Pikes Peak and my Roadtrek 210

retraite wrote:
Were it me, I'd rent a car in Colorado Springs, leave the RT at the car rental agency, and not worry a bit about either the trip up, or back down, or any wear or tear on the rental car.

While we sure like our PW, it ain't smart to push the envelope IMHO.

Jes sayin'.

Cheers.

What the heck 'envelop'?

The Express Van's systems are computerized. Just like anytime, don't overheat the systems going up or the brakes going down - No Big Deal.

About a million, billion vehicles have done just that with no problems - Fact.

Bud

retraite wrote:
Were it me, I'd rent a car in Colorado Springs, leave the RT at the car rental agency, and not worry a bit about either the trip up, or back down, or any wear or tear on the rental car.

While we sure like our PW, it ain't smart to push the envelope IMHO.

Jes sayin'.

Cheers.

I am with Retraite on this one. A few years ago we rented a car and drove to the top. Just watching some people arriving at the top and jumping out of their car and nearly falling to the ground from the lack of oxygen is amusing. Any problem will not be going up, it is coming down. With the long steep grades and a 4-1/2 ton RV it could be murder on the brakes and/or transmission in lst or 2nd for very long periods.
I would not take my RT to the top, put that wear and tear on a rental.

We stopped several times going up (several gift shops where one can buy water, etc.), and coming down the same thing. This was done in our 3/4 Suburban .. But one reason for stopping several times was for my lungs to adjust to the altitude, once on top, I could breathe, just could not talk above a whisper, but I did make it ! DH was driving, of course, but one of my goals was met!

There are warnings along the way down to watch for overheating, etc., so do stop occasionally and you should be ok.

You'd be surprised of the amount of engine overheating coming down the hill as compared to going up.

Once again, thanks to all and I am still interested in hearing about those that have done it in a class-B / C. Again, thanks!

I did some homework and found a few things that I had not known. 20 years ago the trip to the top was either free or very low cost ($12 / person now). 20 years ago, the road above the gift shop was dirt. I had no idea the road has been paved to the top. Makes me feel more comfortable.

The toll fee is minor to us. The photo opportunity with my wife and Meime (our RT) at the top of Pikes Peak is what I am really looking for.

First, at this time I think we will attempt this. Primarily because this is something my wife would like to do. I believe Meime will be able to reach the summit. The main issue is to pay attention to the gauges and pull over when (before) needed.

Secondly, going down is really the issue. transmission in first gear and stop at most if not all pull-outs to allow the transmission and brakes to cool. Something that I will need to really pay attention to.

I believe this is a "trek" that can be done. Simply be cautious and pay attention. Remembering it is the photo opportunity with Meime and her at the top of Pikes Peak that is the primary reason for the ascent.

Thanks again to all... I would still like to hear from those that have taken the road / trek in a class - B or C. I will report back on our experiences... assuming we do not go "over" the edge... lol

Eric
MeiMeAndUs.com
Don't forget the "i"

The other option is to leave your RV at the bottom and race your bike to the top this Sunday.

http://www.coscycling.com/hill-climb-event-flyer.html

The bikers would get a good laugh at the anxiety of the RVers about driving up.

loving retirement wrote:

retraite wrote:
Were it me, I'd rent a car in Colorado Springs, leave the RT at the car rental agency, and not worry a bit about either the trip up, or back down, or any wear or tear on the rental car.

While we sure like our PW, it ain't smart to push the envelope IMHO.

Jes sayin'.

Cheers.

I am with Retraite on this one. A few years ago we rented a car and drove to the top. Just watching some people arriving at the top and jumping out of their car and nearly falling to the ground from the lack of oxygen is amusing. Any problem will not be going up, it is coming down. With the long steep grades and a 4-1/2 ton RV it could be murder on the brakes and/or transmission in lst or 2nd for very long periods.
I would not take my RT to the top, put that wear and tear on a rental.

Not sure this is really that important. The Chevy Express van is a work horse and has a GVWR significantly more than the weight of the conversion. Even if you stuffed the Roadtrek ti the gills, it is doubtful you will be overloaded. Yes, it is a 19 mile trip but if you think about it, the drive to the Eisenhower tunnel on I-70 west of Denver is about the same length and reaches 11,000 feet, so not a giant difference.

If you don't want to drive, the cog railway takes passengers up and back for $19.00 each

If the primary purpose of the trip is to take pictures, and not really the experience of the drive, why not take the cog railway out of Manitou Springs ? Enjoyable ride.

I also have an RT210, and have done the trip to Colo Springs. My recommendation: take the cogwheel train to the top. They have a nice parking area across the train station to leave your RT safely. Then hop on the train and enjoy the ride. Leave the "driving" to the conductor. You will be in the highest cogwheel train in the Western Hemisphere, looking at some majestic views getting there as well as at the top.

Thanks again to all and your advice... I have a blog MeimeAndUs.com. If you take a few minutes to look at it, the blog focuses on my wife's journey with terminal cancer.

To keep her spirits up I post images of her as time passes and at different times. I use Meime (our RT) as a side show to disseminate her condition to others (family and friends). 20 years ago in early June (dirt road) we got about 200 yards from the summit... but because of snow we never made it.

The trip to Pikes Peak is a photo shoot with her and Meime... If that is not achievable... then there is no reason to go there, because there are other places in Colorado which we have not seen and would be places to go. Going to the summit has less value... (we have seen it before) unless Meime is also there.

I hope this clears up the reason for my interest.

Love all that have taken the time to respond. I truly do...

Thanks,

Eric