alpha Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 12, 2012
    SouthEast Alabama
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    @stayinback is telling you correctly. There is a high probability you will go through Cincinnati. From that point, you can either go through Lexington, Knoxville, and Chattanooga or Louisville and Nashville.

    The Louisville-Nashville route is easier due to not having to go down Jellico. But, even that is not a bad hill at all.

    Learn your truck. In my experience of constantly hauling 47,000+ pound beer loads, the automatics worked pretty well, if you know how to use them. Set the cruise control on the speed you want to go down the hill and turn the engine retarder on. The truck will hold itself back. You may want to set your cruise 5 MPH below what you want to go down the hill at because on the Internationals I drove, the engine retarders didn't kick in until you were 5 MPH over what the cruise was set.

    I will also add, if you are planning on taking the Louisville-Nashville route, then going east on I-20 in Birmingham, pay attention to the detour signs in Birmingham. If the construction is still there, where I-20 East is closed, it is better to go on through town on I-65, then take I-459 North to I-20 East.
     
    88 Alpha, Oct 6, 2019
    88 Alpha, Oct 6, 2019
    #5
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  8. Oct 6, 2019 #6
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    There aren’t any major hills between Ohio and Alabama. If you’re going to Birmingham Alabama, you take i75. You have a little hill climb at Jellico, at the Tennessee Kentucky border, but it’s not bad. Just gear down to a lower gear and turn on your jake brake if you have one.
     
    TripleSix, Oct 6, 2019
    TripleSix, Oct 6, 2019
    #6
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  9. Oct 6, 2019 #7
    Jwhis

    Jwhis Heavy Load Member

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    Have fun in Crashvile
     
    Jwhis, Oct 6, 2019
    Jwhis, Oct 6, 2019
    #7
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  10. Oct 6, 2019 #8
    x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Mar 5, 2016
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    Sowwy, you will be falling down towards the Mighty Ohio. Then learning all about the Mount Eagle like a good trucker should.

    HE HE HE...
     
    x1Heavy, Oct 6, 2019
    x1Heavy, Oct 6, 2019
    #8
  11. Oct 6, 2019 #9
    Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    If you driving Freightliner with DT-12 auto transmission it's built for hills. It has more then enough engine braking power for any hill
     
    Brandt, Oct 6, 2019
    Brandt, Oct 6, 2019
    #9
  12. Oct 6, 2019 #10
    BRD TRANSPORT

    BRD TRANSPORT Light Load Member

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    Jul 6, 2018
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    Make sure brakes are adjusted ALL the time and go SLOW and you will be fine.
     
    BRD TRANSPORT, Oct 6, 2019
    BRD TRANSPORT, Oct 6, 2019
    #10
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