Mountain West/East Directories - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mountain West/East Directories

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ken,

The phrase "king pin" is a reference to the pin mounted under the front of the trailer, just as the pin on the pin box of a fifth wheel's front end. From the warning you are seeing, I am presuming that they are warning against any vehicle exceeding the 30' for using that road. Since a 40' motorhome doesn't articulate as a semi-truck/trailer would, I would venture that it might be best to not use those roads.

What I don't know is whether the tighter turning radius of many of the 40-footers would be helpful on those roads. Having never driven a 40' motorhome much, I'll have to defer to others as to the actual capability of the longer motorhomes on mountain roads.

Heh, even my limited knowledge of the "physics" of the problem is suspect. But, I would be likely to avoid them, just to be safe.

Terry

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Usually those roads have very sharp turns and possibly hairpin turns where you would have to use both lanes of the road to make the turns.

I'd stay off of them with a 40' MH. They probably wouldn't be much fun to be on with a large rig anyway.

Jim

lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Basically it's saying if you have a vehicle that is over 30' from the pivot point the king pin (or in the case of a MH the steer axle) and the rear axle, don't use these roads, sharp tight curves.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the replies.

CurveCarver · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jim probably states it best.
Tight turns (many that are "blind") that require using both lanes in order to make the turn. These roads are also often on steep grades and precipitous drop offs that can complicate maneuvering. "Not Advised" is not the same as "prohibited" (aka: don't go there) and are most safely negotiated with a safety vehicle (toad) leading the way. The other considerations include very slow progress that will irritate others that follow, and, if you find yourself in a predicament and need to turn around, good luck. Prepare for law enforcement ridicule.
All that being said, depending on how bad you want to go up or down that "Not advised" road, a 40 ft MH with a competent operator will be able to make it but be careful, and most prudently stop before you get on the road and investigate with a toad or motorcycle first. I have to tell you that some of these roads lead to outstanding destinations with spectacular vistas along the way. How adventurous are you? How important is it to you?
Good luck on your journey, keep two hands on the wheel, and don't sweat the small stuff.

Bruce

rvingft · RV-Dreams Family Member

Unless you get a kick out of the "oh S - - T!" adrenaline rush in your throat, those roads are being modest when they REALLY mean ... DON'T tackle this road in a tractor trailer or a large RV.

Once you've done one of those roads - ONCE - it will more than like be enough!

There's nothing like the feeling of not having enough brakes to slow down a rig, or needing both lanes +some to make a hairpin turn.

The "pretty scenery" is totally lost on the terror of your current situation.

Can you tell? I've BTDT a time or two in my truck-driving days. The shortcut was NOT worth the discomfort.
Yup, got the tee shirt! :D