Rick i Carter Posted August 18, 2020 Report Share Posted August 18, 2020 I am enjoying a trip in Colorado an will be traveling on hwy 550 through the city of Ouray I have heard the road is challenging ,I am driving a 2004 National Tropical with a 330 cat.has any body driven this road an there thoughts .thanks Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted August 18, 2020 Report Share Posted August 18, 2020 We've driven it often both directions but then we're love mountain drives and we're used to it. If you have no experience on a 'big' mountain you may not like it. Are you staying in Ouray? If so, take your toad on the drive to see how you feel about it. Ouraynorth to south is more difficult for the driver and/or passenger than south to north. You will be on the drop-off side with no shoulder and no room for error if you get out of your lane. The 'bad' part begins soon after you leave Ouray for about 5 miles or so. It gets much better! Where are you heading? You could also take Hwy 62 from Ridgway (just north of Ouray) which will take you to 145 down to Cortez (Mesa Verde Nat'l Park). It's still a mountain drive at the top end but it's easier that 550. Gorgeous country! One of our favorites. We've spent a lot of time in Silverton 4-wheeling. Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick i Carter Posted August 18, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2020 Yes our next stop is Silverton,have been in Ouray doing some Jeepin an having a great time.My plan is to not connect the Jeep to the MH an will connect 25-30 miles down the road,thanks for the info.Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ms60ocb Posted August 19, 2020 Report Share Posted August 19, 2020 In your jeep time around Ouray have you drove up to Yankee Boy Basin. Not a bad drive but if either driver had a problem with that, stay away 550 south. My Mother in law told me "Clay watch the road as they don't have room for a white line in the side." That was some time ago. My present wife likes Ouray because it is looking up but to get to Cortez, we took Hwy 62 west from Ridgway to the San Migel river. Then down stream headed to Norwood. Leaving the river and climbing out of the Canyon my wife did cover head to prevent looking down. I took her to the Black Canyon and she wouldn't get out of the truck. Clay Quote Clay & Marcie Too old to play in the snow Diesel pusher and previously 2 FW and small Class C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick i Carter Posted August 19, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2020 Good morning a question for 2gypsies or anyone who has done a lot of mountain driving ,when shifting down an using the engine brake have you ever shifted as low to 1st gear .I have been shifting down to 3rd an when I turn on the engine brake it automatically shifts it into 2nd , an I have the flashers on in 3rd gear bur when it goes into 2nd the flashers appear to go on steady no more flashing not sure if this ic common . Thanks Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted August 19, 2020 Report Share Posted August 19, 2020 (edited) Just as an FYI, a little known fact is that it is illegal to drive with hazard flashers on in Colorado unless you are going less than 25 MPH. Edited August 19, 2020 by Chalkie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted August 19, 2020 Report Share Posted August 19, 2020 We never used flashers. I can't recall ever having to be in first gear. The engine brake held us back very well with just a occasional brake pedal usage. Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyretired Posted August 19, 2020 Report Share Posted August 19, 2020 I have pulled some pretty big loads with a semi over hwy 550. Trying to stay in your own lane with a trailer can be somewhat difficult but mostly doable. I use whatever gear is necessary to hold the speed in check. One time when decending Eisenhower with a pu and a heavily loaded trailer I used granny gear all the way to the bottom. Better to go slow and be safe. Quote Randy 2001 Volvo VNL 42 Cummins ISX Autoshift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick i Carter Posted August 20, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2020 Here is a update on my driving of hwy 550 , left Ouray an drove into Silverton stopped and did the mine tour ,highly recommend this tour we then left Silverton an on into Durango where we will be for 4 days .Had no issues driving 550 it does have plenty of switchbacks an down grades we just took our time used the engine brake when needed did not go into first . I believe I can now say I have done mountain driving ?Thanks for all the input .Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted August 20, 2020 Report Share Posted August 20, 2020 Glad you had a positive outcome!!! Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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