Semi-Trailer Mountain Driving Guide
Mountainous regions possess many unique qualities that make them a challenge for any semi-trailer driver that needs to pass through the area. This includes things like elevation changes, steep slopes, and the overall remoteness of the area. Luckily, these strategies from Utility Trailer of Washington can help you safely navigate the mountains while operating a semi-trailer.
Pay Attention to the Grade
Mountainous regions are full of roads that have steep grades. Grade is a road’s slope, usually expressed as a percentage. The higher a road’s grade, the steeper it will be and the more difficulty your semi-trailer will have driving up it. Naturally, driving down a road with a high grade will cause your vehicle to gain more momentum and make it more difficult to stop.
Going downhill can be particularly dangerous when operating a semi-truck since they are so much heavier than commuter vehicles. The best way to deal with this is by using a technique called pulse braking. Essentially, you set a “safe speed” for yourself and then hover around it. If, for example, your safe speed is 40 MPH, you should wait until your truck is going 45 MPH to hit the breaks. Once you are down to 35 MPH, you can let go of the brakes until you hit 45 MPH again. This helps ensure that your brakes don’t overheat and become less effective. Be sure to break before you hit a downgrade and take extra care when making sharp turns. If your semi-trailer is a manual, don’t forget to downshift.
Maintain Traction
Extreme weather conditions occur more frequently at higher elevations. You should especially watch out for things like snow, ice, and fog. Weather conditions can shift suddenly, so always check the weather report before you leave. If you encounter snow, use snow chains and don’t follow the tracks of the cars ahead of you.
Other Concerns
Mountainous regions tend to be remote. Not only does this make it more difficult to find fuel and truck service at higher elevations, but you’ll have to keep a sharp eye out for animals since these regions support a denser population. Big animals like elk or bear can cause serious damage if you hit them. Avoid driving at night if possible, since animals tend to be more active after dark. Finally, you’ll need to account for the fact that engines tend to be less efficient at higher elevations.
Shop semi-trailers at Utility Trailer of Washington. Visit us online or at our dealerships in Auburn, Mt. Vernon, and Richland, Washington. We also have mobile locations operating out of Moses Lake, Wenatchee, Centralia, Tacoma, and Yakima, Washington, as well as Anchorage, Alaska. We hope to see you soon!