I-10 grade AZ-TX

[jrbdad]

Traveling from San Diego to Virginia. Taking I8, I10, I20, I30, I40, etc..
I am very familiar with the grade on I8 out of San Diego. Wondering what it is like on I10 between Az through Nm and to Tx.

Thanks.

[bobbecky]

Grades on I-10 are much less a problem through those states than those on I-40. Depending on what you are pulling and with what, you shouldn't have any problem. Just make sure your rig is in good shape, engine, cooling system, and tires, as you may run into some serious heat pretty soon.

[jrbdad]

I am used to the heat towing over mountains been towing over I8 into and out of Imperial valley for years. And have towed up CA395 quit a few times in July. So will be ready for that. Just not sure how that grade is compared to say I8 up and out of Imperial Valley.

[filmtex]

There's a pretty good grade over the mountains in to Sierra Blanca Texas. It's long but not nearly as steep as that grade you mentioned in California. It's about 50 miles southeast of El Paso. Otherwise I don't recall too much to worry about.

[jrbdad]

So its steeper going down into Texas then going up into NM?

[filmtex]

Travelling east from El Paso in to Sierra Blanca is the steepest grade- as I recall. There is also an ICE inspection just past the top of the hill. It usually goes pretty quickly with just a question about citizenship.

[gvansickle1]

Agree with filmtex, traveling east from El Paso heading into Sierra Blanca is the steepest grade; traveled it several times over the years. It's not bad though.

[jrbdad]

Will be making the trip in just under 4 weeks. Temps probably in mid 90's and will hit that grade around 2-3pm. If its no steeper then the I8 then we should be fine. Maybe stop before grade and cool everything down a little.

[hankaye]

jrbdad, Howdy;

What area of Virginia are you headed to? Western Va. and you will appreciate
I-81, it runs in the Shenandoah Valley, easy rolling hills. If you are aiming for
I85 to the Hampton Roads area ... You will be going through what is fondly
known as 'The Gorge', mostly up hill, quit the grunt to get to Asheville, NC. then
there is Black's Mtn. for your down hill. There is a break check area at the top
and last time I went down there in a big truck, the speed for trucks and most
towed vehicles was 35mph. Been a few years might have changed ... perhaps
someone that lives near there can give a more up to date report.

hankaye

[jrbdad]

Heading to central Va. Powhatan County. So we will drive up I-81 for little while.

[hankaye]

jrbdad, Howdy;

Beautiful parts of the Commonwealth you'll be traveling through.
I trust you'll be taking US 460 to Lynchburg, and East from there.
You'll pass just South of Appomattox Courthouse.
US 60 has Buena Vista hill, 25 mph. up with a 8% grade and 25 mph
going down the eastern side as well. Only time I was ever able to
see the tail lights of my trailer in the rear view mirrors (). Danged
road looks like a snake with a broken back.

hankaye

[jrbdad]

Buena Vista hill on US 60? Were is that at?

[hankaye]

jrbdad, Howdy;

It's what the other drivers in the Co. I was driving for called it as the town
of Buena Vista is at the bottom of the hill on the Western side. The 8%
grade runs down the West side and dumps you right into town with a
stop light waiting for you... . So, you would be faced with a steep and
twisty pull that lasts a few miles, then down a very twisty slope on the
Eastern side.
It's North of the US 460 to Lynchburg exit, the one I would recommend.

hankaye