Going Over The Grape Vine
We will be traveling from AZ to WA and have never attempted the Grape Vine. We have a 2011, 30' B+ with the Ford V10, towing a 3K lb car. For years we have been by-passing the Grape Vine, but that ad...
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Twice to three times a year I tow my 15,000lb 5th wheel over the Grapevine with no problem. Down hill and up hill I use first gear and keep the speed down to prevent over revving the engine.
Downhill- I use the stab and release brake technique. You decide on the speed you want to maintain. Allow the MH to climb 5-10MPH above that speed and then brake until your speed drops to 5-10MPH below the speed you decided. Get off the brakes and when your speed creeps up above your limit the use the brakes again. This will allow the brakes to cool in between brake applications.
You may be able to use a higher gear than first to maintain a safe down hill speed. I had to use first due to the weight of my trailer.
Uphill the goal is to not lug the engine. You want to find a gear that keeps your revs around the normal (or a little lower) tach reading when you are in high gear on flat and level raod.
The first time you hit the Grapevine will be a white knuckle drive but as you get towards the bottom and realize it's not that bad you'll relax.
For those that done't know the Grapevine is I-5 north of Los Angeles as it crosses the San Andreas Fault towards Bakersfield.
Downhill- I use the stab and release brake technique. You decide on the speed you want to maintain. Allow the MH to climb 5-10MPH above that speed and then brake until your speed drops to 5-10MPH below the speed you decided. Get off the brakes and when your speed creeps up above your limit the use the brakes again. This will allow the brakes to cool in between brake applications.
You may be able to use a higher gear than first to maintain a safe down hill speed. I had to use first due to the weight of my trailer.
Uphill the goal is to not lug the engine. You want to find a gear that keeps your revs around the normal (or a little lower) tach reading when you are in high gear on flat and level raod.
The first time you hit the Grapevine will be a white knuckle drive but as you get towards the bottom and realize it's not that bad you'll relax.
For those that done't know the Grapevine is I-5 north of Los Angeles as it crosses the San Andreas Fault towards Bakersfield.
