Heading for Baker Grade next week

[franknslots]

Newby here.

Going to California, down Baker Grade, any advice as to how to do it safely?
Have 2 stage exaust brake.
Speed? Gear?
Thanks.

[Skip426]

At the top ( summit ) off hand I'd say 40 MPH , 4th gear stage 1 , if you find your building up too much speed; having to apply brakes too often ; go to stage 2, still too much speed , slow down with brakes go to 3rd stage1, then stage 2 if necessary.
My coach with only an exhaust brake handles that grade at 40 > 45 with very little service brake application. Exhaust brake and your stage 1 give about the same hold back.
I only drove a 2 stage equiped unit a short distance , isn't the down shift pre -programed into the engine brake function? Do you have an owners manual ?

[TdogKing]

The one thing about Baker Grade is basically its drive able at high speeds with no sharp corners. If for some reason you could not get slowed down it's not that big if deal.its not killer steep with sharp corners and drop offs. I've been down many much harder than that.

[franknslots]

Thank you.

[Tom3205]

Remember... You can drive UP a steep climb, too slow, hundreds of times, BUT, you can only drive down TOO FAST... ONCE !!!

[franknslots]

Verry good advice. Thanks.