Time for Camping?

The Conejo Grade has a 7% gradient for 5 miles with 12 curves.  U.S. Route 101, is a California state freeway/highway and is not part of the interstate system.  Generally, the CA freeways are built to interstate standards, but this road has some historical topographic issues that make reducing the grade to 6% impractical from a cost point of view.  It would require realignment and rerouting of the highway at a prohibitive cost.

When towing, I generally follow the truck cautionary signs.  Seems to me that the braking capacity is proportionally the same, whether towing an r-Pod with a Toyota Highlander or a tractor/trailer with a load of I-beams.  Maybe that's overkill, but maybe it's also a good way not to kill your self or others.

I could be wrong, but I think the maximum gradient allowed in the interstate highway system is 6%.  If that's the case, then a long straight 10% descent is not very likely to be encountered and highly unlikely on an interstate highway.  The 6% gradient, like the one found on the Grapevine, from my experience with our current TV and trailer, is pretty easy to manage with a low gear and occasional tapping of the brake.  If one is not cognizant of keeping one's speed under control on a long descent, then it might be best not to tow anything.  

Originally posted by lostagain Here's a nice road to go down with a trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcVVkFth99k  Looks like there are some great spots to camp for a week or 2. ... and the gradient reaches 45% on the way down, so check your brakes before you go.

It isn't the interstate highways that really present the braking issues for most travel trailer towers, it's the twisty narrow, 2 lanes or less, highways that have steep descents.  These are often the routes to some of the best places to camp.  US 550 between Silverton and Ouray, is a good example.  At it's steepest it's got about an 8% gradient with countless curves.  I've driven US 550 from Durango to Silverton and it has its own challenges, but continuing onto Ouray was not in our plan.  I suppose all you can do if you are on a road like that is keep your speed to an absolute minimum, utilizing both whatever engine braking capacity and friction brakes you can, allowing lots of time to stop along the way to let things cool down, as well as for pissed off motorcyclists to pass.  Seems to me the key is keeping your speed very low and having plenty of spare time so you won't feel rushed.