flagstaff to phoenix

you will have no issues going down 17 to Phoenix, heed the warning signs and take it slow, there r some up and down grades but its a good route.

 

be very careful once you pass sunset point, there is a steep grade till you get to black canyon city and it is very curvy, no runaway ramps either. make sure you are in the gear you want before hand.

 

I used to take that stretch allot, like stated above, heed the signs, remember your training, lower gear, about 6th or 7th and STAY there, and use the jake the way it is intended you will be fine.

 

The old rule of thumb is the gear you climbed in, or one lower.

I'd imagine 10th or 11th - Jakes on high, play it cool - don't get over confident. There's a few steep grades.

Check your brakes at the pull outs before descending.

 

You can go down any mountain to slowly many times and not worry about it.....flag isn't one to go down to fast even once. Not many chances to decide to down shift once gravity gets you.

 

Well said!

 

Also....as with most down grades in Arizona...... there is one curve that the caution speed is meant for a motorcycle with a death wish....not a truck. Sorry I forget the milepost, but you'll notice it.

 

Idon't like it, busted my radiator on I-17N, pulling heavy reefer loads,and in winter time the higher elevation close to Flagstaff is getting messy ,ice snow, crashes and closed many times. As long as I'm paying my maintenance bills , I keep off I-17; I use it with light loads only,; usually I take US54 from I-40 Santa Rosa ,NM to. I-10 El Paso or Las Cruces. About 100 miles longer but safer and less pressure on equipment.