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Quint_Da_Man's avatar
Quint_Da_Man
Explorer II
Mar 28, 2026

Advice traveling in Colorado

I'm traveling  thru Colorado from Great Sand Dunes to Ouray then down to Durango, RV Life directs me to Ouray on RT 50 thru Gunnison and from Ouray down the Million Dollar Highway to Durango. I'm worried about whether I'm going to have trouble negotiating these roads in my class c towing a jeep. My class c is on the Ford 450 V10 and I feel like it might have trouble specifically on the inclines. What are peoples opinions and experiences on these routes. What are your suggestions.

I appreciate any incites.

2 Replies

  • Thanks for your reply, not to worried about spacial situations, it looks like semi's drive these roads so I'm good with that. Yes I'm asking because I've never driven these types of routes for as long mileage-wise. I'm assuming every bodies first time is their first time. I have done 8% grades no guardrails, 1000 ft drops for short distances (2 miles). My main concern is elevation and not having the power while towing. As far as braking I'm comfortable using lower gear and not riding the brakes. My jeep has a Blue Ox Patriot II braking system. 

    Specifically I'm asking has anybody taken these routes driving a 32' class C on the Ford V10 while towing a Jeep had any problems climbing the elevations. Did you need to unhook or did you have enough power. 

  • Similar question posted here recently. 
    same answer. Without going hundreds of miles out of your way.  Lots of hundreds, you’re gonna hit big passes and big grades at serious power sucking altitudes and down grades that have had songs written aboot them. 
    Whether you go Wolf Creek or Molas and Coal Bank or take your chances on Monarch or down and over Cumbres and Hwy 64 in NM, it’s about the same. 
    Navigating any of these routes spatially is not a problem. Semi trucks run em all. 
    If your asking and you have a fear of heights or question your abilities on steep tight switchbacks it’s a non starter fo you. 
    If you can handle looking 2000’ down while driving and keeping in your lane then worry about heading down fully loaded and towing. Toad brakes are a must and better drive miss daisy at the top and know the braking limits and understand there aren’t runaway truck ramps everywhere you could get sideways. 
    If your asking, you ain’t driven any of these routes and haven’t driven similar in a similar rig. I’d suggest 285 south followed by a nice scenic tour of Northern NM to get to Durango.