Eastern KY to Williamsburg VA - MOUNTAINS?
So if we leave the Ashland/ Huntington area and head to Williamsburg what route is best? We're from FL and I'm pulling a 6000lb TT with a F150 and looking at routes with WV mountains in the way. What...
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Just a comment about riding and using the brakes down long grades. I have driven this route many times and I use this method without any issues. There is one major point on 64 that will cause problems if you are not prepared for it. Going into the New River area it is 6% for a few miles. Some improper techniques in driving heavy rigs have caused accidents. Don't be afraid of this area, just use common sense. Riding your brakes for long distances will heat them to the point of complete failure. At the top as you start down just slow down, shift into second gear if you wish and then continue. Don't downshift if you are running 70 mph!
Keep your speed low as you start down, say 55 or so. As your speed increases to 60 get on the brakes rather hard for a second or two, bleed off about 10 mph quickly, then let it coast back up to about 60. As it coasts back up to 60 the brakes are cooling. Brake again rather sharply to bleed off about 10 mph and let off. Using this method will not heat your brakes up like riding them. You could pick slower speeds too. Don't worry about those behind you as most drivers will just pass and realize you are braking for saftey. I have on occasion tried to keep my speed below 50. When you bleed off 10 mph it takes a while for speed to build again, especially if you downshift to a lower gear.
Keep your speed low as you start down, say 55 or so. As your speed increases to 60 get on the brakes rather hard for a second or two, bleed off about 10 mph quickly, then let it coast back up to about 60. As it coasts back up to 60 the brakes are cooling. Brake again rather sharply to bleed off about 10 mph and let off. Using this method will not heat your brakes up like riding them. You could pick slower speeds too. Don't worry about those behind you as most drivers will just pass and realize you are braking for saftey. I have on occasion tried to keep my speed below 50. When you bleed off 10 mph it takes a while for speed to build again, especially if you downshift to a lower gear.
