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06-03-2015, 11:05 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake County, IL
Posts: 1,584
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The Beartooth is my absolute favorite road. The first time I drove it was 45 yeara ago on a 750cc Moto Guzzi. I wasn't dressed for the weather at that altitude, and darn near froze.
Since then, I have crossed many times, in both directions. I have crossed in a variety of cars, in a class B pulling a trailer, and several times pulling my 5th wheel. That road is not really as difficult as many folks make it out to be. The grades are long, but they are not terribly steep. There are a number of 180° turns, but, by mountain road standards, they are not very tight. BTW, I am a flatlander from Illinois.
I can't remember having crossed any time within the last 10 years or so, without seeing several motor homes of your general size, with toads. If yous is a gasser, you might me a little short on power due to the altitude. So what! Gear down and take your time. Nobody is in a rush there. I say go for it. You really don't want to skip one of the most spectacular roads in the country. Perhaps, I'll wave as you go by. We'll be there again, in July.
Along the way, stop and enjoy the view at the Rock Creek Overlook. The parking area there will handle rigs of your size. Farther west, a stop at the Top of the World Store can make a nice break.
If the timing and weather is right, try dinner at the outdoor tables of the Cooke City Cafe. Their food is excellent, and very reasonably priced. If you like craft beer, their list runs several pages.
Joel
__________________
Retired electronics engineer. Avid paddler & birder.
2011 Silverado 2500HD, diesel, 4x4,crew cab, 8' bed
Palomino Puma 253FBS (27' 5er) & '94 19' Class B
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06-04-2015, 11:21 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: HOME: Oshkosh, WI
Posts: 2,102
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I drove the Bear Tooth highway from Red Lodge into the NE entrance to Yellowstone in a '99 Winnebago Adventurer towing a GMC Jimmy.
We made it but it was a long tedious drive ... I had to stop on every outside switchback and let the cars that were piling up behind us pass ... there was one inside switchback that was so sharp that the guy coming downhill had to stop so I could get around because I need more than the right hand lane to turn.
I drove this BEFORE I bought the Mountain West Directory ... I am older and wiser.
The point is: you can make this trek ... it will be a challenge ... I was pretty tired by the time that I got to Cooke City. I would make the drive again but in my toad.
__________________
2012 Buick Enclave
Present At home Home: Oshkosh, WI
former owner 2004 Winnebago Journey 39W
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06-04-2015, 11:34 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 14,588
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WE drove the Beartooth Pass in the later part of June 2009, driving from Yellowstone to Billings MT. The road was closed a couple of weeks before we drove it due to heavy snows. They were able to clear it and we took a chance not knowing what to expect.
Our coach, a 2002 Monaco Windsor with 350HP 8.3 ISC handled the road well. When we got to the top to take pictures a man walked to me and asked the size of my coach and when I told him he said he had about the same size coach but never in his right mind would he think about driving it up the pass.
There was still lots of snow on the sides of the roads and frozen ponds on the West side of the mountain.
To put things in perspective my wife took about 40 pictures on the way up and only 3 on the way down. She kept having to hold onto the armrests of the coach to keep sliding out of the chair while at the same time swearing out loud that she would haunt me the rest of my life if we crashed.
Needless to say we didn't crash but it was good practice for the rest of the trip up to Alaska and back.
__________________
Jim J
2002 Monaco Windsor 38 PKD Cummins ISC 350 8.3L
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/5.7 Hemi
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06-04-2015, 12:24 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Gulf Streamers Club
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 19,925
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I'm sure that a motorhome can negotiate the pass, I just didn't recommend it. The wear and tear on you and your RV isn't really worth it in my mind. I'm always reminded of the fact I read long ago that the road up Pike's Peak in CO was used by car makers because their engineers determined that the 19 mile route to the summit, up and back was equal to thousands of miles of regular driving. This route is similar in nature. Why subject your RV to that stress?
My first trip out of Yellowstone NP in 1982 was driving a '71 camp bus out the Bear Tooth Highway. We made it, but were grinding along in low/low gear for parts of it. I didn't have much time to sightsee, a little busy watching the road, temp gauge, etc. I've been back over it a few times since then, but not in a big vehicle. The driver can enjoy it a lot more when not stressed out by the trip.
__________________
Bob & Donna
'98 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager DP being pushed by a '00 Beetle TDI
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06-04-2015, 12:40 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 262
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jacwjames
WE drove the Beartooth Pass in the later part of June 2009, driving from Yellowstone to Billings MT. The road was closed a couple of weeks before we drove it due to heavy snows. They were able to clear it and we took a chance not knowing what to expect.
Our coach, a 2002 Monaco Windsor with 350HP 8.3 ISC handled the road well. When we got to the top to take pictures a man walked to me and asked the size of my coach and when I told him he said he had about the same size coach but never in his right mind would he think about driving it up the pass.
There was still lots of snow on the sides of the roads and frozen ponds on the West side of the mountain.
To put things in perspective my wife took about 40 pictures on the way up and only 3 on the way down. She kept having to hold onto the armrests of the coach to keep sliding out of the chair while at the same time swearing out loud that she would haunt me the rest of my life if we crashed.
Needless to say we didn't crash but it was good practice for the rest of the trip up to Alaska and back.
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I read this to my partner and she laughed and said "Hell no......" Haha
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06-04-2015, 01:30 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,893
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We have traveled Hwy 212, Beartooth several times and love it. Our first time was about 17 years ago in our little 30' Class A Travelcraft towing our Jeep Cherokee. Did it great but the wife was a bit nervous.
Then about 4 years ago with our 40' Dynasty towing our 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee heading from Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone via Billings and hwy 212. Great trip but if you are not comfortable on mountain passes I would advise against it.
Last year we drove it in the Jeep alone as we were staying in West Yellowstone and just wanted a day trip with some friends. Absolutely beautiful drive.
Mike.
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06-04-2015, 01:37 PM
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#21
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,579
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Came across this link when I tried to find a dash-cam view of the BTPass... It is NOT a dash-cam, but an interesting read. Note--I believe the authors drove a Class B on this, so take their recommendation accordingly. It's a nice read though..
The Beartooth Highway - RV Heaven | Roadtreking BlogRoadtreking : The RV Lifestyle Blog
__________________
2013 Fleetwood Discovery 40G, Cummins ISL,Freightliner Chassis, Allison 3000.
2017 Ford F150 Lariat toad w/
Blue Ox Aventa tow bar and M&G Braking System
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06-04-2015, 05:55 PM
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#22
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Fort Worth TX
Posts: 845
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One of my fondest "road" memories is riding the Beartooth on my ElectraGlide in 2001. I'll be up there late next week on our way to Alaska and will stay in Cody a few days to drive it in the toad. I'll definitely not take the coach over it though.
You can make it in your coach, but you won't really be able to enjoy it IMO. Leave the coach and use the toad so you can enjoy every twist and turn.
__________________
2005 Newmar Dutch Star 4024
Pulling my 2012 Malibu w/Blue OX & Patriot brake unit
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06-06-2015, 03:31 PM
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#23
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Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 48
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thanks
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and experinces.
I think for the most part you confirmed my initial thoughts on this. Can I do it,yes, Will I enjoy it, probably not. I think the Fiat will be the way we will travel the Beartooth.
__________________
Hackman
2004 38' Diplomat
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07-12-2015, 10:00 PM
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#24
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Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Faribault, Mn
Posts: 64
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Did it last year in my 32ft V10 Winnie. No problems at all. Been on it a couple of times before with a 30ft 460. One of the most beautiful drives out west. If your needing for speed and not sightseeing don't take it. And like one other poster stated after 4 cars or so let em pass.
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07-29-2015, 09:44 PM
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#25
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 30,878
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Driving a MH over US 212 is doable. One of our members posted his daily log of the journey about 10 years ago. Here is a recent MH trip: Highway Tales - Beartooth Highway
There are pull-outs for slower traffic when needed. Be sure to phone both MT DOT and the NPS/ Yellowstone for the latest road information and condition before beginning.
__________________
2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD , ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG 11B5MX,Infantry retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA. " My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy
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