SpoiledRottNRanch
San Clemente, CA
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Joined: 12/25/2004
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Im Anita and have been full time for a number of years. Im new to traveling alone (widow) and could sure use some advice. I think I just need to know - is it too dangerous driving over Donner Pass?
I'm in a 45' MH pulling a 20' car hauler (with no car in it) and left San Diego last week, spent some time in Bishop, CA and am in Reno, NV, on my way to Sacramento, CA - then back to San Diego.
I've heard a number of stories regarding this Donner Pass to Sacramento. The policeman who stopped to talk to me today said it's a "BEAR", another vendor at my last stop said I could easily lose
my breaks, and then others have said it's no big deal.
After traveling today from Bishop to Reno, Im a little nervous about the trip. It was pretty hairy today with the steep downhill grades with construction, 2 lane highway and dirt roads. At one point I didn't want to go too fast and had a number of people behind me until I found an appropriate place to pull off. The nice policeman said I did the right thing, but if there are 5 people behind me I MUST pull over ASAP. I did and all is well, but the thought if
this Donner Pass being more steep than today - scares me.
Is there another way over?
Please email me (my iPhone) at YeloHorse@aol.com
I appreciate any and all advice.
Anita
PS! My entry way stairs won't go in all the way. I ALWAYS have to ask someone on the outside to push them in with their foot. Im captive in the bus unless I have someone to help. Is there a place here in RENO that someone could recommend to get them fixed? Or on the way to Sacramento? Ive cleaned them with high pressure hose and they work for a day or so, then they get full of dirt I think and won't retract all the way.
Thanks again!
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ihavenoid
San Antonio Texas
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Joined: 12/19/2007
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If you drove from Bishop to Reno today,you will have no problem with Donner Pass.However,I've heard the road surface is bad.Going slow is the key.The grade and curves are no big deal.Use your exhaust brake going down hill.
As for your steps...If you have pressure washed them,they may just need to be lubricated.
* This post was
edited 05/30/12 10:53pm by ihavenoid *
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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The NEW Donner Pass on the Interstate is no problem. The OLD Donner Pass is a curvy steep two lane road. Use the new one if you can, if not, just creep down. It really isn't too long, just seems that way, cause it IS steep.
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SpoiledRottNRanch
San Clemente, CA
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Ive used wd-40, spray silicone, and it seems to hold onto the road grit more.
Any other suggestions?
New Stairs from Monaco are $750!
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ihavenoid
San Antonio Texas
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Silicone dry lube.
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smkettner
Southern California
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Donner pass is a multilane road so there will be no reason to pull over unless you need a break.
BTW I understand it is 3 cars behind you in CA but only pull off when safe.... NOT ASAP.
Donner pass I80 is the easiest way over and is 6% max grade. Take your time, no worries.
I used garage door lube on my steps and it seems to hold longer than wd or silicone. Home depot, lowes, ace, should have it.
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coolmom42
Middle Tennessee
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Get yourself some of this stuff. It doesn't attract and hold dirt like an oily lube. It was recommended to me by a member here and it works great.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/SLIP-PLATE-Dry-Film-Lubricant-1WVK7?Pid=search
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Doug and Cassi Glass
Clifton Forge, VA
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You most likely just need to lube the step with a dry lube. Operate several times and lube again.
If you made it up 395 from Bishop to Reno then I-80 will be a piece of cake. A bit rough from tire chains but grade and curves aren't bad.
Turn out use required when 5 or more vehicles are behind you and your speed is slower than the flow. 21656 Ca Vehicle Code.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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There are reports about how bad I80 andI5 are all over the Internet. You might be better off going back south as far as possible before crossing back into CA.
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MichDoc
Michigan
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Joined: 01/02/2006
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Can't help you with the route question, but the manufacturer of my retractable steps recommends white-lithium grease ONLY.....and do it at least once a month. They specifically state NOT to use WD-40. My steps froze up completely, because I wasn't aware of the lube requirements, but once I washed and lubed them, they've been working great ever since. You can get white-lithium grease at any auto parts store. It comes in a spray can.
Regarding the route, if you're not comfortable, don't go that way. There's nothing worse than getting into something and then wishing you had done something different. Take all the advice, and then do what your instincts tell you.
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