NC to Nashville I-40 or 81?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Doing_flatbed_nc, Apr 11, 2018.

  1. Doing_flatbed_nc

    Doing_flatbed_nc Medium Load Member

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    whats your preference?

    Miles are about the same but 81 seems to be more rolling hills than 40 from the big hill to Knoxville. And 40 has more curves.

    Heading that way tomorrow. Probably decide last minute which way to roll
     
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  3. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    You did not specify where you are in NC.

    If you are close to Fancy Gap, like really close to say... Pilot Mountain which is a landmark south of that pass to 81, then get up there and run 81 down to 40 in Tenn. Keep in mind there are construction on 81 in VA.

    If you are closer to say I-40 or even below it along NC, then take it straight in. The one section is a few dozen miles of 50 mph right lane only if I remember right snaking through near the state line. Other than that, hills smills. you have the horses dontcha? =)
     
  4. Doing_flatbed_nc

    Doing_flatbed_nc Medium Load Member

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    I'm coming from way east on 40. I forgot about that construction zone near the border. I'll head up 52 to 77 to 80 and no, nope, naw... I do not have the torque or the horses to be running big hills. So anyone going my way tomorrow, look for a curtainside crawling up the gap. Flip me off or yell at me on the CB.
     
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  5. 48Packard

    48Packard Ol' Two-stop Shag!

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    Stay 40. Take it easy from mm20 in NC to the end of the “No Trucks Left Lane” in TN. A few of those curves can reach out and grab the uninitiated, especially around the 19 and 7 mile markers.
     
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  6. Truckermania

    Truckermania Road Train Member

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    Take 40 all the way. No need to complicate matters.
     
  7. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    40 all the way, watch it at the border with that no left lane. Easy does it.

    There is a left one that swings curve somewhere along a river gulch there Im not sure exactly but watch it along there. You'll be fine. Everyone is going to be stacked up anyway.
     
  8. Swedish Chef

    Swedish Chef Heavy Load Member

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    40 is the most practical route. Stay out of that left lane in the gorge though. A 4 wheeler snitched out one of my company’s drivers last year for using it, they posted a picture right to their Facebook page and everything.

    As long as you’re not stuck behind some weekend warrior in an RV doing 35 mph, the gorge is a decent drive.
     
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  9. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    To Nashville? The only time anybody had to take 81 to and from NC was because of the rock slide years back. It's better to take the direct route. 40 all the way
     
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  10. win-some-loose-less

    win-some-loose-less Medium Load Member

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    I always get stuck behind some window licker running 40mpg through the gorge.its not even the tourist that’s a problem Thru there.. . Trucks will be lined up for a mile and finally get tired of said window licker and pass one by one.. It’s infuriating through there at times..
     
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  11. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    That slide goes some years back, I don't recall exactly but for slides it was a BIG one.

    That's another thing tourists don't know about mountains. If it's been raining (Fixing to storm where i am friday and you all get it sat am or Pm and that rock starts booming, don't stand there wondering wtf. Gtfo of there.
     
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