04-24-2023, 10:01 AM
Words of wisdom from my father who was a trucker and had RVs for 40+ years. This was prior to our reunion in Silverton CO.
"If you get in a crash you are the first one on the scene!"
Thinking of this and our seating positions in our RVs I got the message.
In our Newell and our previous toyhauler & RAM Dualie, my experience in big grades downhill is I-77 going from VA into NC. I don't use my cruise control in the mountains. Colorado was so long ago I forget if I had any white knuckle rides.
Here is how I approach downgrades. I don't use my cruise control in the mountains.
I slow down before the summit and get into the gear I want to descend the hill in. This speed will be below the posted speed. I take my cue from the trucker's speeds. I'm not afraid of going slower than I want. I keep an eye on my RPMs as well as speed. Use the brakes when speed or RPMs dictate and then keep my foot off of them to allow time to cool between uses. Don't ride the brakes.
In the 1970's dad always taught us that if you lose your brakes don't try to ride it out to the bottom. Put it right into the side of the hill because you aren't going to be going any slower than that moment. Today I'll take into account if there is a runaway truck ramp nearby.
"If you get in a crash you are the first one on the scene!"
Thinking of this and our seating positions in our RVs I got the message.
In our Newell and our previous toyhauler & RAM Dualie, my experience in big grades downhill is I-77 going from VA into NC. I don't use my cruise control in the mountains. Colorado was so long ago I forget if I had any white knuckle rides.
Here is how I approach downgrades. I don't use my cruise control in the mountains.
I slow down before the summit and get into the gear I want to descend the hill in. This speed will be below the posted speed. I take my cue from the trucker's speeds. I'm not afraid of going slower than I want. I keep an eye on my RPMs as well as speed. Use the brakes when speed or RPMs dictate and then keep my foot off of them to allow time to cool between uses. Don't ride the brakes.
In the 1970's dad always taught us that if you lose your brakes don't try to ride it out to the bottom. Put it right into the side of the hill because you aren't going to be going any slower than that moment. Today I'll take into account if there is a runaway truck ramp nearby.
Hank & Natalie Bensley
2001 Double Slide #586.
2021 Cherokee Trailhawk Toad
We've been RV owners since 2002.
Port Orange, FL. Soon we will travel full time for "a while"
