Towing in overdrive

herd · Oct 4, 2009

Funny you say that as that is exactly the trip I took in June that began me to wonder if I had problems. It was that long, I think 7 mile grade, inside VA on I-81 and a number of other serious mountains.

Gave me a real strong re-appreciation of "Beach camping."

FlaDon · Oct 4, 2009

herd said:
Funny you say that as that is exactly the trip I took in June that began me to wonder if I had problems. It was that long, I think 7 mile grade, inside VA on I-81 and a number of other serious mountains.

Gave me a real strong re-appreciation of "Beach camping."

Truckers take I-81 to avoid the one on I-77 NB.

Both roads join and split near Wytheville/Ft Chiswell, VA. Which by the way, is a good place to stop for fuel. It's our last fuel stop NB and our second stop SB coming or going from here. And yeah, if you did that grade you probably saw a couple truck parked on the side of the road as there normally are one or two semis that have to call for a tow before they get to the top. Some that do make it are down to 5 MPH reaching the crest. Most loads are at 30 or less. It's a place where you don't want a brake failure either. But there are 7 escape ramps spaced a mile apart on the downgrade side. Snow storms on that strech are fun too. Even as late as May.

Bird · Oct 5, 2009

Both roads join and split near Wytheville/Ft Chiswell, VA. Which by the way, is a good place to stop for fuel.

Which is something I've done many, many times. The first Flying J I ever heard of was at Wytheville, although I've also stopped at several of the other "truck stops" for fuel or for a meal

Incidentally, the first "Outlet Mall" I ever saw was at Wytheville.

FlaDon · Oct 6, 2009

Bird said:
Which is something I've done many, many times. The first Flying J I ever heard of was at Wytheville, although I've also stopped at several of the other "truck stops" for fuel or for a meal

Incidentally, the first "Outlet Mall" I ever saw was at Wytheville.

And the weird part is, there are 2 Flying Js there.