Descending down a mountain
1st timer hauling North Carolina mountains. Little nervous about the descent on the way back to flat land. I will be towing my parents TT which is 7500lbs total weight. Give me any tips or pointer...
Forum Discussion
spoon059 wrote:
If you need to brake, I believe it is preferred to stab your brakes hard and quick rather than ride the brake pedal. The idea is that a quicker and more sudden brake...
No, DON'T stab your brakes hard and quick. It could lead to a loss of control and can create a hazard for motorists behind you.
Ease on and continue to firm and slowing, then abruptly let off the brakes and allow a cooling interim if possible.
Easing on allows the entire rig to load up the towing connections, brakes, drive axles, etc in a controlled manner, then apply controlled and firm braking.
You absolutely want to avoid "panic braking" in most situations, especially downhill steep grades and especially on sharp turns.
Reduce your speed before reaching sharp turns and switchbacks. Try to avoid strong braking on turns, which can cause loss of control, especially when slippery.
We have 9% grades here, though rare, and I downshift my 4Runner with about 6.5k on it at times.
Are you using a wdh? Make sure you do! Without, the front end can get light, break loose in a sudden rain on a hot day, trigger abs, and start shooting across the double yellow on a turn.
