Just received my copies of the Mountain West and Est Directories. I have a question for MH and/or tractor trailer drivers. In reviewing the directory I have noticed several roads with the warning "Tractor-semis over 30' kingpin to rear axle not advised". How does this warning pertain to a 40' MH?
Terry and Jo said
06:06 PM Apr 11, 2012
Ken,
The phrase "king pin" is a reference to the pin mounted under the front of the trailer, just as the pin on the pin box of a fifth wheel's front end. From the warning you are seeing, I am presuming that they are warning against any vehicle exceeding the 30' for using that road. Since a 40' motorhome doesn't articulate as a semi-truck/trailer would, I would venture that it might be best to not use those roads.
What I don't know is whether the tighter turning radius of many of the 40-footers would be helpful on those roads. Having never driven a 40' motorhome much, I'll have to defer to others as to the actual capability of the longer motorhomes on mountain roads.
Heh, even my limited knowledge of the "physics" of the problem is suspect. But, I would be likely to avoid them, just to be safe.
Terry
Jim01 said
10:59 PM Apr 11, 2012
Usually those roads have very sharp turns and possibly hairpin turns where you would have to use both lanes of the road to make the turns.
I'd stay off of them with a 40' MH. They probably wouldn't be much fun to be on with a large rig anyway.
Jim
lindy said
12:09 AM Apr 12, 2012
Basically it's saying if you have a vehicle that is over 30' from the pivot point the king pin (or in the case of a MH the steer axle) and the rear axle, don't use these roads, sharp tight curves.
Trabuco said
04:24 AM Apr 15, 2012
Thanks for the replies.
CurveCarver said
06:41 PM Apr 15, 2012
Jim probably states it best. Tight turns (many that are "blind") that require using both lanes in order to make the turn. These roads are also often on steep grades and precipitous drop offs that can complicate maneuvering. "Not Advised" is not the same as "prohibited" (aka: don't go there) and are most safely negotiated with a safety vehicle (toad) leading the way. The other considerations include very slow progress that will irritate others that follow, and, if you find yourself in a predicament and need to turn around, good luck. Prepare for law enforcement ridicule. All that being said, depending on how bad you want to go up or down that "Not advised" road, a 40 ft MH with a competent operator will be able to make it but be careful, and most prudently stop before you get on the road and investigate with a toad or motorcycle first. I have to tell you that some of these roads lead to outstanding destinations with spectacular vistas along the way. How adventurous are you? How important is it to you? Good luck on your journey, keep two hands on the wheel, and don't sweat the small stuff.
Bruce
rvingft said
01:14 AM Apr 16, 2012
Unless you get a kick out of the "oh S - - T!" adrenaline rush in your throat, those roads are being modest when they REALLY mean ... DON'T tackle this road in a tractor trailer or a large RV.
Once you've done one of those roads - ONCE - it will more than like be enough!
There's nothing like the feeling of not having enough brakes to slow down a rig, or needing both lanes +some to make a hairpin turn.
The "pretty scenery" is totally lost on the terror of your current situation.
Can you tell? I've BTDT a time or two in my truck-driving days. The shortcut was NOT worth the discomfort. Yup, got the tee shirt! :D
Just received my copies of the Mountain West and Est Directories. I have a question for MH and/or tractor trailer drivers. In reviewing the directory I have noticed several roads with the warning "Tractor-semis over 30' kingpin to rear axle not advised". How does this warning pertain to a 40' MH?
Ken,
The phrase "king pin" is a reference to the pin mounted under the front of the trailer, just as the pin on the pin box of a fifth wheel's front end. From the warning you are seeing, I am presuming that they are warning against any vehicle exceeding the 30' for using that road. Since a 40' motorhome doesn't articulate as a semi-truck/trailer would, I would venture that it might be best to not use those roads.
What I don't know is whether the tighter turning radius of many of the 40-footers would be helpful on those roads. Having never driven a 40' motorhome much, I'll have to defer to others as to the actual capability of the longer motorhomes on mountain roads.
Heh, even my limited knowledge of the "physics" of the problem is suspect. But, I would be likely to avoid them, just to be safe.
Terry
Usually those roads have very sharp turns and possibly hairpin turns where you would have to use both lanes of the road to make the turns.
I'd stay off of them with a 40' MH. They probably wouldn't be much fun to be on with a large rig anyway.
Jim
Tight turns (many that are "blind") that require using both lanes in order to make the turn. These roads are also often on steep grades and precipitous drop offs that can complicate maneuvering. "Not Advised" is not the same as "prohibited" (aka: don't go there) and are most safely negotiated with a safety vehicle (toad) leading the way. The other considerations include very slow progress that will irritate others that follow, and, if you find yourself in a predicament and need to turn around, good luck. Prepare for law enforcement ridicule.
All that being said, depending on how bad you want to go up or down that "Not advised" road, a 40 ft MH with a competent operator will be able to make it but be careful, and most prudently stop before you get on the road and investigate with a toad or motorcycle first. I have to tell you that some of these roads lead to outstanding destinations with spectacular vistas along the way. How adventurous are you? How important is it to you?
Good luck on your journey, keep two hands on the wheel, and don't sweat the small stuff.
Bruce
Once you've done one of those roads - ONCE - it will more than like be enough!
There's nothing like the feeling of not having enough brakes to slow down a rig, or needing both lanes +some to make a hairpin turn.
The "pretty scenery" is totally lost on the terror of your current situation.
Can you tell? I've BTDT a time or two in my truck-driving days. The shortcut was NOT worth the discomfort.
Yup, got the tee shirt! :D