The best way would be to use a light throttle position JC.
I 5 south to 84 east then south on 97 looks to have less hills and right about 5 hours from seattle according to google maps. I90 east then 97 south looks to have more elevation change but is only 4 hours 20
I need to know the definitive way to drive from Seattle to ORP. I am going to be towing with a smaller truck and I would like to know what would be the very best way to ORP without putting a lot of strain on engine and transmission. J.C.
JC I5 to I205 to I84 is the flatest and more than likely the best route for you. Just watch out for the bump-d-bump road construction thru Tacoma and u should be fine. I run the route all the time, except i know a short cut (back way-MUCH LESS Traffic) from 205 to 84. If you knew that way you could save average 20mins to 84. Load allthe salsa u wish, NO buddy will mess with u Good luck c u there
Have you pulled to Spokane? The real killer hill for a smaller engine/trans is I-90 over the pass. If you don't think you can pull that, then I-5 south is the one true way. Salsa or no Salsa.
The over the pass route only saves you maybe 30 or 40 miles and if it kills the truck it really won't be worth it.