Mountain driving tips
Driving an RV or motorhome either up or down a mountain road can be stressful and even dangerous. Drivers need to keep in mind that RVs are much heavier than regular cars and will take longer to both climb a hill and to slow down on one. There are a few things RV drivers should keep in mind when navigating steep roadways.
First of all, drivers should be prepared for travelling their chosen route. Do some research ahead of time by talking to other RVers or truckers who have driven the route to find out about how steep the grades are and what speeds are safest when driving on them. Following posted speed limits and driving appropriately for the weather conditions is important as well.
Workhorse Custom Chassis company reminds RVers to use lower gears when both ascending and descending.
When going downhill, improper brake use can make them too hot and they can start to fade or even fail. Drivers should shift the transmission to a lower gear before starting down the grade so the engine does the majority of work to slow the vehicle down.
As always, proper RV maintenance is key. Making sure tires, brakes and other mechanical systems are in good condition before leaving for a mountain journey can help ensure your safety along the way.