| What's the steepest grade you've ever climbed in a GMC? [message #241834] |
Fri, 28 February 2014 21:17  |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
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Yesterday I climbed from the Death Valley Furnace Creek floor at -190' to Dante's View at 5450'...well, almost. I ended up parking the coach at 5240'.
Did you know that a GMC doesn't want to climb a 15% grade? It's true! I got almost all the way up but the last 1/3 of a mile or so was too steep, my wheels started spinning and the front end started getting squirrelly. And that was before the switchbacks started!
So being the highly edjumacated man I am, I donned cycling attire and rode to the top. Did you know that a 15% grade at a mile high elevation on a bicycle isn't as easy as it sounds? That is also true! I had to stop several times and even had to walk for a short bit. I _never_ do that. The ignominy!
But I made it, the coach is in one piece, and that's all matters. The road has a 25' vehicle length limit so all you full size GMCs wouldn't be allowed to even attempt it (technically). What's that about protecting someone from themselves...? 
So the question arises, what is the steepest grade that a GMC should/could attempt? Has anyone made it to the top of Dante's View in a GMC?
I've also heard that you can turn the coach around and back up just about anything, but I wasn't about to test that out, especially not backing up switchbacks on a narrow road with other traffic. It does sound like fun, though!
Richard
It's been raining steadily for most of the day here in Death Valley.
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
[Updated on: Fri, 28 February 2014 21:20] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] What's the steepest grade you've ever climbed in a GMC? [message #241836 is a reply to message #241835] |
Fri, 28 February 2014 22:02  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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My 23' w/3.55 & 500 ci Cad hardly slowed down 'til I had to back off to
eliminate wheel spin. Manny was disappointed that he didn't get to help.
:-)
Ken H.
On Fri, Feb 28, 2014 at 10:40 PM, Steve Weinstock wrote:
> The hill up to Manny's place.
>
> Before new transmission - couldn't make it. Manny came and got me -
> pulled me up with a chain behind his van bouncing back and forth.
>
> After new transmission and new 3.70 final drive with limited slip - no
> problem !!
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: What's the steepest grade you've ever climbed in a GMC? [message #241864 is a reply to message #241834] |
Sat, 01 March 2014 10:13 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I've done 12% and 15% no problem but not too long and one good pavement.
Some time back a Netter posted a picture of his 26' on a grade in the Sierra's near Markleville, Ca.
Since you're a cyclist you're probably familiar with "The Markleville Death Ride."
Started from a dead stop at the bottom and 1st gear @WOT all the way.
A warning sign next to the road said 24%. Must have been a frightening experience; he has since sold the GMC and left the net.
You could check it out and report back if you head north on US 395 when you leave Death Valley.
would be nice if you could post some pictures of your travels.
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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