Danford50
North Carolina
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Joined: 04/13/2009
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I want to go camping in virigina, around the shenandoah valley area, i would like to know how anyone who has been there would rate the roads weather ir is hilly or flat area. my reason for asking is my tv in my oponion can not handle to much of a hilly terrane, my tv is a 06 dodge 1500 with 3.92 gear axle with a 4.7 engine (v8)i am pulling a 08 keystone passport weight of 5100 lbs loaded. the only area i have tow is the flat area LIKE TO THE BEACH, i know this may start another long discussion abouting towing, that is not what i am looking for, what i am looking for is to expand my towing distance you can only enjoy the beach so much, i want to expand my horizon, seeing i am retiring 1/1/2010.
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Merrykalia
Southwest Virginia
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Joined: 04/18/2005
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I live in the mtns of VA, southwest area. We don't have hills - we have mountains. At least eastern mountains - not quite like the west.
Around the Shenandoah Valley area, the mountains are not too steep, not too long hauls. Most areas can be reached on interstates and there is only one pretty steep grade going up Fancy Gap at the VA/NC line. It's a pretty long haul - stay in right lane and take it nice and steadt - don't try to beat any speed records.
You should be within 20 - 30 miles from the interstate or 4-lane road for almost any campground within the Shenandoah Valley. Park the TT and use you pickup to sight see.
I don't know what part of NC you are in, but the Asheville area and East TN is aan awfully pretty area. You are right close to the Smokey Mtns there.
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mtcamperdude
MT
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My wife is from Shenandoah Valley. I haven't traveled too far from Woodstock VA, but from what I have seen the mountains are not too steep and you should be just fine with your tv.
2003 Chevy 2500HD D/A, 4x4, CC, SB
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Grumpygp
Long Island,N.Y.
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Joined: 03/19/2005
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I just returned home from Martinsville, VA. Route 220 between Martinsville and Roanoke has some hills, once you reach Roanoke 220 becomes Interstate 581 to Interstate 81. Most grades on 81 are not that bad. I tow with a Chevy 2500HD D/A
my trailer is a 2007 Jayco Eagle 322FKS wgt 9500 lbs loaded.Hope this helps
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Drbolasky
Allentown, PA
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We've been to VA several times and it is one of my favorite states for many reasons. I think you need to consult your owner's manual for the tow ratings of your Dodge. While you may not be exceeding your ratings I have a hunch you are awfully close. To me, getting there is half the fun but it is not much fun if your TV is not up to the task. Maybe others who own the TV that you do can give you more specifics.
Doug, Linda, Audrey & Andrew
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plascell
Lynchburg, VA
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Danford50 - You might slow down a bit on some of the I-81 grades and if you think that will be too much, then suggest you take US-11 up the valley. It is slower and local traffic, switching back and forth across I-81, but you will see and I think enjoy more. You have to get off the Interstate anyway to find CG and other points of interest.
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Dieselgem
Northeast
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Joined: 04/07/2005
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To answer your question directly, yes it is hilly. It is not beach towing. The interstates have slight grades which should not be a problem for you. I would map a route and then post the question here pertaining to the road you want to use.
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daystrom
NE Ohio
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I have basically the same setup. '05 Dodge 1500 4.7L w/3.92 axle. Trailer weighs about the same loaded.
You are gonna see a lot of 4,500 RPM pulls but you'll make it. That engine although on the small side is capable of doing the job. The power band is on the high RPM side so don't worry about it. The transmission is also a very well designed and robust unit.
My truck with 4 wheel drive is rated at 8,100 lbs. I believe the 4x2 is a bit more.
2010 AmeriLite 25BH
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shenandoahvalley
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
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IMHO you should not have too much trouble towing in the Shenandoah Valley. We are pulling about 6600# loaded with a F-250; 5.4 engine; 3:73 rears. We have done RT 211 and RT 33 over the mountains, we're not going real fast at the top but we make it just fine. I-81 has no real bad grades, we can top I-64 at Afton at about 55 mph. There are a lot of great CGs here, lots of things to see and do. Even different seasons at the same CG offers new experiences. I am trying not to sound too much like the Chamber of Commerce, but you will be able to pull the hills and there's lots to enjoy.
* This post was
edited 11/02/09 08:04am by shenandoahvalley *
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Thesubes
Eastern PA
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Joined: 03/31/2009
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We pulled through there on our way back from GA, beautiful rolling hills, so yes there's lots of ups and downs.
If you get on the Eastern part of the state Pocahontas State park was very nice.
Hubby, Wife, 16yo twins boys, 5yo boy, 2 yo girl
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