Are you scared of taking your toad and MH's over the mountains ( let's say out west). If your loaded and within your weight capacity and towing capacity of the rigs you own, would mountain driving stop you from taking a trip? The reason for the question is some people seem to think one engine might not be capable because, well ,it's just not one of the big boys ( I'm referring to diesel vs diesel). I'm really dumbfounded by the reasons. You'll have to go 30 mph, or it's gonna struggle, or your coach is too big, etc. So, if your rig is maintained and in top working condition, and within it's designed capacities would a mountain out west stop you in your planning?

et2, we just came through Colorado going over the Vail pass. We do go slow as we weigh just over 40,000 lbs. with our 425 Cummins. We did slow to 30 on the steepest part of the hill which is a long, long, climb. It is just over 10,000 ft. above sea level.Our engine temp will go up but not too much as the computer will control the engine and transmission. Our temps went up to about 210-215 for the engine and trans as our normal is 197 for the engine and about 203 for the trans. We just sat back and enjoyed the view (beautiful) but I could hear the radiator fan roaring when we drove next to a higher guard wall.MM.

I have never read any posts here by anyone, with any rig, that could not make it up the mountain, and down the other side. Some claim faster speeds, but they all make it up to the top.The West has so many beautiful areas that to not go there, because you think your rig can't make it up a mountain pass, is going to cause you to miss some of the most beautiful scenery this country has to offer.

Nope. Being running my rig over mountain passes for years and much bigger rigs my whole life. What's the issue, I don't understad?

BigSkyBob wrote:Nope. Being running my rig over mountain passes for years and much bigger rigs my whole life. What's the issue, I don't understad?Go read the Cummins 360 hp thread. I agree, what's the issue? I wonder why some people are so concerned? Is it a race to the top thing? Who does it more efficiently? Who does it using less gas? Bottom line -unless your overloaded - forget about it. Have fun.

Absolutly not !!!! to both questions. And I have a gasser.

Are you scared of the mountains!! | Good Sam Community

Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
et2, we just came through Colorado going over the Vail pass. We do go slow as we weigh just over 40,000 lbs. with our 425 Cummins. We did slow to 30 on the steepest part of the hill which is a long, long, climb. It is just over 10,000 ft. above sea level.

Our engine temp will go up but not too much as the computer will control the engine and transmission. Our temps went up to about 210-215 for the engine and trans as our normal is 197 for the engine and about 203 for the trans. We just sat back and enjoyed the view (beautiful) but I could hear the radiator fan roaring when we drove next to a higher guard wall.

MM.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Jun 21, 2014
I have never read any posts here by anyone, with any rig, that could not make it up the mountain, and down the other side. Some claim faster speeds, but they all make it up to the top.
The West has so many beautiful areas that to not go there, because you think your rig can't make it up a mountain pass, is going to cause you to miss some of the most beautiful scenery this country has to offer.
BigSkyBob
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
Nope. Being running my rig over mountain passes for years and much bigger rigs my whole life. What's the issue, I don't understad?
et2
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
BigSkyBob wrote:
Nope. Being running my rig over mountain passes for years and much bigger rigs my whole life. What's the issue, I don't understad?

Go read the Cummins 360 hp thread. I agree, what's the issue? I wonder why some people are so concerned? Is it a race to the top thing? Who does it more efficiently? Who does it using less gas?

Bottom line -unless your overloaded - forget about it. Have fun.
harold1946
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
Absolutly not !!!! to both questions. And I have a gasser.
2Bargos
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
I somewhat live in the mountains ,nothing like out west but its part of daily driving so I have no choice.As others have mentioned just take your time and everything will work fine.

As long as coach is in proper condition and loaded according to specs then go for it.
SoCal_Kevin
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
The race to the top has already been addressed, so I'll go the other way... We began camping in a popup. I was always concerned about having brake issues with my Suburban in the mountains pulling the popup.

Now, with the two-stage Jake, driving in the mountains is much more relaxed. Easy up and easy down.
rocmoc
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
It is not a problem. If your engine temp gets too high climbing, just pull over. Most diesels cool down in a couple of minutes. Leave the engine running, do not turn it off. You will be back on the road in a short time. Going down, use your exhaust brake if you have one and go slow. We never worry about how slow we may climb or go down a grade. We can easily be seen by the other drivers, but we do use our flashers once we drop to 45 mph. Out West you will see plenty of other RVs & Trucks taking it slow. Have fun and good luck!

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
Turbo_Diesel_Du
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
Been all over first with our Gold Wing towing a small camper then with a Jeep Wrangler towing our A-Liner then with our travel trailers. All had brakes except for the A-Liner and our Wing trailer. Never a problem except for the A-Liner once. Just slowed and let the brakes cool.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Jun 21, 2014
only when big foot cross,s the road,

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Are you scared of the mountains!!

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