I Just Have A Dumb Question, I Am Going Camping At The End Of November To The Smokies In Tennessee And I See Some Of The Elevation Is Over 5000 Ft. So,, The Question Is-- Is There A Certian Elevation That A Diesel Will Not Run? I'm Not Sure But I Thought I've Heard That Before. Thanks, Jim

 

If your try to climb Mt Kilimangaro or some such.....where ever there are public roads you should have no problem with elevation.

Of greater concern, if you are not experienced in driving "grades", is being gentle on the way up (watch your RPMs), go down in the same gear (or one lower) than you went up (don't know if you have an automatic), watch your braking (heat up). This is where when hauling a load an exhaust brake is helpful.

Take your time and be aware and you should have no problem.

Have a great trip !

 

Gee, I hope not. I have been at 12,000' on 11% grade with a 16,000# fiver on behind and did fine.
Bob

 

You could have a problem at 30,000 feet.
Make sure your brakes are working good before you go , hubs greased sometime in the last 12 months. An exhaust brake for the future is a good idea. You may want to talk to locals about the roads you are looking at relative to the size of your rig. I know some of those roads can be narrow, twisty and not recommeded for larger RV's.
Have a good one!

 

Grades not a problem,
BUT there are many secondary roads that have
switch backs that are difficult or unpassable with a tralier

 

I just happened to think about the smokies - - make sure what road you are on and how high your rig is - - there are some low bridges in dem dar hills. Get a Motor Carriers Atlas at a FlyingJ and check your route before going. I got caught on one - - luckily a park ranger came along and blocked traffic for me so I could go down the center of the road thru a low tunnel.
Bob

 

Thanks everyone. I will be towing my 32' 5th. wheel. The campground told me I have to use there directions or I can't get up to them. I'm not woried about the grades, I've towed threw up state New York, West Virginia, Pa etc.
I'll have to make sure I have enough propane looks like it gets cold at night.
Jim

 

Are you traveling west on I-40 through NC? If so you'll be going up Black Mountain, its a 8-10 mile 6-7% grade uphill. It's a long pull, just take it easy and you'll be fine.

 

The Smokies are just big hills! You'll be fine.

 

I'll shoot you a PM with the info, wife made reservation. The place is 12 miles outside of Gatlinburg.

 

Hope you enjoy your stay, But watch out for the over enforcement by THP, cheeck out this site, http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
There is also some links to where not to drive with a big trailer and get stuck, very helpfull. Also check out what they are doing to people out there with there enforcemnt.
Jeff

 

we went to gatlinburg/pigeon forge this summer. some of the roads in the mountains are narrow and have very sharp turns. Be alert and careful. I did see a huge motorhome on the same route we were on and he did fine.