Workhorse wrote this very informative and safety conscious article on maintaining a safe speed in your RV when going up and especially going down steep grades. The idea is to you let your engine do the (braking) work. Do keep in mind that the references are to gas-powered hydraulic disc brake motorhomes. Many of the principles are the same for air brakes. But is important to educate yourself to the fade characteristics of drum brakes if your coach is so equipped.

"Workhorse has found that drivers often overheat and damage their vehicle braking systems by improper braking in mountain areas or by “riding” the brakes on flat ground. The following includes suggestions from the Workhorse Technical Team as well as recommendations outlined in the DOT (Department of Transportation) commercial driver’s license manual. Workhorse has included these DOT procedures in its owner’s manual since 2007 and they apply to all types of motor homes.

In mountain driving, gravity plays a major role. On any upgrade, gravity slows you down. The steeper the grade, the longer the grade, and/or the heavier the load — the more you will have to use lower gears to climb hills or mountains. In coming down long, steep downgrades, gravity causes the speed of your vehicle to increase. You must select an appropriate safe speed, and then use a low gear and proper braking techniques.

You should plan ahead and obtain information about any long, steep grades along your planned route of travel. If possible, talk to other motor home or truck drivers who are familiar with the grades to find out what speeds are safe. You must utilize engine braking techniques to go slowly enough so your brakes can be utilized for speed reduction without getting too hot. If the brakes become too hot, they may start to "fade." This means you have to apply them harder and harder to get the same stopping power. If you continue to use the brakes hard, they can keep fading until you cannot slow down or stop at all.

Select a "safe" speed...

Your most important consideration is to select a speed that is not too fast for the:

• Total vehicle and cargo weight.
• Length of grade.
• Steepness of grade.
• Road conditions.
• Weather.

If a speed limit is posted, or there is a sign indicating "Maximum Safe Speed," never exceed the speed shown. Also, look for and heed warning signs indicating the length and steepness of the grade.

You must use the braking effect of the engine as the principal way of controlling your speed. The braking effect of the engine is greatest when it is near the governed rpms and the transmission is in the lower gears. Save your brakes so you will be able to slow or stop as required by road and traffic conditions.

Select the right gear before starting down the grade...

Shift the transmission to a low gear before starting down the grade. Pay close attention to the gear that is required to climb the grade prior to decent. For example if the gear required to climb the grade is 3rd gear, then 3rd gear should be selected prior to the decent as a base line to control your vehicle speed. Do not try to downshift after your speed has already built up above the safe posted speed limit. Once your speed has increased over the safe posted speed limit you may not be able to shift into a lower gear. You may not even be able to get back into any gear and all engine braking effect will be lost.

With motor homes, a rule for choosing gears has been to use the same gear going down a hill that you would to climb the hill. However, new motor homes have low friction parts and streamlined shapes for fuel economy. They may also have more powerful engines. This means they can go up hills in higher gears and have less friction and air drag to hold them back going down hills. For this reason, drivers of newer motor homes may have to use lower gears going down a hill than would be required to go up the hill. Usually you want the lowest gear that will keep the motor home at or near the speed you want in negotiating the downhill. For example, if you’re going down a six percent grade and wanted to go 35 mph, you would start downshifting and using the brakes to get to an engine rpm that will enable you to maintain a speed at or near 35 mph.

Proper braking technique...

Remember, the use of brakes on a long and/or steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine. Once the vehicle is in the proper low gear, the following is the proper braking technique:

• When your speed increases to or above your “safe” speed, apply the brakes aggressively enough to feel a definite slowdown.
• When your speed has been reduced to approximately five mph below your safe speed, release the brakes. (This brake application should last for about three seconds.)
• When your speed increases again to your safe speed, repeat steps 1 and 2.

For example, if your safe speed is 40 mph, you would not apply the brakes to any increase in speed until you reach 40 mph. Then you apply the brakes aggressively enough to gradually reduce your speed to 35 mph and then release the brakes. Repeat this as often as necessary until you have reached the end of the downgrade.

Brake fade or failure...

Your brakes by design operate utilizing brake pads that rub against the brake disks to slow the vehicle during brake application. This braking function creates heat, which the brake system can dissipate during normal brake applications. However, brakes can fade or fail from excessive heat caused by improper use or dragging the brake to slow the vehicle on mountain grades rather than relying on the engine braking effect. To safely control a vehicle, every braking mechanism must do its share of the work. Brakes with excessively worn pads or rotors will not provide the same degree of braking power. If you are not sure about the condition of your braking system, have it inspected by qualified service center.

Escape ramps or runaway truck ramps...

Escape ramps, also known as Runaway Truck Ramps, have been built on many steep mountain downgrades. Escape ramps are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers. Escape ramps use a long bed of loose, soft material to slow a runaway vehicle, sometimes in combination with an upgrade. Know escape ramp locations on your route. Signs show drivers where ramps are located. Escape ramps save lives.

An example of brake-friendly driving technique in Death Valley
On a recent trip to California we made notes on driving technique when descending a mountain pass.

Background...

The motor home was built on a Workhorse W22 gas chassis, fully laden to 22,000 lb. GVWR. The driver, let’s call him Mike, is an experienced driver with a valid Commercial Driver’s License and is also a professional automotive technician. We asked Mike to drive the vehicle in a fashion that would conserve the brakes, but also be reasonable in using the engine and transmission for braking (i.e. drive it like you own it!).

We were traveling in a south-westerly direction into Death Valley National Park from the Nevada side on SR-374, with a planned stop at Stovepipe Wells Village in the park. This is quite a steep descent with almost 10 miles of 7 percent grade and 4 miles of 5 percent grade, with a total drop of around 4,000 foot over 12 miles of driving. The speed limit on some road sections inside the National Park on this road is 45 mph, so Mike shifted down to second gear as soon as we hit the down-grade. The motor home was a 2005 model with the 5 speed Allison transmission and equipped with the “Grade-Brake” feature, but Mike elected not to use the Grade Brake, instead preferring to manually shift down using the column shift.

Mike would allow the vehicle to run against engine compression with the engine speed varying between 4,000 rpm to 5,200 rpm, depending on the grade.  Each time we hit 5,200 rpm the transmission would force a shift to 3rd in order to protect the engine.  Each time this happened Mike applied the brake for a few seconds to scrub off speed and this allowed the transmission to downshift to 2nd gear again, allowing maximum engine braking in the safe speed range. Drivers should not be concerned about the high rpms in this situation because, as noted, the transmission will automatically adjust when needed to protect the engine. Also, if Mike had elected to use the Grade Brake feature, the down- and up-shifting would have happened automatically once he touched the brake pedal.

Overall, Mike applied the brake only seven times during the 14-mile descent and this includes the final stop at the T-junction with the North Highway!  Most of the applications were of short duration, with less than 5 seconds of brake pedal application required to control the vehicle speed.

Only once did Mike use the brake pedal for longer on a twisty section to ensure we remained at a safe speed. The total time of brake application was only around 45 seconds. This was quite an enlightening illustration of how driving technique learned on heavy trucks (where brakes simply do not have the huge excess capacity found on passenger cars) can allow for safe navigation of the most demanding descents with no danger of overheating and damaging the brakes on your motor home."

Thursday, July 22 through Sunday, July 25, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Nation's Largest RV Rally.

As the nation’s largest RV assembly, The Rally 2010 will feature the latest in recreational vehicles (RVs) and accessories with live entertainment, family-friendly activities and educational seminars.

The Rally annually unites RV owners from every state and province in North America, with seasoned RVers and those new to the lifestyle parking side-by-side on the event grounds. The Rally is not only an exposition, but an experience that celebrates the RVing lifestyle with daily activities for adults and children.

This summer’s event takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Product exhibits will be open daily with more than 1,000 new RV models from top manufacturers on display and available for test drives. Nightly entertainment will kick off with stand-up comedian and actor Bob Newhart on July 22, followed by legendary country music artist Tanya Tucker on July 23. The Rally participants can also attend the Seventh Annual Dog Show, a Louisville beautification project, “The Rally’s Got Talent” competition and tours around Louisville.

The following prices are discounted and available through April 15, 2010 (prices will increase after this date):

• Electric hook-up sites, based on two adults, $359
• Dry camping sites, based on two adults, $179, and
• The Rally Passport (no RV parking; all activities included), $69 per attendee

For more information on The Rally 2010, call (877) 749-7122 or log on to therally.com.

BRIEF CALENDAR

The Rally 2010
July 22–25, 2010
Kentucky Exposition Center
937 Phillips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209-1398
Day admission: $10; RV sites start at $179 for a rig with two people
Website: therally.com
Email: info@therally.com

The second part of RV Buddies exclusive two-part interview with Gary Bunzer, "The RV Doctor" is LIVE for viewing now.

In this final 12-minute segment, Gary talks about a variety of RV maintenance and safety topics.  "With over 33 years of experience, Gary knows RVs inside and out," says Mark Summers, Host of RV Buddies.  “For anyone who wants to take care of their RV, this is a must-see interview.”

Bunzer shares the practical side of short and long-term maintenance so your RV can safely take you on your adventures for a long time.  "He’s a fountain of helpful tips,” says Summers. "My favorite is a great trick with a butane lighter to make sure your LP detector is working – simple, but effective."

Bunzer also elaborates on the reality of solar becoming mainstream and the future of fuel cells. From a safety perspective – he is adamant that a coach should have three to four fire extinguishers at a minimum, far above the legally mandated single unit.

Finally, Bunzer makes the point to look for the RV Certified or RV Master Certified patch on your technicians' shirt. It's proof that they are trained, updated and recertified every five years. With technology changing so fast – this is more important now than ever.

It's a publication that we look forward to every year. And if you are in the market for a new car - it really helps to know what can and cannot be a Dinghy. This year, the list of cars has grown immensely. There are the familiar ones and a few surprises too in Motohome magazines much-anticipated 2010 Guide to Dinghy Towing.

The popular guide is a supplement to MotorHome magazine’s March 2010 issue and can also be downloaded in PDF form via the MotorHomemagazine.com website.

The guide is packed with essential information for RVers who tow dinghies or are thinking of purchasing a dinghy.

Here are some of the features included in the guide:

• “What You Need to Know Before You Tow.”
• An informative “2010 Dinghy Roundup” article that breaks down entries by manufacturer and tells readers what’s new and exciting for 2010.
• An important “Towing Accessories” article with a separate section on dinghy braking systems.
• The 2010 Dinghy Guide list itself — 10 pages categorized by make and model and including such information as speed/distance limits, base curb weight, city/highway mileage, approximate retail price and any special procedures.

To read the guide, go to MotorHomemagazine.com and click on the “Dinghy Guide 2010" link on the lower right side of the home page for an immediate download of the PDF or CLICK HERE.

“Airstream is a classic trailer with a rich history,” says Mark Summers, Host and Executive Producer of RV Buddies Online. "In fact, the 28 so caught our cameraman's eye that we couldn't pull him away," says Summers. "He shot close-ups of bolts and plumbing that were more for his personal enjoyment and research than for the video tour!"

Like all Airstream trailers, the International Signature series has a low center of gravity for incredible control on the road. Additionally, its aerodynamic shape can improve fuel economy by up to 20%.

Over 70% of all Airstream trailers ever made are still on the road today. That's because they can easily last over 40 years, which is significantly greater than most conventional trailers.

Airstreams have a cult following and are high on the list of demands by "A" celebrities while they are on set in Hollywood or on location.

There are six different lines of travel trailers with floor plans ranging from 16' to just under 35'. One model, the PanAmerica, even includes a garage area, which officially brings Airstream into the toy hauler market.

Airstream continues to be one of the most popular trailers available today – the result of the vision of one man, Wally Byam, whose dream was to build the perfect travel trailer. Ahead of its time, the Airstream still slices efficiently through the air – a simple design that remains intact today. Byam's philosophy was that quality always remained "in style", and that there was no room for planned obsolescence.

For complete information and specs on the 28 International Signature Series, and all other Airstream products, or their community blog or product store, visit Airstream.com.

Lippert Components has acquired the patent-pending design for "Level Up", an innovative six-point leveling system for towable recreational vehicles.

"To eliminate unwanted rocking and swaying with other leveling systems for towable RVs, you may have to adjust up to four different manual or power jacks.  Based on the terrain, you may even need to position those jacks on blocks to get the RV to the desired position.  Not only does the patent-pending Level Up six-point hydraulic design level the RV in seconds but it eases undue stress on the chassis, windows, and sidewall when the RV's slide-outs are extended or retracted," said Brian Donat, Director of Marketing for Lippert Components.

Level Up is the first hydraulic six-point leveling system designed specifically for towable RVs.  The six-point design helps prevent twisting issues while leveling.  The system works from a centrally located key pad that levels from side to side, then front to back.  "The Level Up product is also available in after market kits from the Trailair Service Center located in Goshen, IN for the customer that currently owns an RV," said Donat.

"The Level Up design is a natural fit with our stabilization products for towable RVs,  and is consistent with our overall strategy of adding more value to the RV," said Jason Lippert, President and CEO of Lippert Components.  "We continuously strive for added value for all our products.  Leveling systems once only used for high-end towable RVs are now reaching more mid-line products.  As this trend continues, we expect that Level Up will be used on more and more towable RVs."

Additional information about Lippert Components and its products can be found at LCI1.com.

RV Buddies is proud to announce the addition of Hensley Mfg., of Davison, Michigan, as the Presenting Partner of our “Towables” category.

Hensley is an RV systems towing and towing equipment manufacturer that sells anti-sway trailer hitches, 5th wheel trailer hitches, brake controllers, Mirrors and accessories.  The products include the Hensley Arrow Anti-Sway Trailer Hitch, the Hensley Cub, TrailerSaver 5th wheel hitches, the TruControl Silver Brake Controller, the TruControl Gold Brake Controller and a wide array of towing mirrors and accessories.

We’re excited to partner with Hensley Mfg.  They’re a family business that prides itself on outstanding product quality and unparalleled customer service while producing the safest towing hitch in the market.  We’re looking forward to growing with them for many years to come.

Hensley will be the Presenting Partner for our RV Buddies “Towables” category, a newly created category on our website.  We added the Towables category in response to the changing landscape in the marketplace.  RV manufacturers have been producing lightweight and more cost-efficient towables and we needed to expand our coverage of the wide array of products that are now available and will soon become available in that category.

Ralph Pagano, the Hell's Kitchen alum and erstwhile Executive Chef of the restaurant formerly known as Customs House is headed back to television.

It turns out his split with the Boca Restaurant (detailed last week on Clean Plate Charlie) was mutual. While Customs House will now be known as Chris Michael's Restaurant and Lounge, an eclectic steakhouse/Italian/sushi/seafood concept, Pagano is getting back to the small screen with a show that will take him on the road. Literally.

The show, tentatively titled RST RV, will center around Ralph as he hits the open road in search of food that's "renewable, sustainable, and traceable." Pagano will drive a 45-foot, fully green RV that runs on bio diesel (hence, the name) out into the country where he will document people making food "the old fashioned way."

Pagano says his inspiration for the program became clear during his time filming Pressure Cook. "I really became more aware of these types of foods while traveling the world," he said via e-mail. "Now, [I have] the opportunity to tour this country and meet all these cool people who are making [sustainable] food."

According to Pagano, RST RV will also feature an online component where viewers can follow the green-mobile live as it rolls into new destinations.

"There will be some great stories...people who've changed careers [to do this], third-generation farmers, and scientists," says Pagano. "Groovy [people] looking to make a difference and while making some kick ass product along the way."

Pagano doesn't have a timeline on when the show will air as of yet, but says the network (also undisclosed as of now) is "finalizing the nitty gritty on the deal."

This story originated on the Broward (Fla.) New Times blog.

Last year RV Buddies attended The Rally and had a great time. RV Buddies is heading to the 2010 Rally again this year. RV Buddy, Bob Livingston (the publisher of MotorHome magazine) is hosting a very special event this year. RV Buddies can tell you this - Bob knows how to plan a good event and have a good time. Mark your calendar and read on for all the details...

"A behind-the-scenes look at the RV industry in Northern Indiana is being organized for RVers in conjunction with “The Rally,” the nation’s largest gathering of RVers, scheduled for July 22-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.

Bob Livingston and his wife, Lynne, are the hosts of this adventure, which begins in Elkhart, Ind., where they will lead a group of RVers on a short journey into the past and present — with a little partying stirred in to enhance the experience, according to the magazine.

The group will meet on Friday, July 16, in Elkhart. Once settled in at the RV park, the special four-day event commences with a private, guided tour of the Newmar RV factory in Nappanee, Ind., to learn firsthand how the vehicles are built. From there, participants will mingle with members of the Amish community and finish off the day with a homestyle meal.

The next morning guests will tour the RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum, which relives the 100-year evolution of RVs. In the afternoon, an interactive tech and lifestyle seminar will be presented. Bill Gehr, of Bill’s RV in Ventura, Calif., will join Livingston to answer attendees’ questions. Gehr — who has been living and breathing RVs for more than 35 years — and his wife, Jenn, are full-timers. On Sunday’s schedule, it’s off to Studebaker National Museum in nearby South Bend. Dinner and more socializing follow.

On Monday, the group breaks camp and heads for Louisville. It’s about a six-hour drive to The Rally site. Once there, participants will gather for a farewell party and get a preview of all the great things in store for them during the following six days at The Rally. To top it off, participants in this special program get the VIP treatment: They will be assigned a premium site close to all the action.

The cost for this special RV immersion tour, which includes an extra “early bird” day, is $1,169 per rig (two people), if you’re signed up for The Rally; for those not registered for The Rally, and departing on Tuesday morning, the tour price is $1,299. For reservations or more information, call (800) 829-5140."

For more information visit TheRally.com. The above article was posted on RVBusiness.com.

Winnebago is pleased to announce the promotion of Steve Dummett to design engineering manager.

In his new role, Dummett is responsible for design engineering of the Company’s motor home product lines. Dummett oversees all design engineering functions at Winnebago, including body construction, cabinetry, plumbing and interior softgoods.

Dummett brings more than 29 years of extensive design experience to his new position. Most recently, he worked as a project engineer where he managed the design development of the Company’s Winnebago Tour and Itasca Ellipse, from concept to production. Prior to that, he held positions as a product designer, and numerous drafting positions with the Company.

Dummett earned an associate of arts degree in industrial education from Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa, and continued his education studying industrial technology at Winona State University, Winona, Minn. He lives in Forest City, Iowa.