Gassers - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gassers

Defiant · RV-Dreams Family Member

Speedhitch, We have a 36' Winnebago with the V-10 and we have traveled the mountain roads around Grand Teton NP and Yellowstone NP, The uphills can be slow going as the V-10 and Ford tranny tend to run up the rpms on the climb so it was a learning curve since we don't have the mountains like that here on the east coast , we found that the "tow/haul" helped on the uphills ,we even had to go to 3rd for one climb , I don't like running the engine at the High rpms so I am willing to go at a lower gear and slower speed. Like they say "It ain't a diesel".
Now as far as the downhill side with the 6% grades we used "tow/haul" and let the engine and trans do the work with as little braking as possible without any issues, the biggest thing is not to overheat the brakes , after a little practice and seat time spent I was much more confident . Being a little apprehensive is to be expected and if you have any apprehensions rule #1 is GO SLOW ,BE SAFE.

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Defiant...I hope to have more folks pipe in here. I know many...maybe even yourself...wonder if they could ever explore the mountains in their Gasser. I for one will take your advise and try it out. We don't want to give up seeing something because we are afraid to try. I will be sure to come back here and report my adventures as we climb.

-- Edited by Speedhitch on Monday 15th of April 2013 07:15:37 AM

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have a 454 onboard a 99 Safari Trek and have no problems on steep climbs & descents.... but then again Im the guy doing 55 enjoying the view and in no hurry to get there!!!

Come to think of it ....Getting there is not in my Travel intinerary ........!!!!!!!

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Monday 15th of April 2013 07:21:44 AM

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Mike...I might catch up to you if you keep going slow...SLOW is the key word in all this. I will be doing the same.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Like Lucky Mike, my first dually that I pulled my 15000 lb 5th wheel with (total combined weight 22,400) had a 454 gas non-fuel injection with a 3 speed automatic.

To climb a 6% percent grade I would be in first gear travelling between 22 to 25 MPH. 2nd gear would lug the engine, I kept it in 1st gear to make it easier on the drivetrain. Beyond 30 MPH approached over revving the engine in first gear so I chose 25 MPH as my maximum. We got to see a lot of scenery as we climbed...."hey honey I think that lizard had blue eyes".

Going down a 6% grade was also in 1st gear using the extreme braking technique to keep the speed between 20 and 25 MPH while trying to save the brakes.

Once you do the downhill thing a few times and realize the extreme braking technique works great the white knuckles go away.

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Bear...At one time in the RVing history gasoline engines is all we had. Thousand of folks passed over these mountains without a Turbo Charger. Now we have the diesels with power to spare. I hope this enables gassers to try and explore the possibilities of mountain adventures.
I know that I feel better already and will try some mountain climbing.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

was taught well........never descend the hill more than 10 to 15 mph faster than you climbed it....

if all else fails install a set of drag chutes on the unit!!!!!!!!.....(causes less damage than the runaway ramp...and you get to look cool!!)

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Back in my "trucking" days, they used to always say that one wanted to start out on the downhill side in one gear below the gear where one finally reached to summit. So, if one topped in 3rd, one started down in 2nd.

When using the brakes, brake hard enough to drop 10 to 15 miles per hour (or more if that makes one more comfortable) and then get back off the brakes and go back to using the transmission.

Terry