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Topic: Major concerns about going over the I 70 Pass West from Denver (Read 1091 times) previous topic - next topic
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Major concerns about going over the I 70 Pass West from Denver

Yahoo Message Number: 103784
I have not been able to get a definitive answer regarding our Inspire with a tow to attempt going over I 70 Pass West from Denver. Current conditions in Denver does not have snow in the forecast, but conditions on the pass are very different. There is a new law in Colorado that you must have chains in your position for both RV and Tow car or have a 600 dollar penalty. I do not have chains. I am going to call the Hwy Patrol again tomorrow asking if chains are needed today.
Would I be better off going South from Denver toward New Mexico ? Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Stan

2005 Inspire

Re: Major concerns about going over the I 70 Pass West from Denver

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103787
We travel that way in our Inspire often, but never when snow is a threat. You are right, the grades get steep and weather can be suddenly severe starting just a few miles west of Denver.  I80 is better, but Wyoming doesn't do the job as well as Colorado does on the roads. Frankly, we just wait it out as the alternative is just not worth the risk and stress.

If you go south you have to go all the way to Albuquerque to get a freeway west.

Re: Major concerns about going over the I 70 Pass West from Denver

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103789
Call the Colorado DOT about current conditions.

Lee (leozbrowski@...) President, CCI

2007 Country Coach Intrigue 12153
CAT C-13

Re: Major concerns about going over the I 70 Pass West from Denver

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103790
I live in Colorado and drive I 70 frequently. I sees the signs saying you must carry chains. I would avoid Friday through Sunday with the skiing traffic. Weather will be much different at the tunnel then in Denver.
I used to drive a 36 foot gas mh and a 24 foot winnebago view. I always checked the weather, a sprinkle of snow was fine for me. They keep I 70 well plowed for skiing and trucks. I have driven my 40 foot inspire many times but not during a wintry storm.
I would watch the weather and time it right.

Mark

07 inspire 51985
 

Re: Major concerns about going over the I 70 Pass West from Denver

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 103794
You have a  pass between  Colorado Springs and Denver and you have Raton Pass between Trinidad  and Raton  New Mexico,  so If there is a storm in the forecast  your only choice is east and then south coming thru Amarillo and then turn west on I 40.    But other wise  I see no problem with heading heading South to Albuquerque. if the weather is clear.    My experience from traveling in Colorado, West Texas, Panhandle and Northern New Mexico for years is that driving a Motorhome on snowy and icy roads is a big no, no.  Chains or no chains.  Then throwing in steep grades is asking for trouble in all forms, for sure, guaranteed.  So stay away and  wait for clear roads.  I got caught in in 2" of wet snow but on warm  pavement near Breckenridge one time, but made it thru with no problems and I-70 was clean with only rain on the descent into Denver.  But that's as close as I want to come.  TWI 2004 Intrigue 42'  11731