NJ(Philly area)-NC (Waynesville)
 

Hi- I’ve only driven to Waynesville NC twice. Both times were thru MD-I81. The problem both times was losing engine power in the hilly areas. At times it was scary when I couldn’t accelerate. And both times I was driving a rental mid-size SUV. Is this normal to happen or is there a “trick” to bypass this or maybe ask for a bigger SUV- which we need for 1 adult & 3 teenagers plus luggage & on way back a few boxes helping my dad clear out my mom’s belongings. I want to add I’m a 63yo grandma- not afraid of traffic just not a fan

Welcome to Fodors Forums. Your thread was moved to the United States board.

If you google you'll get several routes--and not I81. I95 south to I40. 95 to probably Richmond would be traffic. On south and I40 is pretty clear driving IME.
As for your car, do you ever gear down when doing a hill? That seems really unusual.