Introduce Yourself: Colorado Continental Divide for the first time?

Print Page | Close Window

Colorado Continental Divide for the first time?

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11067
Printed Date: 03 May 2024 at 6:15am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Colorado Continental Divide for the first time?

Posted By: Rob179
Subject: Colorado Continental Divide for the first time?
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2018 at 7:58pm

We have a 2014 RPod 179 towing with a Lexis RX350 with a towing package and load leveler hitch. The car is rated to tow at 3500 #. We have taken it long distances over the Appalachians, Smokies and out to eastern Montana. We live in Wisconsin and plan to go to Arizona in early February and will take mostly a southern route to get there. I would like to return through Denver and I'm wondering whether I dare take I70 Grand Junction to Denver over Vail and Loveland Passes. We've not had any trouble with smaller mountains but wonder what risks are involved with tackling these highest mountains.

I grew up in Colorado so I know weather is an important consideration but I would have this same question if it was the middle of summer.

I've had great counsel from you veterans out there and would welcome your thoughts.

RPOD Rob

-------------
Rob
RPod 179
Lexus RX350

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2018 at 10:13am

Depends on when you would be planning on returning. Be situation aware. If the weather looks like it won't cooperate, return via the southern route. Towing where there is snow is bad enough, but you don't want to encounter ice. We used to tow with a Ford Escape with 3500 lb. rating. We encountered ice with a strong cross-wind. We now tow with a Frontier with 6100 lb. rating. Our 179 also had to go to the factory for extensive repairs.

Remember that you are towing a big sail. It isn't just the snow and/or ice. It is the wind that can push your TV and trailer in ways you don't anticipate. It is much better to wait until you can be relatively sure of not encountering snow and/or ice on the trip.

To help avoid the same situation, I added a Hayes Sway-Master electronic sway control. It should help if we should ever encounter a similar situation but the best way to avoid problems is to anticipate and avoid risky situations if possible.

-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: ArenaBlanca
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2018 at 10:16am

It has been a couple pf years since I drove that route but there are two things to be aware of -- weather and the road grade. The I-70 route is one of the main semi truck routes so there is a good truck lane for slow moving vehicles. I believe the grade is about 8% and I think the major grade is about 5-6 miles long. When I last traveled the route we had a large 5th wheel (14000 lbs) and were pulling with a 3/4 ton diesel. I think we slowed to about 30 mph going uphill which is faster than some of the semis. There is also the issue of going downhill. You might want to see if you can find a "trucker's atlas" as they give grades, clearances, etc.

Winter weather is fickle throughout the mountain states. All I can say is listen to the weather reports and act accordingly. While the worst weather seems to hit in February, there was freezing fog and sleet this week in northern NM (I-25) with a 20 car pile-up outside of Las Vegas NM.

-------------
Enjoy Life!!

Posted By: codycountry
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2018 at 1:13pm

You don't need to go over Loveland Pass. I-70 actually goes UNDER it, via the Eisenhower tunnel. Vail pass is fairly steep ~8% in some spots, but it is still a four lane highway with slow moving traffic lane. Trying to miss the snow is the key.

Posted By: sean p
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2018 at 7:02am

Great drive choice. I live in denver and travel i70 west alot year round. My frontier does great on those passes. its alittle steep from silverthorne up to the tunnel but you'll make it. Just dont take rt6 (loveland pass. sharp curves and steep grades. its all down hill after the tunnels to denver. Traffic is very very busy going east on 70 any day after 4pm. but sat. and sunday are the worst. 3 hrs to get from tunnel to denver. which normally takes 45 min. good luck.

-------------
2016 179pod--BETTY
2010 nissan frontier
Sean and Doug
Butchie the morkie
touring the west

Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2018 at 10:36am

Stay south until April

Posted By: Rob179
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2018 at 10:32am

Thanks folks for all your sage advice. One BIG takeaway from the multiple responses I got is: Err on the side of safety. I almost certainly will not be taking I70 to Denver. I will take a more southern route and know that even that will take me through some country that can present hazardous conditions. As always I learn a lot from this friendly and caring community of the RPod Owners Forum.

Thanks!

RPod Rob

-------------
Rob
RPod 179
Lexus RX350