Forum Discussion
rowekmr
Aug 17, 2014Explorer
I just drove the same route I think I took on my maiden voyage in my new (then) TT almost 7 years ago but this time in my wife's small car and almost can't believe that I wasn't scared then. The curves, inclines and declines had me challenged and concerned in a car. Maybe I am just getting more careful in my age.
blt2ski wrote:rowekmr wrote:
I think the steepest I have been on was 7% and it was in/near Chattanooga, TN IIRC. It was the only time my 00 Excursion downshift 2 gears and I still had to floor it to maintain 55 mph with trailer in tow.
Generally speaking, due to federal rules. Interstates will not be above 6%, with short bursts to 8%. Local city, county and state roads, especially forest service etc, you can see grades well above these amounts. Drive around the greater Seattle area in Puget Sound, road grade signs 15-18% are quite abundant. I know of one block on the north side of Queen Anne hill that is 24.5%. 11.5" of rise per 48" according to my tape and 48" level! Not a fun place to park while unloaded block for a wall I was building.
Then if you come out to Mt Hood, take the road up to Timberline, that is 10% for 10 miles or so. Even more fun coming down in a snow storm with a trailer in tow!
Marty
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