Elevations of Highway Passes - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Russ Ranger · RV-Dreams Family Member

Elevations of Highway Passes

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mountain Directory, print books, e-books and iOS apps - http://www.mountaindirectory.com/.

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

Remember, it isn't the height of the pass but the amount of climb and the length of the climb. If you are starting at sea level and climbing 5,000 feet, that's a long haul. Starting at 3,000 feet and climbing to 5,000 isn't such a problem.

Agree, get the Mountain directories (West & East) and you will be good to go. For a rule of thumb, most interstates are a 6% climb, though again, you need to know if that is over 4 miles or 20 miles.

Barb

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

We use Mountain Pass Directory and the Allstays Truck & RV app.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

We used to use the Mountain directories but no longer see the need. Our trips are planned for the destination not the roads getting there. We prefer secondary roads to interstates and the drive to the destination is as much fun as getting there. We try never to take the same route twice and have found most roads are well marked.

If I'm concerned about a particular road I'll take a look at it from Google maps.

What bothers me more is the condition of some roads. It has really beat our rig up. But that's life and we won't let it stop our travels.

Aurora Borealis · RV-Dreams Family Member

I find this mountain driving very intimidating.
Could someone please list a step #1, step #2, step #4 for figuring out what is a safe route to go?
Between RandMcNally GPS, Allstays Truck & RV apps, Mountain Directory App and something like Roadtrippers which draws and saves a route?
I had considered going to the Great Smoky Mtn NP and read about some RVers going off a cliff. Didnt make me feel eager to go.
I have a 35 ft gas Class A, workhorse W22 496 chassis, 5 speed Allison transmission, Stabilizer bar, Firestone Airbags, and really dont understand how i determine a route and whether it is safe for my rig?
I am a solo woman with a huge learning curve as to vehicles, rv equipment, but I'm gradually learning more and getting confident.
Thanks so much for any help!

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

Stick to Interstates and U.S. Highways or other Major roads & you won't have a problem. First lesson is take your time. Don't feel you have to 'keep up' with anyone. Learn hoe to downshift your rig and what RPM for your rig you need to stay below.

Coming down, at the top, start in the same gear you came up in, or one below. If you came up in 4th, start down in third and up shift if you are going too slow. Use brakes to slow down 10-15 mph, then get off them and let transmission hold you down. When speed inches up, use brakes again, then get off them to cool. Slow and steady is how you want to go. Most accidents are because of speed.

Barb

A-S Travelers · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't worry about going off of the cliff. After all, I have never driven off the highway when driving on any highway, including local two lane highways. So why would I go off a cliff in the mountains. Especially, since in the mountains I would go extra slow and be extra careful.

I agree it is intimidating driving in the mountains, but if you take it slow and careful and start out with smaller mountains and hills until you get experience you will be fine.

The secret to going up hill is to select a lower gear and keep your RPM's up in the 3000 to 4500 range, for a gas engine. (check your owners manual for a diesel). Also watch your temperature gauge, if it starts to climb, shift to a lower gear and/or find a place to pull over and let things cool down. A couple of times I have been in 1st gear at 10-15mph.

Going down hill, so slow. Start off slow get into a lower gear. If I have a 7% grade coming up I'll start at about 35-40mph in 3rd. If I have to step on the brakes more than every 30 seconds to 1 minute then I am going too fast and will shift to 2nd gear and slower speed. On some really steep and windy roads I have been in 1st gear and 15mph until the road straightens out & levels out some.

When you use your brakes, press hard and plan on bringing your speed down by about 15mph in 10-15 seconds of braking. If you gain that 15mph in less than 30 seconds to 1 minute, you are going too fast. Slow down and get into a lower gear.

Many times you can come down a 5 mile 7% grade only pressing on the brakes to slow down for a curve. The engine and transmission will keep your speed down w/o using your brakes.