Beacon
Utah
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Joined: 06/11/2009
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I'm headed to Phoenix from Albuquerque and would like to drive Salt River Canyon. My 38'RV has a good Allison transmission, and when my husband was alive he had an exhaust brake added to provide an extra bit of protection for downhill driving. The exhaust brake has not been engaging on this trip, and I plan to have it evaluated when I get to Phoenix. I've driven pretty good downhill grades without engaging it, and the Allison seems to do a fine job of controlling my speed so I don't have to rely on brakes. Any suggestions from other RVers on handling Salt River Canyon?
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AridzonaShooter
On the road!
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Joined: 03/25/2002
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Both sides are steep, but if you keep your speed down and take it slow and easy there shouldn't be any extra excitement. There are quite a few number of pull-outs, so you can let traffic past as well as enjoy the view.
http://www.paul.desertskyone.com
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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Joined: 08/08/2003
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Go for it. It's a nice drive. But why not get the exhaust brake checked out in Albuquerque and relieve your mind a bit?
RRUGG
2009 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ 1500 4x4 5.3L
2011 Kodiak 281RLGS travel trailer
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midnightsadie
ohio
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nice drive you won.t have any problems .
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dbbls
Missouri
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I pulled a 34 foot 5er through there last fall and didn't have any problem. My wife didn't want to come back that way so we went through Payson. It was just as steep and many more hills to climb and go back down. I would do the canyon before I went through Payson again.
2011 F-350 CC Lariat 4X4 Dually Diesel
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jwmII
out west
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The speed limit in the canyon is 35 M.P.H.as I recall and I start at the top of the canyon at 35 with the exhaust brake engaged and the transmission staying in 3rd and/or 4th and I never have to use my service brakes. I strongly suggest that you get your exhaust brake working before leaving Alb. With the 35 speed limit there is little need to be worrying about pulling over to let others blow by you to violate the speed limit. Your rig will easily maintain the 35 speed limit plus. It is a nice drive and can be done safely.
jwmII
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bdpreece
Woodburn Oregon
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Just did the drive from North to South yesterday in a 40 ft motorhome towing a 2008 Ford Explorer. The exhaust brake held my speed down just fine. Be advised the rest area at the bottom of the canyon is closed and fenced off. It is a good idea to have your exhaust brake serviced before the trip and be sure and use it some to get used to it.
Brian & Loretta
2008 Holiday Rambler Endeavor PDQ40
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