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Meetravel's avatar
Meetravel
Explorer
Jun 24, 2020

Driving to Durango CO from Moab with a Fifth Wheel

Hello. We are going to drive to Durango with a 43 Fifth wheel Toy Hauler on HWY 160 and I am worried about the 6% steep downhill grade right before entering Durango.
Any experience anyone? are there spots to stop along that route to let brakes cool off?

Will appreciate any input on that. thank you
  • We did that last summer. Just take time to pull over now and then and cool the brakes down. We did a rv towing avwrangler
  • Meetravel, if you are pulling with a gasoline engine that gives you a lot of the same effect as a exhaust brake on a diesel. If you have a diesel you can add an exhaust brake, not cheap but cheaper than a new truck. But if you have a gas engine, just use second-gear first gear, whatever keeps you going slow. You are heading for beautiful country, have a really good time.
  • You're the boss, have the driver pull over and stop!

    We followed a car with our car down Pikes Peak with brakes lights on all the way speculating on a problem. At a temperature check he was given a 45 minute rest brake. We continued on.

    I meet a group of one friend, part of 6 clueless RVs who came into Jackson Hole, Mt. 3 of them took advantage of the free coffee and popcorn at the Wilson brake shop to the tune of $3,000 EACH. Of course Google maps was blamed. I have no doubt that the employess enjoyed their coffee! :C

    The smart one of the three woke up and attended a mountain driving class in Jackson Hole.
  • Thank you for the input. We have it all but exhaust brakes. It is me (the wife) with worries. My husband says that he will use the tow/haul option as well as second gear. We went down 6% for 6 miles when driving to Moab from Zion park. We had to stop to let brakes cool off (it was in D and not 2nd like we learned should have been).

    It went down ok eventually and I guess we will follow the 2nd gear and Tow/Haul option until getting a new truck with exhaust brakes.

    I appreciate your respond!!! Thank you
  • Having “hot” brakes is driver error. Gear down and learn to stab. As cekkk said, six percent isn’t anything in the Rockies or Sierra.
  • Six percent isn't that steep when you are in the Rockies. And you should not be worrying about hot brakes if you have the proper setup. You should be using exhaust brake or engine brake and a low gear. Save the brakes for when you need them, only applying them when your speed goes up beyond where you would like it.

    I used to just shudder following cars or RVs with the brake lights on all the way down a hill. Your question is a good one what shows a lack of experience, not unusual. Most people never polish big rig through the mountains. Just do a lot more research and make sure you have a proper setup. Safety safety safety.