Rockies

boblew1 · 04-16-2010, 06:06 AM

Making our first trip out West this year. Wondering avbout getting across the Rockys. As I see it the two options are Stright out Rt I70 thru Denver (comming from the East) or dropping down and get on I40 and avoid all the steeper climbs. Driving a 39 ft diesel Discovery and towing. Any negative comments re: I 70 thru Denver??

paz · 04-16-2010, 06:36 AM

You should be able to do I-70 in a diesel - we did it in our gasser a couple of years ago. Take is easy, don't push, ride the right lane and you should be fine. Use your grade brake if you have one on the downhills, and take it easy there, too.

Cruzer · 04-16-2010, 07:18 AM

Should be no problem with your rig. The scenery is much better on 70 than on 40, too.

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 04-16-2010, 11:32 AM

Where in the West are you going? There might be other altrnatives.

RVThere · 04-16-2010, 02:02 PM

I did the I70 route in a gasser in 2003 with no problems and went faster than the 18 wheelers going up the grade coming out of Denver.

Just did the I40 route from OK City to Barstow, CA in a DP this past week. Very easy drive drive with no major climbs.

boblew1 · 04-16-2010, 03:21 PM

Going to Moab Ut to start

Rocket Heart · 04-16-2010, 03:46 PM

You'll have no problem going up - like paz said the problem is going down - take it easy and use your engine or grade brake - jab brakes if you start gaining too much speed. I did it in a gasser 5 years ago and it was all mine could handle at the time - Ford V10 Triton 4 speed tranny - not enough to do the job.

MaverickBBD · 04-17-2010, 09:43 AM

Neither Interstate should pose any problem for you and your rig. Remember if you stay on the interstate the view never changes.

Theberrys · 04-17-2010, 10:26 AM

Here is some data on the pass just west of Denver. IT'S ALMOST 11K feet dropping to 8200 at Vail, it's the only really tough trip along this rout.
Vail Pass - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The highest part is in the Eisenhower Tunnel at 11,158 FT.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_70_in_Colorado

It's a pretty drive but watch your brakes on the 7 to 8 % down grade just through the tunnel.
Dick

skigramp · 04-19-2010, 11:36 PM

There were some serious road closure on I-70 earlier this year near Glenwood Springs ... before you travel I-70 through Colorado check their DOT website

CO DOT website

itdave · 04-23-2010, 06:12 PM

If your going to Moab UT to start the best route is going to be I-70 then south on 191 to Moab. I have driven I-70 east bound a couple of times the only issue in that direction is the down hill from Vail to Denver. So in the other direction I guess from there are some big downhills. Just make sure that you have some type of Exhaust or compression brake.

jollyjim · 04-28-2010, 05:50 AM

You should not have a problem climbing the inclines with your MH. Try to keep the engine revving at the optimum torque. Don't worry about your speed. The tranny will downshift to the proper gear until you reach the rpm, speed that is best for you to climb. Let the speedsters go on by and enjoy the view.

If you are not used to long, steep decents I might suggest that you not exceed 45mph or even less going downhill. Your exhaust brake will hold you back better at slower speeds. Once you get too fast you will overheat your service brakes very quickly. Don't ride your service brakes. "Stab" brake to get the unit slowed down... put the brakes on hard and then let up and repeat. This will help to keep your service brakes cooler. Best thing to do is to go slow and use your exhaust/engine brake.

Cruzer · 05-01-2010, 12:56 PM

Actually, SR-128 from I-70 to Moab is also a nice road. It's shorter than US-191 (unless you are coming from the west) and is very scenic as it follows the Colorado River. You'll exit I-70 and go past the abandoned Cisco ghost town, then follow what the locals refer to as the "River Road" along the Colorado River. It'll go through some very nice scenic red rock country on the way to Moab. It's not as fast as 191 due to it's curves but it's a more direct route so you'll still save time and it's not a bad road and we've taken it in the Bus with no problems. Keep your camera handy.

jollyjim · 05-01-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruzer

Actually, SR-128 from I-70 to Moab is also a nice road. It's shorter than US-191 (unless you are coming from the west) and is very scenic as it follows the Colorado River. You'll exit I-70 and go past the abandoned Cisco ghost town, then follow what the locals refer to as the "River Road" along the Colorado River. It'll go through some very nice scenic red rock country on the way to Moab. It's not as fast as 191 due to it's curves but it's a more direct route so you'll still save time and it's not a bad road and we've taken it in the Bus with no problems. Keep your camera handy.

x2
SR-128 is a beautiful drive. We drove it in our Toad after we had set up camp. There are several side roads (gravel) that are interesting as well.