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Topic: Mountain Driving (Read 1263 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Mountain Driving

Reply #25 –
I avoided the long steep grades when out west as I have no aux braking...just the service brakes.  Even in the Blue Ridge last week there were spots where I lowered the gear to 4th and took it easy coming down.  I'm not sure I buy into the "can't do it without the retarder or exhaust brake" as why would they build a MH that can climb any interstate in the country but I don't want to be the test case.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Mountain Driving

Reply #26 –
Trucks and buses without Jakes or retarders have been going down grades since they built roads. Only one apparatus I drove had a trans retarder (1000 gallons of water and 200 gallons of diesel) and my Buffalo bus conversion had only the drums to stop it. By downshifting and not riding the brakes, you can come down any grade. That's what the slow lane is for on the interstates. On grades using two lane roads, worry about yourself, NEVER the impatient traffic behind you.

If your brakes are in good shape and you are familiar with your transmission, just turn off the radio and pay attention. It's just no big deal. If still concerned, read about it online and get tips from professional long haul truckers before you head out.

The only rigs I have seen that got into trouble were in too much of a hurry and should have been down a couple more gears.

If you ever get side to side steering wheel movement when you apply the brakes or the brakes seem to catch and release when almost stopped, the disks or drums are warped/out of round and need to be replaced. It can get much worse (scary) when they are hot.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)
 

Re: Mountain Driving

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Christis Dream –
We will be leaving Denver in a few weeks and heading west over the Rockies.  We would love to hear from the voices of experience any tips/pitfalls of mountain driving you may have encountered along the way. 

We are planning on stopping near Grand Junction (winery), then Moab & finally the Grand Canyon (very excited).  We would love to hear about any other places you may have enjoyed along this route.

Thanks

Christi & Ray

There are many fantastic places along your route.  Colorado National Monument at Grand Junction was built just for driving through.  There is an east and west entrance.  The campground is near the west entrance.  The main part of the 2 lane paved road is up high on a mesa.  The west end is a little bit steeper than the east end with lots of nice curves.  We stayed in a private campground at Moab and used the toad to visit Arches and Canyonlands.  Visit Landscape arch in the morning and Delicate Arch in the evening for good pictures.  Dead Horse Point SP near Moab is supposed to be very nice, but I haven't been there.  Indian fuel station at White Mesa on 191 south of Blanding if you are going through Monument Valley.  Free camping at Goosenecks SP near Mexican Hat, (no Park personnel or facilities at Goosenecks).  Utah 95 from Blanding to Capitol Reef NP and then Utah 12 to Bryce Canyon NP is a very scenic drive.  Capitol Reef is a well kept secret.  If you can't get in the campground at Grand Canyon try Ten X south of Tusayan.  Have a great time.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt