Community Forums

MikeGriffin · 07-04-2018, 04:58 PM

We're in Jackson, WY and will be heading towards Yosemite via Idaho Falls, ID. My Garmin RV GPS and RV Trip Wizard are both recommending that we take Wyoming Highway 22 northwest through the Teton Pass. The road is clearly marked with a 60,000 weight limit (no problem) and says that it has at least one 10% grade. On the map, it also seems like it has quite a few twists and turns. But...both devices/programs are giving the go-ahead for RVs of my length, height and weight.

Thoughts? Any of you done 10% grades? Perhaps this particular highway?

Appreciate the input. I've attached a map of the route.

Mr_D · 07-04-2018, 05:05 PM

Did it once with a 26' Type C MH towing a '95 Honda Odyssy on a dolly with surge brakes. Slow going up and lots of hot brakes on the dolly. Take it easy and you should be OK.

TonyMac · 07-04-2018, 05:08 PM

Just did it with a 40' dp and a 3,800# toad, wife said "I know a shortcut!" (Grrrr...), and I will not do it again ina MH. The 350 hp Cat got us up in 2nd gear, but the Allison was in 2nd going down, exhaust brake on, and still made frequent use of the service brakes. If everything goes right, it's very doable in a rig like mine. But if something goes wrong....it ain't worth the chance with MY family. There are other routes and who's in such a big hurry. It ain't that pretty.

RROLDSX · 07-04-2018, 05:20 PM

All I can say is it’s great on a motorcycle, but I would avoid it with a big motorhome...

Sky_Boss · 07-04-2018, 05:21 PM

This is what it looks like on Flattest Route

jerry davis · 07-04-2018, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeGriffin

We're in Jackson, WY and will be heading towards Yosemite via Idaho Falls, ID. My Garmin RV GPS and RV Trip Wizard are both recommending that we take Wyoming Highway 22 northwest through the Teton Pass. The road is clearly marked with a 60,000 weight limit (no problem) and says that it has at least one 10% grade. On the map, it also seems like it has quite a few twists and turns. But...both devices/programs are giving the go-ahead for RVs of my length, height and weight.

Thoughts? Any of you done 10% grades? Perhaps this particular highway?

Appreciate the input. I've attached a map of the route.

Done it twice, both ways. No big deal. Slow going up (you won’t have much choice) and use hi Jake going down. Good news is that it’s a relatively short trip.

Searching_Ut · 07-04-2018, 05:56 PM

If you’re at all inclined towards overheating with your configuration I wouldn’t recommend it. The pull coming out of Jackson is steep, and long enough to test your transmission and engine cooling systems pretty hard. As far as the road itself, it’s nothing I would be concerned with other than it staying steep long enough to give the hardware quite the workout.

LongRanger · 07-04-2018, 06:16 PM

I did it West to East into Jackson Hole with my 2004 DSDP. I wouldn’t want to go the other way even with my 2014 DSDP. Good luck, Safe Travels

Pigman1 · 07-04-2018, 07:25 PM

We've run the Alaska Highway 15 times (yeah, an odd number as we're in Valdez right now) and they too have some long, eye watering grades 10% and more. We're usually pulling the full size pickup at about 8200 pounds. Going up is slow, and you only have to watch your temp gauge. If it starts to get too high, slow down and downshift. Going down, go slow, use your Jake or engine brake and there shouldn't be a problem. We seldom touch the service brakes while descending. If you have a surge brake on you tow or dolly read and follow their instructions. Speed is your enemy. Just go slow. On the Tiffin for a climb, I put the accelerator on the floor, and let the Bus systems do their thing. Going down I go slow and let the retarder take care of it. Never have to upshift or downshift. Tiffin got it right with the Cummins, Allison and Powerglide chassis combination. Just superb.

Rotten-Red · 07-04-2018, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeGriffin

We're in Jackson, WY and will be heading towards Yosemite via Idaho Falls, ID. My Garmin RV GPS and RV Trip Wizard are both recommending that we take Wyoming Highway 22 northwest through the Teton Pass. The road is clearly marked with a 60,000 weight limit (no problem) and says that it has at least one 10% grade. On the map, it also seems like it has quite a few twists and turns. But...both devices/programs are giving the go-ahead for RVs of my length, height and weight.

Thoughts? Any of you done 10% grades? Perhaps this particular highway?

Appreciate the input. I've attached a map of the route.

You should be fine with your equipment. You have an ISL with compression (jake) brake. The grade is (westbound) 10% for 3 miles, then 7% for 3.5 miles. I've descended 3 miles of 17% on hwy 99 westbound in Canada, and I only have the exhaust brake which isn't as effective as the compression brake.

How you start down the grade is what's important. Never start down fast expecting to slow down later, it doesn't work. You start down at a speed you can maintain. With your equipment I would start down in 3rd gear with Jake on high and keep RPM's up around 2000. The higher you keep the RPM's the more braking force the Jake gives. If you can't maintain your speed in 3rd gear then brake and downshift to 2nd gear.

If you don't feel comfortable taking this route you can take US26 south from Jackson through Alpine. It will add about 19 miles to the trip.

WoodyS · 07-04-2018, 08:24 PM

Oh man I love this forum! I learn so much. Thanks for introducing me to Flattest Route. Never heard of it before.

NealC · 07-04-2018, 08:34 PM

Not a big deal, you can handle it. Just use caution and it's a great learning experience too. It's part of the experience, no reason to avoid it. You're fine in your rig.

MRUSA14 · 07-04-2018, 08:55 PM

If you are uneasy with that route take the road to Alpine, WY and then Idaho Falls. It will take you 25 minutes longer, is flatter, and is a beautiful drive.

RKLindsay · 07-04-2018, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

If you are uneasy with that route take the road to Alpine, WY and then Idaho Falls. It will take you 25 minutes longer, is flatter, and is a beautiful drive.

I agree! We drove 22 both ways from Jackson to Idaho and back in our car last month. OK in a car, but if I had a choice, I would not drive our motorhome on 22. Unnecessary stress on you and your motorhome.