Burning trailer bottom of sandstone mountain I 64 West Virginia

I'm no expert on the west so I may be wrong but I do know my East ...I think the drops out west lull a driver into a false sence of security as they are more gradual but much longer ...the East grades are here right now and steep but shorter .

 

Yes our grades out here at least in the northwest run around 6% most of the time. Some are 7% and others are like 11%. But they can be upwards of 10 miles long.

 

I used to go over grapevine every week and it really boils down to takin your time , obey the speed limit , good brakes and don't be a hotdog or hothead .

 

Between Sandstone and Fancy Gap both of those areas are to be highly respected. Gear down, full power on the jake and brake accordingly. Doesn't take much to fry the brakes in those areas.

 

I hope the Mods don't remove this, this is not an add. There are two books that covers East and West downgrades by R&R Publications. Go to Mountaindirectories. Com

 

Fancy Gap today is a "snap" compared to the old Fancy Gap. Trucks are banned from going south on the old Fancy Gap today. Years ago, McLean, Roadway and Hennis kept a "pusher" over on the old Fancy Gap during winter months. During a snow, if you couldn't make it to the top, the pusher would see that you made it.

Over in WV, Smith out of Staunton, Va kept a "pusher" in Rainelle and the same deal, going up the mt. if you couldn't make it, they would push you to the top and turn you loose on the down side and tell you to "hang on".

 

Nonetheless,just because it's "easier" now doesn't mean it's a cake walk.

 

Good link rnr81 thanks for sharing.

I think thats why some new drivers dont take driving a truck as seriously as they should.
Their riding in an air ride, ac truck with all the comforts of home & going down a steep mtn grade on a 4lane smooth highway with few if any hairpin curves.