Crossing the Rockies with a 24' trailer and fear of heights

[BIGNASTY]

Just go for it, WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN??????????

 

[cerberusiam]

... but you can't enjoy the seanery of the magnifican Rocky's at night.

Hmmmm..... that generates images of 007 base jumping of Pikes Peak. Oo.

 

[JTucholke]

Thanks for all the support, Folks. I guess that is why I posted here. I've spent so many countless hours working on this car, not bringing it with me just doesn't seem like an option. That and my dad gave it to me when I was just a kid. I am probably only hours from turning it over for the first time.

Coeur d'Alene seemed to be the worst part of the trip. (yes, I know it is pretty, but fear can take that feeling and make one long for safe and boring) That and crossing the Columbia is not high on my list of awesomeness. I was thinking of taking 80 until I read of Cabbage Hill and of the strong winds. I've driving the Eastern part of 80 many times and it is constant semi after semi, too.

I'm guessing the trailer/car will be 8000 to 10000 pounds. With other stuff like all my tools in the back of my truck, I'm guessing that will be around the same weight. At least I don't have a half ton... . If I get a chance, I'll upload some pics of my trailer to get some input. I do have a brake controller in the truck, but I don't remember what kind. Also have fresh brakes on the trailer. Do wish I had an exhaust brake though.

 

[cerberusiam]

What is your final destination?

 

[JTucholke]

Ellensburg, Yakima area.

 

[JTucholke]

I've seen some random postings about US Route 20 heading West. Anyone familiar with this route. Pulling a trailer I kind of prefer 55 mph anyway. Just keep in mind I'm trying to avoid long bridges and heights. I don't mind being at a high elevation provided the land next to the road is the same height. I'd have to head North once I hit OR and cross the Columbia that way (which I don't overly love), but do I skip Cabbage Hill?

 

[Tractorat]

I still say you take I-90 all the way to Yakima. If you are driving at 55, you won't be alone. I drive that slow, sometimes slower when pulling my TT. (tires are only rated for 65). And, if for no other reason, you will get better fuel economy.



The only thing to look out for would be after you cross the columbia at vantage. It is a long long pull at a pretty good grade. Ive seen many cars/trucks stopped on the shoulder with a trail of coolant behind them. The exiting ones you get to see are still moving up the hill and all of a sudden you see a puff of steam, a great big trial of coolant, and they pull off the road. But there are no drop offs there. The road just climbs with the hills.



I think you will be opening a can of worms if you try to take alternate routes. I don't think I-90 will get your petute twiddled at any point. At least between Minnesota and Yakima.

 

[Bill Stockard]

but do I skip Cabbage Hill?

If you don't drive I-84 through Oregon.

Bill

 

[Tractorat]

If you are afraid of heights, and are towing heavy, DO NOT (let me rephrase that) DO NOT take I-84 thru Pendleton. From the top of the hill, you can see a long long ways. I think the grade is about 6% or more all the way down with hair pin turns.

When I was about 9 years old, my dad and I drove down that hill in a car. He knew that I might have some concerns about going down the hill, so he distracted me by pretending he was an airplane pilot coming in for a landing. I think of that every time I come down that hill. If you do end up taking that route, (and are afraid of heights), make sure you stop at the bottom to change your skivveys.

 

[cerberusiam]

but do I skip Cabbage Hill?

You would skip cabbage but I don't think you want to drive the John Day\Burns hiway. Pretty drive but it is winding 2 lane thru the interior mountains of Oregon.

 

[Dl5treez]

Heck for a flatlander I-90 downhill across the Missouri River at the Chamberlain, SD exit is probably pucker factor enough before we even talk about the big hills.

Let's not all scare the guy... more than we already have.

Our dump trucks are running 25 hours/day 8 days/week, but if the stars align right, my offer still stands... I make an excellent real time tour guide/interpretive truck driver too. Plus I know how to back a trailer perfectly up to a curb at Wall Drug. Oo.

 

[JTucholke]

"Heck for a flatlander I-90 downhill across the Missouri River at the Chamberlain, SD exit is probably pucker factor enough before we even talk about the big hills"


Haha. SD is actually my native state, but I grew up on the very East side. I've already zoomed into that crossing in anticipation. At least it looks fairly low. When we went out a few weeks ago we went 212. I think that one was worse, but I don't remember crossing the 90 one by Chamberlain recently either.

 

[cerberusiam]

When we went out a few weeks ago we went 212. I think that one was worse,

If you crossed the Missouri on 212 with no problems get on I-90 and drop the hammer. There is nothing to compare all the way to the Cascades. Lookout pass is Wasta hill only longer. Crossing the Columbia east of Ellensburg is straight, wide, and level. Sit back and enjoy the scenery.

 

[Dl5treez]

Crossing the Columbia east of Ellensburg is straight, wide, and level. Sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Except for that sharp turn at the bottom. lol j/k

JT... I lived in Vermillion for a bit. I missed the mountains out here and had to come back.