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sigbowman's avatar
sigbowman
Explorer
Jun 24, 2015

Tioga Pass

We plan to drive up to Tioga Pass from the east in a couple of days. Read that some RVers unhook tow car for the climb. How long would we drive downhill, separately, on the west side before being able to stop and hook up again? Our motor home is 30 ft. class A.
  • Many thanks for all the good advice. My husband is even more grateful. He really didn't want to unhook the car.
  • lanerd wrote:
    No need to disconnect toad. Been over that highway several times in our mh (much larger than 30') with the toad attached. Also, recommend a really nice little place to eat right where you turn off of 395 onto 120 called Whoa Nellie's Deli. Fantastic food.

    Dick, don't know what Tioga Pass you're referring to on Hwy 152. Our (California's) Tioga Pass is hwy 120 out of Lee Vining.

    Ron


    Thanks Ron. My mistake I was thinking of another mountain pass.
  • I have heard when we lived in CO - and pretty well documented and had personal experience years ago - that gas engines lose 4% of capacity per 1000 feet in elevation. Have driven it from Lee Vining over and back a few times and it is spectacular drive.
  • No need to disconnect toad. Been over that highway several times in our mh (much larger than 30') with the toad attached. Also, recommend a really nice little place to eat right where you turn off of 395 onto 120 called Whoa Nellie's Deli. Fantastic food.

    Dick, don't know what Tioga Pass you're referring to on Hwy 152. Our (California's) Tioga Pass is hwy 120 out of Lee Vining.

    Ron
  • Tioga Pass is located on CA120 between Lee Vining and Yosemite NP. The road climbs from 6800ft to 9700ft in about 8-9 miles then eases off until 10000ft at the entrance station. Then it's an easy downhill for many miles. There is a large turnout on the right just before the entrance station that would be a good place to reconnect the towd if needed.
  • Sig,

    The roads both sides of Tioga Pass are not that steep, but the pass tops out close to 10,000 MSL. That makes it hard going with a naturally aspirated engine. If you have a turbo-diesel, No Problem.

    Good Luck

    Matt
  • sigbowman wrote:
    We plan to drive up to Tioga Pass from the east in a couple of days. Read that some RVers unhook tow car for the climb. How long would we drive downhill, separately, on the west side before being able to stop and hook up again? Our motor home is 30 ft. class A.


    I don't remember Tioga Pass (152) being that steep and have never heard of any one unhooking the toad. Just gear it down going down. Check your weather application for winds.