Traveling from Indianapolis to San Francisco area

[Rkh]

New RVer in a 1998 Winnebago Chieftain....Don't really wanna travel I80....Done that so often..
Is I-70 through the Rockies easy enough to do in my 34 ft cream puff?
How about I-15 north back north to pick up I-80...Love to see southern Utah from the RV...
How about HW50 coming out of Tahoe into Placerville?
Lastly...I heard I 95 north out of Las Vegas up to HW50 is not a smart move...
Thanks in advance for any experience you all can lend me....

[skigramp]

I-70 through Colorada climbs to over 10,000 feet twice ... Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass ... besides the climbs and descents from there being in the 6% range ... there are a couple more 6% grades.

I have travelled I-70 several times in a both a 1999 Adventurer (Ford) and a 2004 Journey ...

If you have never driven mountain roads before ... RULE OF THUMB: Same or lower gear going down as going up ...

and when you apply the brakes stab them firmly and then realease ...
DO NOT RIDE YOUR BRAKES

[mavric65]

Hwy 50 from Tahoe to Placerville is not a bad road but windy and only 2 lanes until about 25 miles from Placerville but beautiful scenery

[Rkh]

Thanks Ski and Maveric..
Ski, appreciate the reminders about using brakes on these grades...I'll make sure I am focused...Is the ride scary in the RV? I don't want to make my wife nervous..So on a scale of 1-5' 5 being the scariest, what's your opinion of the scare factor if I take it slow and easy...

[George Schweikle]

Also, change the brake fluid. Don't just bleed the brakes, flush the system and add new fluid. Brake fluid absorbs water which boils when hot and doesn't work as a hydraulic fluid any more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skigramp I-70 through Colorada climbs to over 10,000 feet twice ... Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass ... besides the climbs and descents from there being in the 6% range ... there are a couple more 6% grades. I have travelled I-70 several times in a both a 1999 Adventurer (Ford) and a 2004 Journey ... If you have never driven mountain roads before ... RULE OF THUMB: Same or lower gear going down as going up ... and when you apply the brakes stab them firmly and then realease ... DO NOT RIDE YOUR BRAKES

[skigramp]

I don't know how to give you a scare factor rating ... if you keep your rig under control there is no scare involved because the roads are all divided 4 lanes with wide shoulders and guard rails (except through Glenwood Canyon but that is not steep) ...

You and the big trucks will all be going slow go up and down the long grades ...

[Rkh]

Thanks Skigramp...You just gave me a fear factor of 1...I have no doubt I can keep the rig controlled, so I'll be fine..Just wanted to hear from someone more experienced with their rig and this stretch..Thanks again for the advice!

[Rkh]

Is there an application or website that rates or advises on routes relative to motorhomes?
Is Highway 50 out of Lake Tahoe down to Placerville an doable ride?

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Hwy 50 from Tahoe to Placerville is doable...I've done it in my rig with toad. Like any other mountainous area take your time. Climb out of Tahoe Valley is steeper than the downgrade into Placerville.