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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.

6 Replies

  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Nomad II
    Apr 04, 2026

    Awe, I just motor up and down those grades but would rather go up than down. Part of RV life. 

  • MORSNOW's avatar
    MORSNOW
    Navigator III
    Mar 31, 2026

    In my 5 years of traveling all over the western US, I've found that Colorado has the worst maintained roads.  I couldn't believe how nice it was to cross a boarder out of that state.  

    • Grit_dog's avatar
      Grit_dog
      Trailblazer
      Mar 31, 2026

      Interesting opinion from someone from the land of 10million frost heaves. 
      But realistically I think someone says this about almost every state at some point. 
      I bet Warshington gives CO a good run for their money. Although, objectively, being in the business of building and repairing the things we drive on, states that have strong state generated budgets, ie UTah and Tx generally have better roads than those who spend way more tax dollars on feel good projects for the constituents that keep them in office.  (Whew figured out how to write that without making it political!)

  • Quint_Da_Man's avatar
    Quint_Da_Man
    Explorer II
    Mar 29, 2026

    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. 

    • Grit_dog's avatar
      Grit_dog
      Trailblazer
      Mar 30, 2026

      So you’re only worried if she’ll have enough snort to make it up the hills?  
      Id say not a concern if you got the rest covered which it sounds you do. 
      You won’t be breaking any speed records up the passes but I’ve driven all of them in different light duty trucks from bobtail to towing about 6klbs and a 4speed v10, 5.9 dodge gasser 4 speed and a couple diesels. 
      If you have the ole 4r100 you’ll be second gear max assuming you have like 4.30 or deeper gears. A torque shift or 6r140 will help you a bit with better gear splits. But you’ll make it up with any of them imo. Given you didn’t say how long/heavy your rig is and what gears and trans. Maxxed out old 2v v10 with a 4 speed and a 34 footer loaded for the whole summer would be pushing it imo. 

  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Trailblazer
    Mar 29, 2026

    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. 

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