BigSkyBob
Western Montana
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Joined: 11/21/2006
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Sully is right on Re: the Bighorns. Just use the exhaust brake on the grades, if you don't have one go down grade in the same gear as you used going up. Short apps of the service brakes to keep RPM's down. Common sense is your best asset.
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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when I went from the black hills to yellowstone, I went up on I-90 and dropped in from the North entrance. didn't want the fun of driving 14,14A,16. but you can do a "tour" in google earth and "experience" the ride if you so desire.
bumpy
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Ozarkwoods
Bolivar, MO
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Sounds like a few of us will be there at the same time. We will be leaving next week for the Black Hills staying there a week then off to Cody for two weeks. If you see a Khaki Rubicon with Missouri plates flag us down. I am going to take 16 across the Big Horns to Cody. Slow and easy and definitely don't worry about what the people in the vehicles behind you are thinking.
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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Bumpyroad wrote:when I went from the black hills to yellowstone, I went up on I-90 and dropped in from the North entrance. didn't want the fun of driving 14,14A,16. but you can do a "tour" in google earth and "experience" the ride if you so desire.
bumpy
I took the "short cut" thru the BigHorns twice. The first time and the last time... That IS two isnt it??? Now..depending on excatly where Im going ....its either YNP from the north..ot GTNP from the south or if i just have to get to Cody first..I found a different route a few years back
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Sully2 wrote:Bumpyroad wrote:when I went from the black hills to yellowstone, I went up on I-90 and dropped in from the North entrance. didn't want the fun of driving 14,14A,16. but you can do a "tour" in google earth and "experience" the ride if you so desire.
bumpy
I took the "short cut" thru the BigHorns twice. The first time and the last time... That IS two isnt it??? Now..depending on excatly where Im going ....its either YNP from the north..ot GTNP from the south or if i just have to get to Cody first..I found a different route a few years back
I agree. I am sure enough of my manhood that I do not have to put a bumper sticker on the back of my toad saying "I conquered the Bighorns".
bumpy 
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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Bumpyroad wrote:Sully2 wrote:Bumpyroad wrote:when I went from the black hills to yellowstone, I went up on I-90 and dropped in from the North entrance. didn't want the fun of driving 14,14A,16. but you can do a "tour" in google earth and "experience" the ride if you so desire.
bumpy
I took the "short cut" thru the BigHorns twice. The first time and the last time... That IS two isnt it??? Now..depending on exactly where Im going ....its either YNP from the north..or GTNP from the south or if i just have to get to Cody first..I found a different route a few years back
I agree. I am sure enough of my manhood that I do not have to put a bumper sticker on the back of my toad saying "I conquered the Bighorns".
bumpy
Climbing STEEP grades ar very slow speeds is just boring actually..BUT...BUT ( and my wife can verify this). You're chugging along UPhill on NARROW roads and along comes GRANDPA coming down his driving ( X ) and Grandma is riding in the front seat and as white as a sheet because she has been looking at the drop offs on her side..so Grandpa is TWO FEET over in MY LANE..so grandma doesnt see over the edge!
It can get REAL INTERESTING then!!
I dont have a bumper sticker..I got the tatoo....
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f.wernlein
Northern Virginia
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Joined: 12/13/2007
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The first time seeing and driving your rig in real hills can be a challenge. Read manual on your engine/transmission for information on max temps and using lower gears, using retarder/jake brake (all depending on what you have). IF your towing a toad or trailer...these conditions are when you will see the value of properly maintained brakes.
Take it easy going up and down as many posters said is the key. Most of the roads you will find have lanes for truck/big vehicles so use them and you will not be in other traffic's way.
Use all your resources when decending challenging grades. As mentioned long term braking builds tremendous heat up when decending long/steep grades. Use transmission, retarder and brakes but watch the temps, typically, if you use all these resources together you will be fine, relying on just brakes or the transmission will often lead to excessive heat buildup.
Consider also running in mountains with less fresh water and empty waste tanks, perhaps less fuel also...I limit my tankage to save weight (200 gal fuel tank; 100 water; 40 grey; 40 blk: thats a hell of a lot of weight to pull up or slow down a mountain)
FYI: after long braking, do not pull over and set parking brake when brakes are red hot/smoking. Drive slowly to allow air flow to cool brakes first.
Going thru the Black Hills and around Cody a few years ago was an exciting trip. The views are great and if you can, try an overnight at the state park at the lake west of Cody...the most stars I have ever seen!
Frank W.
1985 BlueBird Wanderlodge
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Wizard 1946
Georgia
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Anyone know how long it usually takes from Cody over to the interstate on 16, Will be there the 3rd week in July
Wizard
32' 2002 Brave, Ford V-10
2006 Explorer 4X4
Nothing I've got to do and all day to do it
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John S.
Northern Virginia
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Joined: 03/22/2002
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I have taken my FOretravel through the BIghorms many times. It is pretty easy driving and has nice views and is wonderful. NOt much traffic either and I have pulled into overlooks and spent a lunch hour eating lunch that was beautiful. I have driven in all the mountains in the country and sure needles highway and going to the sun road are not for large rigs but the BIghorns are fine. IF you are not familar with mountain driving jsut take it slow. It is a way to see more country and take the MOtorhome as well and cover ground and not backtrack and spend fuel money. I am not bragging but it is doable and I followed a tour bus one time and pulled in behind him and the driver and I talked for a bit. IT was nice. Said he took it to show the people the mountains and did nothave alot of slow rvers. I said I was one because I was sightseeing and going slower than usual and he said I was fine as he was behind me for a while. I would just try it one time on the way out to see nice country. If you go slow enough you will be fine gear down and stab your breaks.
John
2001 42' Foretravel U320
2007 Bornfree 24 Painted
2001 Jeep Wrangler
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Scrooge39
Marietta, Ga.
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Joined: 07/13/2005
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Next year we are planing a trip and will be making the trip from Mt. Rushmore (Hill City) over to the Tetons. We won't be staying in Yellowstone but in Jackson. One of the routes I was looking at was Hiway 16 south out of Hill City, thru Custer, then pickup hiway 18 and take hiway 18 over to I-25. I didn't see this route mentioned in this thread. Has anyone traveled this paricular route? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
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