Where does I-68 in MD rank in steep grades?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by bowman316, Dec 23, 2011.

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  1. Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

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    Fuel and the wear and tear on your truck is a huge factor. I'm cheap but unless I'm light or coming from the south I run the pike.
     
    Les2, Dec 23, 2011
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    airforcetoo Thanks this.
  2. rzl-dzl

    rzl-dzl Medium Load Member

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    rzl-dzl, Dec 23, 2011
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  3. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    ironpony, Dec 23, 2011
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  4. Johnny99

    Johnny99 Johnny be Good

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    I 68 in Md, Big Savage Mtn. Not that bad. Only a true 6% part of the time, but it can get you in trouble if you are heavy due to the length. I 64 , Sandstone grade in W Va is worse in my opinion. Only 5 miles, but a steady 7% drop.
     
    Johnny99, Dec 23, 2011
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  5. Ruges

    Ruges Light Load Member

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    Yea I agree 68 in MD is not that bad becouse its not a true 6%. Now granted I am generaly only 69-73,000lbs, So that might play a factor. and I let the jakes do most of the work. Plus the corners are not very tight.

    As far as ranking goes, its not even in the top 10.
     
    Ruges, Dec 23, 2011
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  6. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    When they were building it, I remember there was a fuss about them getting some kind of exception for the grades being over what the standard specs are for Interstates.
     
    Hardlyevr, Dec 23, 2011
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  7. davenjeip

    davenjeip Medium Load Member

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    Must be pretty bad, since I have never been over it without seeing at least one truck smoke their brakes. Not sure if they are inexperienced, if it catches drivers by surprise, or what, but it seems as if a lot of drivers have trouble with it.
     
    davenjeip, Dec 23, 2011
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  8. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    A lot of drivers don't know how to come down a steep grade.
     
    ironpony, Dec 23, 2011
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    airforcetoo and magoo68 Thank this.
  9. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    I will run that way when empty, but when I'm pusing 70K+ I just run the tollway. It makes up for the wear-n-tear on my truck and fuel.

    if I'm going to Baltimore tho, I run 68 unless there is snow in the forcast, then I stick to the turnpike as they seem to keep it cleaner than 68
     
    SHC, Dec 23, 2011
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    The_Great_Corn Thanks this.
  10. 07-379Pete

    07-379Pete Crusty Commando-Pete

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    Try US160 over Wolf Creek Pass in Colo.[​IMG]
     

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    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 25, 2011
    07-379Pete, Dec 23, 2011
    #20
    bbechtel16 Thanks this.
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