How to Safely Navigate Through Mountains in a Truck
Donner Pass, One of the most famous mountain passes in the USA. In this post I plan on explaining how to safely navagate a mountain. I hope you take a better knowlege and learn to respect the beautiful mount from this post.
ains of the USA.
Pretrip Inspection Before
Before you head out you should do a proper pre trip inspection. Pay particularly close attention to your brakes and tires and stearing system. Also if in the winter make sure you have tire chains and a winter emergancy kit (You dont wanna end up like the Donner family many years ago)
Going Up the mountain
Going up the mountain is quite easy. However, you do have to pay close attention to your speed and tacometer. You need to maintain your speed as best as you can. All truck engines can be different but in general you should down shift on a grade between 1000 and 1200 rpms. Up shift when going up at around 2000 do not rev engine more then 2200 rpms.
Going Down the mountain
Make sure you follow the posted speed limits and the suggested speed limits when going down. Also desend a mountain in general 1 gear less then you crested. There are 2 methods of braking when going down:
- Method 1 is stab braking. I dont normally use this one
What you do is try to stay 5 mph under the speed limit when you reach the speed limit you apply enough pressure to the brakes to slow you to that 5 mph under. in 3-5 seconds
- Method 2 steady pressure
I use this method most of the time.
The object of this method is to apply enough pressure to the brakes to keep a steady speed
What ever the method you use your objective is to keep your brakes from failing do to overheating. Always leave plenty of space between you and the truck or car in front of you.Be calm when in the mountains, if you feel you are starting to get excited take a deep breath and remember you are the one in control not the truck.
Know your limits, Your load is not worth killing yourself or others over.
If you have any other suggestions on how to get through the mountains please tell me with the comment system.
Thank You and be safe out there,
Paul Eigenheer
