I-90 Homestake Pass

Thanks for all the support and suggestions. Couldn't get it out of my mind, so we decided to travel a different route that we are familiar with. A day or two more, but we are full timing and have no time limit.

NMountain States Directory just like to scare folks!! IMHO - the authors are vrey much on the cautious side of reality. I think they have never driven most of the roads they report on - just look at topo maps or the word of whoever!!

To add to what I posted earlier. Use your retarder and you won't have any problems. 2ed gear would be preferable to first as 2ed gear has/will lock the converter and first won't.
Bill

SGTJOE wrote:
My indicator shows 2, but even at 35mph it will gain speed and the tranny will shift to accomodate the rpms

You are going to be at 25 mph most of the way down so that will not be a problem, I think I was in 2nd but not sure. I rarely look at the gear indicator. The Allison does a good job of managing the speed with just an occasional application of the brake.

My indicator shows 2, but even at 35mph it will gain speed and the tranny will shift to accomodate the rpms

Depending on your load I would think 2 or 3 would be fine. If you are picking up speed just use your brakes to slow down and downshift if you need to. Once I am down to 3ed I have no problem staying slow.
Bill

Would 1st gear on my Allison 6 speed be the best?

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It is steep, but we have never had any issues, take your time and you shouldn't either

We just did it last week and had no problems. The exhaust brake did a good job of holding us back. The speed limit is very low so once you slow down to that speed (25 mph, if I remember correctly) and you will already be pretty well slowed down by the climb, it's very easy for the exhaust brake to hold you there with just a touch of your brake occasionally.