Forum Discussion

dirtroad46's avatar
dirtroad46
Explorer
Aug 30, 2015

Hill Climbing on Dirt Road

Hi Everyone,

I need help deciding to climb a hill or not. I have found a great location for dry camping but have concerns about getting there. The road is a dirt road which I don't mind when it is level and not steep inclines. This road has down hills I will have to climb coming out and hills to climb going into. Hills are about 75 feet long and steep enough to have concern. Regular 2 wheel drive climbs these hills fine. But will have a 4x4 Desiel with Alison trans max package but pulling a 5th wheel of 38 feet and about 15-18k in weight. Not sure if I will get stuck or slip the tires on the incline. Should I attempt with a running start or use 4H and cruses the hill and not worry about the weight pulling on the truck as the angle of the incline feels like it will just pull me backwards. One 5th wheeler toy hauler about the same size was found in this location and Class A RV both about the same length the 5th wheel looks like it weight lighter as it has no slide outs. If I can get into this place it will be an awesome weekend get away ever time. But I don't want it to be a disaster as it will have no place to turn around unless I get to campsites.
  • dirtroad46's avatar
    dirtroad46
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2015
    thanks I'm not experienced enough at this stuff but always amazed at what the truck can do when I try. Hopefully we will have no limits.
  • boogie_4wheel's avatar
    boogie_4wheel
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2015
    Go for it. I would probably go to 4-low instead of 4H (depending on the hill length and incline) simply for the reduced strain and to reduce the heat the transmission is going to create at slow speed. By going to 4L you are taking a lot of the load off of the engine and trans, less fluid coupling in the torque converter, and will result in a cooler transmission.

    If you can't climb out, get a little run at it and/or bleed a little air out of the tires on the truck to increase traction.

    The only times I've ever had traction issues on hard dirt was with an empty 24' gooseneck flatbed trying to get going on an incline, and when I had a 4-horse bumper pull full of firewood hooked to an empty truck.
  • jandjbaums's avatar
    jandjbaums
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2015
    Watch your sewer lines and ass end. I wouldnt take a running start at it, just ease up it.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2015
    I creep up a gravel / dirt hill that is about 200 feet long and at a grade of 25% ( 1' vert. In 4' horiz.). I use 4 low and in gear no. 1. I also lock my hubs too. I was a bit worried the first time I did it but not anymore.
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2015
    Heck, there is always low range if you have a 4x4, but the problem may be your overhang. These things have very little tolerance for uneven roads that require the truck to climb up out of a dip before the 5th even got to the bottom of the dip. Just have someone watch the back with a radio.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2015
    I would first approach the climb very slow to make sure the 5th whl rear end isn't going to drag as you start up the hill. I think a very steep hill could also take some of the hitch weight off of truck.

    As long as you're good at backing up, give it a try. Leave someone at the bottom the hill to stop other traffic incase you have to stop or back up.

    Bill
  • DrtEMaxChvy's avatar
    DrtEMaxChvy
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2015
    You'll be fine. Lee the torque low so you don't dig in. Personally with my Allison combos have pulled 16k gooseneck up an off-road farm roads with some intimidating climbs. Worked great

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