Dreading the big dipper - A30 Cornwall

[wilkesma]

Hi all,

Planning a trip to deepest Cornwall in August. Trouble is I know that my '89 1.6 TD Transporter is really gonna struggle to make it over the 'big dipper' (you might know it, on the A30 near Cambourne). It's like a 1:1 gradient! My old Astra used to struggle up it for god's sake!

Any tips on getting the most out of the van, in terms of engine work AND driving technique?

Has anyone had any good or bad experiences on this stretch of road?

Ta

[grumpyoldgit]

Get the wife and kids to get out and push.

[R0B]

reverse up it done it a few times in my old 1.6td but that was on a newish engine(not reversed it up)

[SplendiferousII]

That hill is nothing to worry about. its the one at oakampton you should be concerned about. But still you have a turbo. I used to do it no worries with my 1.6n/a and I am usually towing my trailer and motorbike on board.

[ringo]

Fit an oil cooler to keep the engine in top condition going up the hill.

Ringo

[helga592]

Hi If you stay on the A30 you dont have to worry about the big dipper as its on the A3075 between Newquay and Deadruth

[SplendiferousII]

Thtas the one we all know as the big dipper. He means the slight incline at nancemellon valley.

You will also need to climb hamburger hill to get out of cornwall dont forget.

[Alice]

Had no trouble at all getting in or out of cornwall in my 1.6 non turbo, or this year in the 1.9 with very iffy clutch (sorted now). You should be fine.

[syncrosimon]

That will be the Rejerrah Dip, is the speed camera still there?

If you want a steep road, try Hustyn Hill near Wadebridge, between Burlawn and Polbrock. It's a 1 in 3.

[albertramsbottom]

I went up that baby in my 2ltr Audi A4 150bhp and I was still in first. But I recon my 2ltr Aircooled would get up there in first.

Just put it in first at the bottom and drive up, reving it a 15mph, youll go over naything

Paul

[wilkesma]

It seems I'm getting my hills mixed up, and I'm meant to be some kind of Geographer! It's the one on the A30 with 4 lanes and cameras at the bottom to clock ya when you're trying to get up some speed.

I do feel reassured (esp. by Paul & Alice's comments), the van does ~55mph on steep motorway sections and I've seen a lot of wedgies doing similar. Not sure I'd be happy about reversing up though!

Cheers guys,

Mart.

[syncrosimon]

The one I think you might mean is just after Launceston, called locally as Lewannick Dip. It is twisty on the down side and straight on the up side, think the speed camera has gone, but not sure. It's just after the Bude turn off on the A30 known as Kennards House.

There is the big one at Okehampton as well, as mentioned above, and the big one as you cross the Tamar before Launceston.

[wilkesma]

'Lewannack Dip' - that rings a bell. Just glad I haven't had a barrage of replies about negative experiences. Might go to Norfolk next time, much flatter!

Mart

[syncrosimon]

The main thing to do is just relax, dont over rev the engine, dont hurry the change down to third, find the right speed for the dub, and not worry about those behind you.

We used to commute from St Albans to Aberdeen in a Bay Window, the section of M6 in the Lake District always worried me, as it was uphill for about 4 miles. Then just learnt to relax, and follow a lorry, couldnt always keep up with it for long though. If you just accept it will be slow then there is no stress. Hang your elbow out the window, get your shades on and look cool.

Simon

[ninja.turtle007]

I did it in a 300BHP Subaru Impreza, funnily enough I flew up it!!!

Maybe a few more horses would help or you could tell the RAC you have broken down and need a tow!!!

Have a nice holiday.