Each year, the Smoky Mountains are transformed in one of the most exciting auto events in the Southeast, the widely known Rod Run. Every year thousands of classic cars, muscle cars, and one of a kind open the hoods and allow the sun to shine in at the Great Smoky Mountain Classic Car Show held in Pigeon Forge.
You can look forward to a treat, if you are an R.V. tourist, and are intending to celebrate the holiday. However, to make the most of the drive, you will want to consider some RV-friendly tips to help ensure a hassle-free and smooth trip.
You may be taking your first trip to the Rod Run or you may have attended in the past, an RV can offer you all the conveniences and comfort a weekend excursion may offer. Some prior planning will allow you to maximize the experience and to avoid the common pitfalls and speed bumps.
Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
Traffic during Rod Run is often heavy, particularly along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, where the event is based. Before you get on the road, map out your route to avoid choke points. Navigation apps can be helpful, but keep in mind that RVs require extra care with road width, turning clearance and low bridges.
It is a good idea to check on alternate routes coming into town and know where you’ll park or set up camp the minute you get here. One of the classic RV friendly trips is arriving a day or two early to avoid the crowds.
Book Campsites in Advance
Rod Run is one of the most active times of year in the Smokies. Campgrounds and R.V. parks book up quickly; reservations are a must. Explore RV-friendly sites complete with full hookups, leveled parking pads, and convenient access to Pigeon Forge.
And some campgrounds will shuttle you to the event as well, which is an extremely valuable RV friendly tip, because you don’t have to drive or try to park somewhere.
Call the venue in advance to find out the size of your site; RVs are available in a range of sizes and lengths. Pull-through spaces are particularly handy if you have a big rig.
Many RV travelers choose Gateway during the Rod Run Season at Pigeon Forge because of its convenient location, large RV sites, and friendly park community that keeps them coming back.
Check Your RV Before the Trip
One side of that equation is Rod Run, which attracts car lovers who enjoy the beauty of historical vehicles, but your modern travel RV deserves similar attention. Full check before you go:
- Tires: Inspect tread depth and tire pressure. RVs are heavy and the ride is only as good as your tires.
- Brakes: Make certain that they are up to mountain driving.
- Fluids: Oil, coolant and transmission fluid levels should be full.
- Generator: Run it so you don’t lose power.
- Slide-outs and seals: Everything should function smoothly and not leak.
A little preventive maintenance means fewer breakdowns in the middle of the Smoky Mountain traffic. One pro-tip that many campers use is to have an RV setup checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten when you pull into your new campground.
Pack Smart for Comfort and Safety
RV travel is about combining mobility with comfort. The perfect supplies can help make your trip stress-free. Include these in your Rod Run packing list, or create your own Ultimate RV Packing Checklist to make sure you don’t forget these necessities.
Here’s what to bring to Rod Run for the event and for the campground:
- Folding chairs and shade canopies for lounging and watching the cars go by.
- Portable grill or camp stove to help prepare meals on location.
- First aid kit and emergency tools for good measure.
- Snacks and drinks to stave off long food lines.
- Event necessities such as cameras, binoculars and comfortable walking shoes.
This combo camping gear and event supply pack will have you ready for both the road and the fun.
Drive with the Smokies in Mind
The roads in the Smoky Mountains tend to be beautiful and winding. These paths may be difficult to drive with an RV but scenic. The following are some of the RV friendly tips to consider when traveling with an RV:
- Reduce the gear when climbing down steep hills to prevent fatigue of your brakes.
- Keep a moderate pace especially in the twists.
- Spacing in the traffic should be increased.
- Note the existence of wildlife crossings in the outskirts.
Unless you have training in mountain driving, you had better practice in advance, or take highways that avoid the steepest passes.
Manage the Crowds
Rod Run is more than a car show, it’s a party. Anticipate crowded streets, busy traffic and massive crowds. To ensure you can enjoy the whole day without too much anxiety, consider these RV friendly tips:
- Leave your RV on your campsite and use alternate modes of transportation, such as shuttles, bicycles, or, if you’re close enough, walking.
- Go when the crowd is smaller and that’s early in the day.
- Plan a meeting spot if your group gets separated.
Managing the crowds will help you enjoy the fun, and keep control of the chaos.
Connect with Fellow RVers
The mutual trust and friendship are some of the best things about bringing your RV to Rod Run. Your campgrounds will be full of like-minded automotive and travel enthusiasts. Meet, chat with and share RV friendly tips with fellow Campers.
It is just nice to be surrounded by people which adds to the enjoyment of the Smoky Mountain getaway.
Make Time for the Smoky Mountains
Although it’s clear that Rod Run is the star attraction, the Smokies themselves have things to do near Gateway RV Campground. Nature is found everywhere in the area, whether it is on the Blue Ridge Parkway or hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Take advantage of how an RV is multi-purpose and explore outside of the event area. Take a side trip to Cades Cove or Clingmans Dome to get some relief against your other visitors and to appreciate the mountain views.
Remember this experience but balance and enjoy the event time with relaxing downtime in the great outdoors as well.
Prepare for All Weather
It can remain sunny or rainy or you may find September afternoons in the Smokies are cooler. Pack layers, rain clothes and an extra blanket to keep you warm on a chilly evening in the RV. Get ready and the elements will not come into play during your Rod Run experience.
Final Thoughts
Rod Run is not just a car show but also a hobby which brings thousands of car culture and mountain lifestyle lovers. Hiring an RV to attend the festival also implies that you can attend the festival comfortably and conveniently.
With the time and effort invested in preparing, ensuring your RV is in a good state, and putting into practice the RV friendly tips which are RV friendly in nature you will be in a better position to have a smoother ride as you cross the Smokies.
If you’re ready to enhance your Rod Run experience, check out the comfort and convenience of https://gatewayrvc.com/ as your home base for all the fun the Smokies has to offer.
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