The Texan
Meridian, Idaho
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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Travel them all the time, BUT and that is a big BUT, at a speed safe for the road condition. Just drove a 9 miles dirt/washboard road Sat that they have 3 D-9 Cats parked 2 miles apart, to tow those that think its a interstate and have trouble. Did it take us awhile? Sure, but we arrived safely with no damage to the RV or the contents of the cupboards.
Bob & Betsy(FishNFanatic) - USN Aviation Ret'd '78 & LEO Ret'd '03 & "Oath Keeper Forever"
'05 HR Endeavor 40PRQ, 400 Cummins-Pulling our '11 Silverado LT, Ex Cab 6.2L NHT 4x4, w/2010 Rzr or 01 V Star in back.
Where the wheels are stopped today
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Ro646a
New Boston, MI
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Joined: 03/03/2007
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I agree with JRS&B and Mafman. I'd go the long way and save the RV from the potential damage on the washboard. It won't really take you any longer than if you drive really slow over the washboard, and with a lot less stress.
2001 Fleetwood Southwind 35R on 2000 Ford F53 Chassis
V10 310HP
Roadmaster Sterling All terrain tow bar
Ready Brake
2002 Chevy Tracker V6 4x4 SUV
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Pangaea Ron
Anacortes, WA, USA
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Joined: 12/20/2004
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Here are some suggestions for handling a washboard surface for both safety and comfort:
Traveling slowly accentuates the vibrations caused by a washboard road. The faster you travel, within reason, the smoother the ride will be as you tend to ride on the tops of the washboard instead of sinking down into it.
Traveling "with" the washboard tends to be a bumpy ride. Traveling "against" it is usually smoother. That means traveling on the opposite side of the road as you would normally. Do this only if you can clearly see ahead to avoid oncoming traffic.
Often the washboard portion of the road exhibits itself as two parallel tracks. It can sometimes be avoided by traveling in between the washboard tracks.
Last, but not least, be aware if you travel too fast you can loose traction with the road surface and slide off to the side, especially on turns that have washboard surfaces. So, if you're trying to avoid the vibration by traveling a bit faster than usual, but aware of the "grip" your vehicle has on the road so you don't travel too fast for safety.
Mostly a road with a washboard surface is an inconvenience that shakes your vehicle excessively, and there are ways of avoiding or reducing the vibration. Be mindful that the washboard surface can also be dangerous if you're traveling too fast when you encounter them.
From a Google Search
2008 Itasca SunCruiser 35L
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
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weathershak
Not sure, I need to look out the window
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Joined: 12/11/2006
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Nothing is worth trashing my RV over. Turn around...dont frown
Full timing it since July 2012 My pics
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Cloud Dancer
San Antonio and Livingston TX USA
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Joined: 06/08/2001
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!
My motorhome has never been driven, and never will as long as I have it, on dirt/gravel washboardee roads.
Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat
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Pangaea Ron
Anacortes, WA, USA
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Joined: 12/20/2004
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I offered some suggestions above about driving on washboard roads, but I try to avoid them whenever possible. I drove only the Jeep toad into Chaco Canyon, and even with that, I could not find a confortable speed to drive.
Motorhomes don't actually fail, they just shake themselves to death.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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Don't go to Skywalk in Grand Canyon if you will not drive on washboard road. That a tour bus vs even a toad.
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Carlos & Ranae
Orlando, FL
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Joined: 04/02/2008
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Not worth the aggravation and the stress your putting the occupants and your camper. Turn around the fist chance you get!!!!
Carlos & Ranae
2010 Keystone Raptor Velocity 361 LEV
2012 Dodge Ram, 3500 Turbo Diesel
4X4, DWR, Pullrite 18KSuperslide Hitch
2006 Yamaha Midnight Silverado, 1700 CC
2007 Yamaha Classic 650 CC
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nevadanick
Elko, Nevada
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Joined: 11/25/2007
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If I didn't go on washboarded roads I would never get to go anywhere. Just put all the stuff back in the drawers and shelves when you get there and get home. It's no big deal really.
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dahkota
Washington, DC
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Joined: 01/20/2011
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nevadanick wrote:If I didn't go on washboarded roads I would never get to go anywhere. Just put all the stuff back in the drawers and shelves when you get there and get home. It's no big deal really.
X2
We drive them all the time. It adds to the joy of finally arriving. 
2008 Ford F250 diesel
2013 Keystone Sprinter 277RLS
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