I am planning a trip to southern Utah the first two weeks of October. I am planning on going north on Hwy #89 from Kanab up to I 70 and then east on I 70 and coming back south on hwy 191. I am driving a gas motorhome and do not have the advantage of an engine brake. I was hoping someone that has been over this route could tell me how steep the roads are and how acessable they are for a 36ft motorhome.
Not a problem with any part of that route. where will you be staying in Moab? We will be there then and will stay at the BLM site off the road to Canyon Lands NP.
Bob & Betsy - USN Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 FMCA #F203528 '05 HR Endeavor, 40PRQ w/400 Cummins - With -'05 GMC Sierra SLT, CC Z-71, the pusher '07 Arctic Cat 500A & Wilderness Kayak, riding in the pusher - Our Current Location
Hi Chuck. Don't know if you have had experience with mountain driving in the western US but, you may want to have a look at the Mountain Directory books that tell you where the steep grades are, how long they are, how steep (%) they are, whether the road is two lane, three lane, or four lane, if there are escape ramps, switchbacks, sharp curves, speed limits, etc. With this information, one can know ahead of time what a pass is like and make an informed decision about whether to go over or around. If you decide to go over, perhaps the cool morning hours would ease the strain on the engine and transmission during the climb. Unhooking the towed vehicle would make the climb and the descent easier. Knowing what lies ahead is half the battle. Mountain Directory West ($16.95) includes the locations and descriptions of over 400 mountain passes and steep grades in eleven western states. The states included are Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
You should also keep in mind that even if you've got enough power to struggle up the hill, you have to get down the other side. That can be the scariest part. Will your breaking system handle several miles of continuous 6-8% (or more) down grade?
As luck would have it, I loaned mine out to a fellow camper yesterday or I would check out the route and let you know.
Tom & Jan
Fulltimers since April '06 with 3 fur kids (George - mini Aussie, Archie - mini Poodle, Kitty - 20 yo blind cat)
1991 Beaver Contessa towing 2006 Subaru (4 down)
Started workamping Sept '07 - This isn't too bad. Think we'll do it some more.
Chuck, you don't have a Engine Brake but you do have an automatic transmission that you can and should "Downshift" when going down steep hills. This will allow the engine compression to assist in holding you back and not just rely on the brakes. If you need more info on this subject just ask and there will be many reply's to help you.
Othertonka
2004 Southwind 32VS
2002 CRV Toad
U. S. Gear Unified brake system
Retired Fire Captain, SFD
Thanks for your link on the mountain directory. I went to the link and have already ordered the western edition. I have pulled a 32ft 5th wheel in the mountains in colorado but this is my first mountain trip with a motorhome and my first trip to Utah.
I-70 is no problem. We did 191 up through AZ and through Moab this past spring and I truly don't remember any stretch that you need to be concerned about. Rule of thumb, use the same gear going down a hill that you used getting up it. Its better to start slow and be downshifted at the top as you start your descend. Easier to speed up than to slow down!! We have a 33' with the 7.1 and towing a Saturn and we didn't have any problems.
Stop at Hole in the Wall south of Moab. Pure Americana kitsch!! Also, if you like green chili, stop at the Moab Diner - its great stuff. Stopped in for it several times!
Be sure to take in Capital Reef NP. The Fruita campground there is one of our favorites, a GREAT national park campground.
Enjoy your trip, its a beautiful area.
Ron & Carolyn
Sadie the Irish Terrier
Happy the Lakeland Terrier
From sailing yacht to land yacht
KE7BZC
M/V Lothlorien GO HUSKIES
You can go up and down any mountain you want. Simply keep your transmission in 1st or 2nd as you go down and stab the brakes pretty hard to get the RPM's down.
I don't exceed 4000 RPM coming down a mountain. When I hit the brakes I'll drop to about 2800 rpm and then let off. I probably don't keep my foot on the brake more than 6 seconds as I apply them pretty hard and then let them cool.
Don't let people "push" you down the mountain. If they aren't happy with the speed they can pass.
I drive over mountains a lot and all it takes is patience.
2004 Monaco
La Palma 36DBD
Two Slides
2 Potties
Workhorse 22 chassis
8.1 gas engine & Allison transmission
6.9 MPG based on a 6,000 mile trip around the U.S.
Chuck, you shouldn't encounter anything too extreme on that route. We just got back from there a couple of months ago and a friend we traveled with had a 36' HR Endeavor gas and a 18' enclosed trailer following us and did fine. Just make sure to downshift going down and not ride your brakes as others have already mentioned and you should be fine. That is a beautiful drive and one of our favorites. A couple of suggestions while on this route, the Richfield KOA is very nice and the new owners are great people and when going through Moab make sure you take a day or at least part of a day and spend in Arches National Park. There are also two campground in Moab that I would recommend, either Portal RV park or Moab Valley RV park. Good luck and enjoy the trip. Mike.
Mike & Chrystal (F315002)
2003 Monaco Dynasty/ 26' Haulmark Edge trailer
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
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