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Old 02-10-2018, 11:53 PM   #1
Larryjb
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Default California/Oregon I-5

Sometime thi summer, we plan to go down to Disneyland. OM plan is to take the slower coastal route down, but on the way back use the more direct route, the I-5. my big concern is the mountain pass at Gorman which has a change of elevation of 2000' in just 10 miles. This seems just as nasty as the Coquihalla except in California heat. b. it really so bad?
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Old 02-11-2018, 11:39 AM   #2
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I would not be concerned about it if my TV had good amintance. Take it slow on the step grades. Downshift going down so you are not riding your brakes Stop and let the TV cool down if you think its starting to overheat.

The standard of interstate highways has a limit of either 7 or maybe it's 7.5% of maximum grade.
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Old 02-11-2018, 12:19 PM   #3
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Larry,

I travel through Gorman on I-5 frequently with the TM. With my Toyota Sequoia, it is no problem -- I maintain 60 MPH for most of it, even the climbs, but in low gear. If I have to slow down for some reason, such as not being able to pass, it's nearly impossible to get back up to speed till the climb is over, but it's not a big deal. For the downgrades, as Art suggested, you'll also want to use a low gear to avoid overheating your brakes.

Other than that, take it easy, and watch for the crazy drivers -- they're my primary concern.

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Old 02-11-2018, 03:41 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tentcamper View Post
I would not be concerned about it if my TV had good amintance. Take it slow on the step grades. Downshift going down so you are not riding your brakes Stop and let the TV cool down if you think its starting to overheat.

The standard of interstate highways has a limit of either 7 or maybe it's 7.5% of maximum grade.
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I recall there were steeper trades on the Coquihalla, but they seemed to go on forever. this is one of many that seemed to go on forever. 17km would be about 8 miles. If this was the only one, I can handle it. I put the truck into 2nd and I rarely needed the brake. I was able to keep my speed below 80 km /h (50 mph) and my brakes kept cool. If I found my speed was not staying below 80 kph then I'd brake to a more managable speed.

Climbing these grades is a greater concern. I'd find after a half mile my engine temperature would rise if I was using the A/C. I'd climb in 2nd and shut down the A/C. I don't mind a couple of short runs like that. But, IF you actually overheat on the Coquihalla, there is NO place to pull over! The shoulder you see in the picture is rare.
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Old 02-11-2018, 04:49 PM   #5
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Going down for 7 - 7.5% grades my toyota highlander. I drop it down 1 gear or maybe 2 out of 5 gears and it holds the speeds. I know the WV turnpike on some grades I have to drop it down 2, but its not an interstate highway, its a state toll road, which they are not governed by the interstate highway commision and can exceed the 7 - 7.5%.

Out here on the right cost we have only a few grades that are over 2-3 miles and they suck. I get dropped down to 55-60 MPH going up and as ShrimpBurrito said if I have to slow down behind a slow truck, I just about can not get back up to 55-60 MPH
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Old 02-11-2018, 04:56 PM   #6
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Larry -

As I have written several times, keep the engine RPM up. Don't slow down to "ease the load on the engine".

Actually, my concern is more with the transmission than the engine. I bet your Tahoe has an engine temp gauge, but does not have a tranny temp gauge. In my experience, the tranny overheats first, especially if you "slow down to ease the load".

As I recall, you load pretty heavily, both truck and TM. If you can talk yourself into it, you really should get a Scan Gauge (scangauge.com) or some equivalent device. It will read out all the parameters you care about, including tranny temp, in real time as you drive. About $150, simple plug-in installation. The confidence you will feel is worth it, all by itself.

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Old 02-11-2018, 05:12 PM   #7
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Bill makes a very good point. If you can and it is not already changed or came from the factory with it, change your transmission to synthetic transmission fluid. It has a higher burn temperature than regular trans fluid.

The old rule was once your transmission hit somewhere around 180 degrees the fluid began to lose its life, as it got higher temp its a shorter life, until some point the temp is high enough to burn the fluid and your transmission in a few miles is tost. Synthetic rises those temp and the fluid life.
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Old 02-11-2018, 06:47 PM   #8
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I remember the posts about keeping the engine RPM up. I kept that advice on my return from Kamloops.

I believe that GM already uses synthetic fluid in their transmissions, but a scanguage is a really good idea. I've thought of getting one years ago, so maybe now's the time.

Also, we won't be loaded so heavily next time. My sister won't be coming with us which removes the mass of a person plus their gear. My wife had loaded the trailer with canned food and drinking water for a week. I probably packed too many tools.
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Old 02-12-2018, 02:59 AM   #9
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There are also steep grades on I-5 at the Oregon-California border from Ashland south, which you will probably do in both directions if you aren't visiting the Lost Coast.

We usually use the Emigrant Lake RV Park as our base in Ashland. RV spaces around a reservoir. Book your Shakespeare Festival tickets in advance and see a play. It's not all Shakespeare, lots of fun things to see. There are a few different theater companies besides the Shakespeare Festival to look into. Get a sip of the heavily sulphured water from the Lithia Water Fountain. That's probably all you'll want. Lots of stores and restaurants.

Or get a couple hours off of I-5 at Ashland and camp at Lake of the Woods. I don't recommend Dead Indian (Memorial) Road for trailers. Too steep. Saw a U-Haul of someone that had not known how to handle hills and burned out his brakes - the complete contents of the moving van were scattered all around a turn.

I have not pulled my trailer over the Grapevine yet, but have taken the Jeep and Prius over a number of times.

In the middle of the Grapevine, near Gorman, is the California Water System Vista del Lago Visitors Center, with clean bathrooms, a view of Pyramid Lake, and a fun exhibit of California's extensive dam and aqueduct system.
In both directions, pull in and cool off your engine and brakes.

Just north of the Grapevine are the Tejon outlet stores which are a good place to stop after the descent North to let your vehicle cool and use the nice clean bathrooms and the food court. I got good deals on Van Heusen shirts last time.

Other good I-5 stops:

Vegetarians will want to stop at Taste of India in Buttonwillow, which would not be notable except for being the only vegetarian place on I-5. Probably there are other ones I don't know of, especially closer to San Francisco and Mt. Shasta.

Harris Ranch steak house is definitely worth a stop for lunch or dinner. But turn off vents and close windows for the feedlots just north of there.

Granzella's restaurant, in Williams, seems to consistently please my family.

Rolling Hills Casino has an OK buffet. I have too much math to gamble, so I've not checked out the slots.

I've not been to The Olive Pit in Corning, but I think my wife and son liked it.
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Old 02-12-2018, 09:26 AM   #10
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Wow, thanks Bruce!

I know there is so much to see! I told my wife we may not stop at everything she wants in WA and OR because many of those visits can be made on a shorter trip another time. We will definitely look at your suggestions. I really love the Lake in the Woods. I remember your description of the Dead Indian Memorial Road. I can't remember now, but was gearing down not sufficient to keep your speed down?

For those of you interested, OsmAnd app has some very good route planning that includes analysis of elevation and grades.

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You can zoom in on any part to see where a particular grade might be.
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