Mountain pass Grades

I have done that trip several times pulling my 15 fiver.There are long pulls for sure,but nothing to keep you from making the trip.
The biggest worry for me would be the weather.I would not want to make the trip in snow.
If the weather cooperates,relax and enjoy the trip.

murals4you wrote:
Thanks guys for all the info. Have to admit I am not looking forward to this trip.

Going to be some 35 and 40mph stuff it looks like going up some of those hills!

Bob

Been up and down that pass quite a few times. Weather will be your only concern.

Gemstone wrote:
If you have not yet purchased this book "Mountain Directory West"....it is a great investment, and not that expensive.

Regards
Gemstone

What a waste of money

Thanks guys for all the info. Have to admit I am not looking forward to this trip.

Going to be some 35 and 40mph stuff it looks like going up some of those hills!

Bob

If you have not yet purchased this book "Mountain Directory West"....it is a great investment, and not that expensive.

Regards
Gemstone

I have pulled Grants pass a couple of times and its not that bad. There was a lot of road construction in that area about a year ago but not sure now.

As for Mt. Shasta you pass to the West of it on I-5 so there really is not grade to pull. Its fairly flat in that area.

Hopefully you use this braking technique to prevent brake fade:

DOT commercial Driver Manual:

5.4.6 – Proper Braking Technique
Remember. The use of brakes on a long and/or
steep downgrade is only a supplement to the
braking effect of the engine. Once the vehicle is in
the proper low gear, the following is the proper
braking technique:
• Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a
definite slowdown.
• When your speed has been reduced to
approximately five mph below your "safe"
speed, release the brakes. (This application
should last for about three seconds.)
• When your speed has increased to your "safe"
speed, repeat steps 1 and 2.
For example, if your "safe" speed is 40 mph, you
would not apply the brakes until your speed
reaches 40 mph. You now apply the brakes hard
enough to gradually reduce your speed to 35 mph
and then release the brakes. Repeat this as often
as necessary until you have reached the end of the
downgrade.

Can't help you on this one. We were out there this summer but took Rt. 101 all the way up the coast and stayed off I-5.

#4 of 10 for toughest passes in the U.S.

#4. SISKIYOU SUMMIT

Another brief but dangerous stretch of highway known for some of the steepest grades, winding turns, and inclement weather in our Interstate system is Siskiyou Summit. Located just south of Ashland, Oregon, it's the highest pass on I-5 at 4,310 feet above sea level. Depending on which way you're headed (north or south), the summit gains or loses 2,300 feet in altitude in just six miles on its 6 percent grades. The pass' close proximity to the Pacific Ocean combined with its high elevation and hazardous curves, brings with it brutal amounts of snowfall and freezing rain, which are known to force Oregon D.O.T. officials to shut down the entire highway on occasion during winter.


Read more: http://www.dieselpowermag.com/towing/0911dp_10_toughest_tows_in_america/#ixzz3JjxQmfBG

I'm looking in "Mountain Directory West". Siskiyou Summit on I-5 southbound is max. 6% downhill for 2.25 m, then 4% for 1.5 m, then 6% for 1.5m, then 4% for 1.25m, then 6% for 1.5 m, then 4% for 2m. There is then an inspection station, "all vehicles must stop". 4 m. after that, 6% descent, then 6% climb for 4 m, then 5% down for 3 miles.

There is no grade information for I-5 in the Mt. Shasta area.

North of Grant's Pass, Oregon, there are four summits. Max descent is 6%. Descent lengths are 3 miles, 2miles, 2miles, and 2 miles on south sides.