East bound Monteagle Mountain and gear choice.

Likewise, 20 yrs ago Cabbage, Donner, Eisenhower, Vail, Grapevine, and all the little 8,9, and 10%er's on the smaller highways would be even more challenging. Time doesn't change the perspective.

 

There's a sign at the brake check that tells you how fast you are allowed to go for each GVW group.

 

Sign at the brake check has recommended speeds, not limits. The speed limit for trucks is 45mph. For cars 55. Recommended speeds depending on weight is 25 or 35mph.

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Pretty sure last time I checked, 65+ is WAY exceeding the speed limit even for 45. But that's just me. I'd rather not get popped for 20MPH+ over the speed limit.

 

My jakes are most effective close to 2000rpm on the Detroit. You can sure feel them at that RPM
but lower (as indicated prior in this thread) they just are not as 'effective' for me.

So whats the consensus here...stab braking or light steady pressure if/when needed down a hill like this.
I've heard pros and cons of both, but learned using stab, which is what I practice today.

 

I prefer to go slow enough to not use the brakes. I like to keep control of my vehicle. Otherwise, I lightly use stab breaking if I am in a real hurry.

 

65-70mph going westbound uphill. Speed limit every where else. It's a risk but I love rumbling up west bound. Bears like to hide at the old runaway truck ramp on that westbound uphill side, or the old scenic view pullout near the top, or even in the middle up top. At that point though I'm already letting off the go pedal and down to 55mph posted speed.

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yeah, me 3

 

I have always used light steady pressure my whole driving career, with no problems at all. That's what was taught to us old school drivers for the most part. Of course some will disagree.

Sometimes I use the following, depending on the grade (this is a cut & paste from baldwinandlyons):

"Many drivers make the mistake of applying the brakes to reach the legal speed. Instead, you should use an alternating technique of braking down, building up, then braking down again. According to the CDL manual, brakes should be applied just hard enough to noticeably slow down. When you are slowed down to at least 5 mph below the posted legal/safe speed for trucks, release the brakes. When the speed increases again to the speed limit, brake down again."

In other words, there's more than one way to skin a cat.