Re: [A/S] Raton Pass

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Verna,

1a - When approaching Raton Pass from the south (going north toward
Colorado), it's a long climb to the top. On a hot day, that climb will
determine if the truck's cooling capacity is sufficient for the engine and
transmission. A big plus is, there is plenty of lead time to find out if
cooling capacity is sufficient and there are shoulders for getting off the
highway while reconsidering options.

1b - When going down into Colorado from the top of the Pass, it's a long,
winding, steep grade that will test both truck and trailer braking capacity.
We didn't find one single "runaway" escape spot. It's the kind of grade
where the truck and trailer will want to accelerate dramatically if brakes
aren't used during most of the winding downgrade. Your exhaust brakes will
get a good workout.

2a - On the other hand, when approaching Raton Pass from the north (going
south toward New Mexico), it's a steep, windy climb to the top of Raton
Pass. On a hot day, that climb is not only long and difficult, there's only
one escape spot, if (when) overheating occurs. And, the shoulder is too
narrow or nonexistent for stopping safely while the radiator boils over.

2a - When going south into New Mexico from the top of the Pass, it's a piece
of cake <grin>. The downgrade is long and leisurely. On a clear day, we can
see forever. On a hot day, we turn the a/c on full blast and enjoy watching
the temperature needle stay in the lowest range.

Verna, you'll do fine with your rig. But, you'll know you've just gone over
a very big and very high piece of real estate.

The fast food stores at the top of the Pass have huge parking lots, if you
are so inclined. There is even a Wal-Marts Store if you arrive late in the
day and need to catch 40 winks. Level spots are at a premium.

Last year, we towed our 31' Airstream (8700#s) over Raton Pass three times
(September, December and April) when temperatures were mild to cool. Our 3/4
ton Van (8500#s) with 460 CID V8 kept up with trucks on the upgrades in both
directions. On the down grade going north (steep and winding), I down
shifted at the top of the Pass and stayed in 2nd gear all the way down.

Terry