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

[Ron Thompson]

My BB has an engine retarder. I have no idea what that is exactly. I assume it
is using the compression of the engine to hold back the transmission which will
hold back the BB

What is a Jake Brake?

I don't think my 1995 has a magnetic retarder.

I remember once I was in Los Angeles and a cousin took me up on bald mountain in
a 1949 Chevrolet, six cylinder, old hydraulic brakes. On the way down those
brakes got so hot that the vehicle began to pick up speed and I managed to find
a wide spot where I ran into an uphill ramp and got it stopped. Had to wait for
a long long time for those brakes to cool off. Scared the hell out of me.

Thanks for your help. Jim Hutchings wrote a pretty good description. He used
to drive a big Kenworth with 80,000 lb loads. So his words were very welcome as
yours are. Your experience will be very relevant since we both have BB's.

Thanks again.

Ron Thompson

brad barton <bbartonwx@...> wrote:
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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