Going from Red River, NM to Durango, CO

babiker911 your profile doesn't give a clue as to what your tow equipment is. We have an '03 Dodge dually with an automatic transmission that we had to have retro fitted with an after market exhaust brake. What a lifesaver this has been. This particular add-on is recommended especially when towing in high mountain areas. This helps with not using your brakes to the point of over heating and slowing you down using an exhaust brake. But the route you have chosen will not pose a big problem. Even though your signature states New Mexico you must not be familiar with high terrain towing. Hang in there you should do just fine with the route you have chosen for this trip. Believe me I am a white knuckle side seat driver!

Sheila aka....

Dave;s Wife,
We did come down from Eagles Nest to Red River, and did ok, even though I overheated coming uphill and had to stop for a bit. My further question is: Going downhill I had the auto transmission set on Overdrive off, I shifted down to first gear, and still picked up speed and had to hit the brakes a few times. Is there no way to use the transmission and the air brake to avoid using the vehicle brakes, or am I expecting too much? I reached about 45 mph, and braked down to 30, then let is build up speed, then braked again, is this the right method, or am I missing something in my technique? My fear is overheating the brakes and making them worthless.

Thanks for both replies, and so quick too!! Really appreciate the information. Deserthawk, I'm using the exact route you menioned. I have a Dodge 3500 dually with an automatic transmission, with an air brake. (Got the air brake after a downhill trip from Winslow, AZ to Camp Verde, AZ and almost put my foot thru the floor braking). The air brake helps but I know its no substitute for experience, which will come in time. Thanks again for the help!!!

US 84 to US 160 isn't that bad at all as I remember coming down from 160. Been quite a few years ago.

I assume you will be using NM 522 to US 64 to Chama & on to US 84 to 160. Which shouldn't be too bad either. Some climbing getting up & then down from the Rio Grande Gorge area to Tierra Amarilla. A very scenic drive up into some Alpine country.

There is also the Cumbres Toltec Steam Train from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO. It is a neat one.
Heron Lake State Park, Chama, Train Photos This is also to a post asking the same question as yours. Hwy 84/64 from Pagosa Springs, CO to Taos, NM

There are not any large or high passes, knuckle biters on that route. Getting into Red River from Eagle Nest has higher altitudes than you will see enroute to Durango, the only thing is that the Colorado roads don't have wide shoulders like NM. Have fun in Durango.

Sheila aka...