Community Forums

txswick · 04-06-2013, 06:24 PM

We will pull our MPG185 with our GMC Sierra 1/2 ton 4x4 this summer and are considering going Independence Pass in Sept. Are there any issues or warnings for this route from Colorado Springs to Aspen?

skigramp · 04-07-2013, 12:29 AM

I suggest you read the entry for Independence Pass in Mountain West Directory West for Trucks, RV, or Motorhome Drivers ... available from Amazon.com or the publisher at 1-785-594-4054

I waited too long to buy my copy ... I suggest you order one today.

flaggship1 · 04-07-2013, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skigramp

I suggest you read the entry for Independence Pass in Mountain West Directory West for Trucks, RV, or Motorhome Drivers ... available from Amazon.com or the publisher at 1-785-594-4054

I waited too long to buy my copy ... I suggest you order one today.

Yep. And don't fret that the latest edition was published in 2006.The mountains and roads have not changed in many years.

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-07-2013, 09:36 AM

I just looked at the Mountain West Directory. That pass Is 12,095' and vehicles over 35' are prohibited. EEK. Full of 15 mph hairpin turns on 6% grade , Westbound. The Eastbound is more fun with 10 mph hairpin turns.

flaggship1 · 04-07-2013, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

I just looked at the Mountain West Directory. That pass Is 12,095' and vehicles over 35' are prohibited. EEK. Full of 15 mph hairpin turns on 6% grade , Westbound. The Eastbound is more fun with 10 mph hairpin turns.

These two guides are invaluable. If you don't have them and do any mountain state traveling you will hopefully live to regret it. They are also fun to read then google earth etc while enjoying the adult beverage of choice. Also - use well ahead of time in planning your travels. You can find yourself backtracking a good ways to a rig appropriate route. Nothing worse than getting part way up or down a route and deciding to turn around and go back. Lots of times that's not possible and you are committed or should be. Spend the time and money. You'll be glad you did.

so47 · 04-08-2013, 08:21 PM

As a guy who grew up and learned to drive in the pool table state, better known as the sunshine state, the thought of driving on large, steep HILLS scares the poo outa me. I am big-time leery about actual mountains.

johnmichael · 05-12-2013, 01:53 AM

Okay - super brand newbie here...

If you have never towed a TT before, how do you know ahead of time what kind of climb and grade your tow vehicle can handle?

I'm planning to set out this summer from New Orleans to Seattle, and had hoped to include a lot of the mountains west area.

I'll be pulling a MPG 183 with a 2010 5.3L V8 Suburban 2wd 1500 with a 3.08 rear axle

skigramp · 05-12-2013, 06:52 AM

John ...

There are several factors that make mountain driving tough

the steepness of incline or decline
the length of the incline or decline
sharpness of curves
narrowness of diriving lanes
your fear of "going over the edge"

Going uphill will tax the engine, transmission, and cooling system.

Going downhill is the dangerous part of mountain driving. Keeping your speed under control is the challenge ... at the top manually shift down to the lowest gear that you used going UP ... and when you apply the brakes do it with brief but strong stabs ... DO NOT RIDE YOUR BRAKES