Mountain Driving with 1995 42', 42,000 lb. Blue Bird

[brad barton]

Ron,
Seeing no response yet, I'll drop my two cents in and hope it's helpful to you.
I have driven in the mountains frequently in my 84 Blue Bird that had a magnetic
retarder and a coach with a more conventional Jake brake. The old rule of thumb
is to come down in the same gear you came up in. Two caveats: One..modern
engines and transmissions can come up a grade more easily than they used to..so
your upgrade gear selection may be higher than what's safe coming down.
Two...the down-grade can be different from the up-grade..so my take on it
is..just be in full, positive control of your speed at all times. If you need
to use your retarder or downshift to do that, do whatever it takes early on
(before you start down the grade) to stay in control and save your service
brakes (brake pedal) for traffic slowdowns and emergencies. If your retarder
won't keep your speed under control, and you can't downshift yet, apply your
brake pedal firmly but for no more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time to slow down a
little below your "comfort" speed in a series of brake applications. If you
have a magnetic retarder, be aware that it will build up considerable heat if
used for several minutes..so downshift to help it out. I don't think your Jake
brake or Pac brake is limited that way but a diesel mechanic can be more
specific. Downshift sooner rather than later. Your transmission will not
downshift beyond certain speeds. You can always ease off but it's hard to clamp
down. Also, if the weather is warm, turn on your fan override switch and keep
it on until you're back on level terrain. Keeping your engine cool helps your
transmission cooler work more efficiently.
Finnally, don't be in a hurry. Don't worry about the cars stacked up behind
you. They'll get around you or get used to you. Brad Barton 00LXiDFW
bbartonwx@...


To: WanderlodgeForum@...: cockyfox@...: Mon, 25
Jun 2007 19:28:28 +0000Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Mountain Driving with 1995
42', 42,000 lb. Blue Bird




This is a question that lots of people might want to explore. Wouldsomeone with
a lot of experience driving a big rig in the mountainsplease write up a good
descriptive instruction for mountain driving.I have never driven in the big
mountains with a normal vehicle muchless a 42,000 lb motor coach. I am planning
a trip through themountains maybe this year but definitely next year from Texas
throughthe Rockies and on up to Alaska. It would sure be helpful to havesome
pointers from an expert.Best regards,Ron Thompson


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