Trailering to Death Valley from Beatty

[AMink]

We are heading from Reno to Death Valley next week. Last year, we went down 395 and came into Panamint Springs from the west. We stayed at the campground there. This year, we were thinking about going in from Beatty. Has anyone been on that road? How is it whilst pulling a 30' bumper tow? The road coming in from the west is pretty dang curvy and steep. Our camping friends were not very comfortable coming down. We did fine (thank you Jake Brake!), but he wants to go through Beatty. Any insight is welcome!

 

[ENafziger]

Brings back memories... We lived in Beatty and drove to Death Valley every Sunday afternoon for a picnic for 7 years or so. Unfortunately I don't remember much though because we moved to Tennessee when I was 8 years old. It seemed like really big hills to me, but then again, everything seems bigger when you're a kid!

--Eric

 

[JLandry]

AMink,



You'll have a moderate hill to descend down into Death Valley from Beatty... it's steep but not too twisty... but it's a very long, very steep hill to climb back out of Death Valley westbound. The only time I ever experienced an engine overheat while pulling a travel trailer was on that hill! Make sure your vehicle is in top condition before you start up that road and it goes without saying you should carry water and antifreeze (anti-boil) for your radiator, just-in-case.



Once you reach the pass between Death Valley and Panamint Valley, you're good to go. It's a long smooth stretch with a reasonable grade down to the Panamint Valley.



Where are you staying in the Panamint Valley? I'm pulling my travel trailer down from the Seattle area the second week of April to stay at the Panamint Springs Resort RV park for a few days to visit friends. We love that area! We'll be coming down through Lone Pine and approaching the Panamint Springs Valley from the west (Banks brake equipped).



Best regards,



John L.

 

[AMink]

We'll be staying at the Panamint Springs Resort too. Stayed there last year and had a good time, except for the record heat. I forgot about that long grade from DV to Panamint Valley. I'll mention that to my friend. Thanks!

 

[KevinSmith]

Hey, I'm leaving for Death Valley 3/12 (wed) from Winnemucca. Whats your rig look like? Mine will be 03 3500, white dually, four door. I'll be pulling a 24' cargo trailer with the bikes in it. The rest of the time i'll be on my Connie.

 

[GarrettPetersen]

Up here in northern CA we are payin 4. 20 a gal

 

[prestonmck]

I worked in Death Valley for 2 winters the very steep western most pass you speak of is called towns pass. The pass from Beauty into Death Valley is called day light pass. Towns Pass on the eastern and western ends are known as a truck and trailor proving ground. There are troughs of water along the towns pass grade to aid the many overheated vehicles that pass through.

 

[AMink]

Well, we made it back. Ran into KevinSmith at the campground. Their trip was a little more exciting; I'll let him explain! We did find that the coming from Beatty to Death Valley isn't too bad. Going from Death Valley to Panamint Springs is a 9% grade both ways. The exhaust brake helps, but you still need the service brakes. My buddy has a Ford IDI (before Powerstrokes) and his brakes got pretty stinky even running in lower gears. Live and learn!