Downgrades?

Just wondering, I hear the mountains out west are far worse than the ones we have out here on the east side.

Yea, those hills out West are a pretty sight. Their are a few that can catch you off guard. Most are marked with grade signs. You can go by the grade signs on most to let you know how to tackle it.

 

The problem I have with alot of the east coast mountains is they're deceptive. Things don't look that bad, then they get out of control in a hurry if you're not paying attention. The west coast are usually longer grades in my experience, and the roads can be in worse condition due to chaining (frowned upon in the east)

 

The downgrades are long and sometimes the roadway is rough. What I mean by long is 5-6 miles of a 6% grade with two catboxes (runaway truck ramps) just for you fellas from out east. Everytime I am out east I keep hearing somebody say how steep and long the "mountain" grades are but have yet to find anything that I consider a mountain, just hills from what I am used to.

 

I've not seen a lot of mountains out west but like wolf said the 1s here in the east can catch you off guard. Idk the name but no1 mentions I26 in TN sign on top says top of the world. Not saying they can't be worse out west but I've run enough backroads in the east and There's plenty rough "hills". NC 226 A between Marion and spruce pine. 15 mph truck speed thinks its only 4 miles. US 23/119 Ky, US 421 in VA. Maybe I'm just used to mountains I approach them all the same. Its easier to speed up than slow down.

 

Id have to say I hated going south on US65 through Missouri and Arkansas. I had to get down to 2nd gear climbing one hill.

sent from DrtyDiesel

 

I would be lost if I had to climb or descend any type of grade, I believe the longest steepest grade we have in MN is a three mile 6 or 7% that I can say I will probably never have to do in a the rig.

 

Donner Summit to Truckee, CA (I-80)
Grapevine, outside LA (I-5)
Santa Cruz to Los Gatos, CA (CA 17)