West Coast Mountains

They have been traveled before so they have a safe speed posted,do your inspections and carry chains.

 

I have driven just about all the main ones the past couple of years. Donner is not all that bad..just long. Over the Rockies on 70 not too bad either..just takes forever. 84 through Oregon Cabbage Patch on 84 is steep but you will get used to it. Montana on 90 has some good grades and curves. Northern Cali into Oregon on I 5 takes forever also..and some steep but not as long downgrades. Just set your speed correctly with your jake if needed before you begin to proceed downhill. It's gets less intimidating as you gain more experience.

Of course all of these are much worse in the winter..your going to see some brutal winter conditions in the mountains of the northwest. To me though..by far..Wyoming is certainly the most dangerous state to drive in during the winter. There are some long and rather steep downgrades there..mainly on the east and west sides of the state. The roads become a sheet of ice due to blowing snow, the winds often exceed 40 to 60 mph..the combination of wind, ice, truckers and cars hauling ### all lead to a dangerous combination. Be careful out there..the west is beautiful and to me the best place to drive..wide open spaces. Enjoy!

 

pull into that truck stop half way. take a chill

 

Also known as "dollar down" back in the day!

 

I drove from 1964 to 1985 before I ever drove a truck with a jake brake. The Volvo in my avatar with a 300 cummins was the first one I drove with a jake.

 

If you stick to the interstates you shouldn’t have any trouble.

 

That is a bug inspection station, not a scale.

 

Rated as one of the 5 most dangerous.
You don't have to be afraid of it though , just need to respect it.
Many people make the false judgement that it's not that bad.

 

Yes

 

Only way to find out is bring a tape measure with you the next time you drive through.

 

I’m actually surprised at how well my Volvo does. The jake, transmission, pedals, all work together on hills. I go down these grades and hardly use my brakes. Something I would have never thought an automatic could do well.
I will slow the truck down on a 5% grade without the brakes.

I do want to mention Oregon’s mother hen attitude with their signs. I won’t say more to stay out of trouble.