Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway with a fifth wheel

[Arnwrkr]

We have a Forest River Impression 270RK with a height of 13'2".  We would like to take the Blue Ridge Parkway on our way to Florida in Sept. I couldn't find any posts about driving this with a 5er.  Of course the tunnel heights are my main concern.  It looks like hugging the center line will work for all, but MP's 458, 459 and 461 are a bit close.  Here is the link to the tunnel heights:  https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/tunnel-heights.htm  I would appreciate any advice from someone who has done this.  My wife is "a little nervous" about the tunnels.  Thanks

Edited June 3, 2023 by Arnwrkr
url was not right

[palmeris]

As a motorcyclist that has traveled the entire length from Front Royal to Cherokee , I would never take anything that large on the parkway.  Your going to be to big to fit in the pull offs at the overlooks. The parkway is 2 lane with no shoulder,  lots of curves and elevation changes. 35 mph speed limits. There are no services on the parkway,  no fuel, food,etc. Park the 5ver at a campground.  Explore the parkway with your truck. 

[2gypsies]

https://www.technomadia.com/2021/09/tips-for-rving-the-blue-ridge-parkway-van-motorhome-trailer/#:~:text=With its twisty roads%2C sharp,best done in smaller units.

https://rvtailgatelife.com/tips-driving-rv-blue-ridge-parkway/

https://thetouringcamper.com/5-things-you-must-know-before-towing-a-camper-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway/

[Arnwrkr]

Thanks Palmeris and 2Gypsies.  That's the kind of knowledge you can't get from numbers.  It did sound too good to be true. I'm convinced.   I'll search another route.

Edited June 4, 2023 by Arnwrkr
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[Dennis Henderson]

We LIVED on the Blue Ridge Parkway for 3 seasons while we managed a visitor center/restaurant at milepost 339 called Crabtree Falls (used to be Crabtree Meadows) on the North Carolina section.  I would NEVER recommend anyone travel the BRP with a large rig.  It CAN be done, but it won't be pleasant.  You will be so busy watching out for bicyclists, motorcycles, slow-moving cars, and trying not to let any wheels go off the paved surface that it will totally ruin the drive for you.  It is also very hard on your brakes.  Even the passenger/co-pilot won't enjoy the ride as it will be too stressful.  Once again, I am sure there are those who have done it and will say "pooh-pooh" it was easy, but I witnessed too many folks pull into the campground at Crabtree Falls who said they would NEVER do it again and ask how they could get off the BRP as soon as possible.  That's another problem.  You can't just take any exit road that comes up.  Many of them are extremely dangerous for large or heavy vehicles because of switchbacks and steep grades , so your options are limited and you MUST do your research ahead of time.  Good luck to you.

Denny and Cindy Henderson

Currently at Curry Hammock State Park in the Florida Keys

[Second Chance]

7 minutes ago, Dennis Henderson said:

We LIVED on the Blue Ridge Parkway for 3 seasons while we managed a visitor center/restaurant at milepost 339 called Crabtree Falls (used to be Crabtree Meadows) on the North Carolina section.  I would NEVER recommend anyone travel the BRP with a large rig.  It CAN be done, but it won't be pleasant.  You will be so busy watching out for bicyclists, motorcycles, slow-moving cars, and trying not to let any wheels go off the paved surface that it will totally ruin the drive for you.  It is also very hard on your brakes.  Even the passenger/co-pilot won't enjoy the ride as it will be too stressful.  Once again, I am sure there are those who have done it and will say "pooh-pooh" it was easy, but I witnessed too many folks pull into the campground at Crabtree Falls who said they would NEVER do it again and ask how they could get off the BRP as soon as possible.  That's another problem.  You can't just take any exit road that comes up.  Many of them are extremely dangerous for large or heavy vehicles because of switchbacks and steep grades , so your options are limited and you MUST do your research ahead of time.  Good luck to you.

Denny and Cindy Henderson

Currently at Curry Hammock State Park in the Florida Keys

Having been camp hosts near the parkway in NC, I'll second this advice. 

Rob

[rynosback]

On 6/3/2023 at 6:52 PM, palmeris said:

As a motorcyclist that has traveled the entire length from Front Royal to Cherokee , I would never take anything that large on the parkway.  Your going to be to big to fit in the pull offs at the overlooks. The parkway is 2 lane with no shoulder,  lots of curves and elevation changes. 35 mph speed limits. There are no services on the parkway,  no fuel, food,etc. Park the 5ver at a campground.  Explore the parkway with your truck. 

100%.