Community Forums

rhoevinbt · 12-27-2005, 03:07 PM

Hi everyone.
This past summer the wife and I travelled to N. Carolina, through WV and VA and noticed the large number of RVs being towed through the mountainous highways. It got me to thinking about the possibility of that next summer.

Any advice, pro or con on the experience would be appreciated.

rhoevinbt · 12-27-2005, 03:07 PM

Hi everyone.
This past summer the wife and I travelled to N. Carolina, through WV and VA and noticed the large number of RVs being towed through the mountainous highways. It got me to thinking about the possibility of that next summer.

Any advice, pro or con on the experience would be appreciated.

CyberVet65 · 01-03-2006, 02:56 PM

When I lived in Winchester, Va. I towed my 32 foot 5th wheel all over West Virginia and into Kentucky. No problems.
What was your question?
Chet

rhoevinbt · 01-03-2006, 04:08 PM

Was there anything special you had to do to keep your rig under control, especially while coming down some of those steep mountains?

Thanx

CyberVet65 · 01-04-2006, 01:16 PM

Just make sure that when you hit the top; to use the same gear going down that you used coming up. I have an exhaust brake in my system and it works well. I have 117,000 on the truck with OEM brakes still in place.
Chet

Tom N · 01-05-2006, 03:27 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Just make sure that when you hit the top to use the same gear going dowqn that you used comeing up. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How can you advocate this??? The grades may be different on both sides of a hill.

Lynnvt · 01-05-2006, 03:57 AM

I know there was some big mountain that people warned us about in TN, I think. But we have a truck with an engine brake as well, and it worked very well. We did see some other rigs off the road but we maintained a safe speed with the engine brake.

Herd fan · 01-09-2006, 06:04 PM

I live here in south Central WV and for the past 3 years have towed a 33'TT with my 01 Suburban. Any trip I take I have to cross the WV turnpike one direction or the other just to get started. I had no problems and my Suburban had no special equipment other then the obvious brake control and weight distribution system. I have gone to PA,OH,VA,& NC. just watch out for the other guy!

With that said, I traded the TT for a MH last year. Much more relaxing and easier to handle in my opinion.

ichn2go · 02-21-2006, 08:56 AM

Tom, using the same gear going down as you use going up is advocated in many threads on this forum. Good Miles

Tom N · 02-21-2006, 09:15 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Tom, using the same gear going down as you use going up is advocated in many threads on this forum. Good Miles </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

A first sight using the same gear going down as going up seems logical. But what if the down grade is different than the up grade??

charliez · 02-22-2006, 05:07 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">A first sight using the same gear going down as going up seems logical. But what if the down grade is different than the up grade?? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

He's just telling you what he does. Why don't you just use the gear that you want. Who cares if he uses the same gear. It's a free country. Add an overdrive and use that if you want.

Rich & Zara · 02-22-2006, 01:40 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by charliez:
He's just telling you what he does. Why don't you just use the gear that you want. Who cares if he uses the same gear. It's a free country. Add an overdrive and use that if you want. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You say, "Who cares if he uses the same gear". Well, I care and sure many others do too. I could be the innocent guy to meet him coming down the other side and no where to go if he gets out of control.

Yes, I agree it is a free country but our roadways are not exactly free to use as we see fit ...meaning, "Safety First" while obeying the law.

This forum is to make comments, advice, etc., to others in a positive way ...may we keep iRV2 going that direction?

Rich

Hitchhiker · 02-22-2006, 01:51 PM

I tow a lot in the mountains, I live in them. I'll usually select a gear conducive with keeping the rig at a safe speed as determined by the grade and/or switch back curves. As we all know, there are various grades and many different conditions.

charliez · 02-22-2006, 03:43 PM

Awww. Don't be getting all raw about it now. Can't you just make a judgement call while your driving, and realize that maybe you just might need to select a lower gear? How difficult could that be?

What if his rig is lighter, or heavier than yours? You'd still have to choose your own gear regardless of what anyone else uses.