Some RV road trips require going up or down a mountain. There are safety issues associated with driving an RV on steep slopes and it’s important to be aware of the hazards and know how to handle them.
We’ve gathered up the following safety tips for driving a towable RV on a mountain. For more tips or to shop RVs for sale, visit C&R Auto & Trailer Sales. Our dealership is located in Tremonton, Utah, and we also serve those in Logan and Ogden.
The Problem of Mountain Slopes
Mountains pose a unique challenge of steep slopes and high grades. The heavier the towing unit, the harder it will be to maintain a safe speed.
When going down, it’s easy to have too much brake friction. This can cause excessive heat, which can trigger problems such as reduced braking efficiency or brake failure. When going up, it’s easy to have too much heat for the engine and transmission.
It’s important to use the right driving strategies to safely navigate mountain roads.
Tips for Upward Grades
It takes plenty of horsepower and torque to push the heavy tow vehicle and towable RV up a steep slope.
Use a manually selected gear to keep the engine and other systems running cooler. This helps allow for partial throttle climb without automatic up-shift. Running the engine at a higher RPM allows the cooling package to be more efficient.
Tips for Downward Grades
What goes up must come down! Before you reach the crest, reduce your speed to the speed (or lower) that you want to take the downwards slope. Take note of any traffic behind you and be sure to reduce speed in a way that won’t cause any issues. As you go down the slope, maintain your speed with short applications of the brakes.
Other Hazards of Mountain Driving
A big challenge of mountain driving is the steep slopes, but that’s not the only obstacle. There are many other issues you can face while driving an RV on a mountain.
Common hazards of mountain driving include:
- Ice patches.
- Wildlife that may be living on or passing through the mountain and can dart in your path.
- Small rock pieces could have fallen down the slope and ended up on the roadway. These are often jagged and can destroy a tire or damage the tow vehicle or RV.
- Rain or snow on what appears to be a clear day.
- Reduced visibility due to clouds being lower than the mountain.
- Lack of shoulders or guardrails, leading to sharp edges on the mountain roads.
The key is to stay aware of these potential hazards. Make sure the individual driving the RV on the mountain is well-rested and able to quickly respond to any of these issues should they happen on your drive.
Want more tips for safely driving a RV on a mountain? Want to shop RVs for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at C&R Auto & Trailer Sales are here to help. Contact us or stop by our dealership in Tremonton, Utah. We also proudly serve those in Logan and Ogden, Utah.
