Forum Discussion

LaurenBrianRV's avatar
LaurenBrianRV
Explorer
Aug 20, 2019

Beginner RV Owners and the Sonora Pass

My husband and I are new to RV Ownership, quite by accident. We love it so far. After a few trips in our used 35 foot motor home, we finally ventured outside of our home county. Google maps took us on the fastest route to Pinecrest Lake, which included the Sonora Pass. As the navigator, I took the blame for choosing the route. But honestly, as a newbie, how would I know about the 15% to 26% grade? The signs only said 15% grade and big trucks use low gears. That's not exactly a blinking red flag. In any case, there was no traffic, we took it very slowly, 1st gear, 14 miles per hour. My husband was pissed, I thought it was beautiful and felt less anxious. We made it, but we could smell the breaks overworking for 40 minutes. The road is newly paved. Of course, neither of us will ever repeat it. It was scary. Are there any other roads we should avoid? I didn't even know about this forum before now. Thanks!
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  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2019
    Just learn how to drive in the mountains. Sonora Pass is a good warm up for places like Ebbetts Pass. Stay out of Colorado for awhile.

    Over time you will get used to it.
    Most maps will show the road hierarchy. Pay attention to the color and thickness of roads on the map. Interstates and US highways like 50 are the easiest routes. State highways can be much more difficult.

    Learn not to get pissed off at the navigator.
    "Lookin for adventure and whatever comes our way." Steppenwolf.
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2019
    LaurenBrianRV wrote:
    ........ Are there any other roads we should avoid? I didn't even know about this forum before now. Thanks!


    When you are planning a trip on roads you are unfamiliar with, make a post in these forums describing your route. People can help point out issues, and inevitably someone here has been on those roads recently.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2019
    suggest you pick up a copy of the Trucker’s Mountain Directory. it comes in two volumes, east and west. there are print and digital versions.

    welcome to RVing!

    Mountain Directory
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2019
    TomTom taking me down a 13% grade in the Catskills taught me that lesson early on. Get a trucker's atlas and use it to check any route the GPS gives you.

    Also, Google Earth has a profile feature. Set a route and right click on the blue line. It brings up the route profile. Looks like this.

  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2019
    Been there and done that and never will again.

    My problem was I was towing my Jeep and was alone, if I had my wife I could have unhooked Jeep and her drive it and helped out the motorhome, yes my front brakes to were hot and at times I was down to 15 to 20 mph in 1st gear gas pedal to the floor..

    Never again, took 5 years off my life..

    But at least I can say I did it... :W
  • Travelon's avatar
    Travelon
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2019
    Wow, Sonora Pass...good initiation to the RV World. The rest will Easy Peasy.
    We all learn as we go, this a good forum to ask questions before, during and after travel.

    Welcome Aboard,

    Travelon

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