On tuesday the18th of oct. I decided to drive my Toad (a Little Yellow Honda Element) over Hwy 190 in CA, I'd been forwarned not too drive my RV over this route. My good friend Ms Marty McGrath had warned me about the very steep hills. I just had to find out for myself.
So at 8am Tom ( from Alberta Canada ) and I started east on Hwy 190 . The 1st 11 miles were a mild 6% grade up to Father Crowley Point ,starting at 1970 ft in Lone Pine CA. and raising to 5230ft. at FCP. the 1st rest area . (only spot where if you were driving a large Rv pulling a toad U could pull over ) Note: there are spots along this route for Rv's 24ft or smaller to pull off. But if your big forget it.
It's all down-hill from Father Crowely Point. The sign states 7/8 % down grade with 25mph turns next 12 miles. They mean it ! with not where to pull over and cool your brakes. Once you start down that's it your going all the way. Note: Driving a large class A or C even in 2nd gear the stress on your engine would not be worth the miliage saved.
At bottom is Panament Springs , 1940ft. Which has a Shell Gas Station ( $ 5.70 pg reg) a Resturant and Rv Resort .
Then it's 8 miles of flat road 3% grade to the base of no-name hill ( 9% ) up to(11mi.) Townie Pass.4963ft. Then 23 miles of 7% down grade into Stovepipe Wells. 1200ft.
Now since we had done this trip in my little yellow element , we turned around and did it west. Total Miles =145 because of all them steep and twisty turns
Fiddler Fred's opion : don't drive an Rv over Hwy 190 in either dircetion. Very Beautiful adventure in a car, and should be seen the senic wonders abound . But if one is afraid of Hiegths just don't look down.
One last note: the rock over hangs on some of the 25mph turns would require you to use both lanes if your Rv is over 27ft long.
