MetalGator wrote:
We just completed a trip to North Carolina from Florida with our 2018 Miramar 35.3. We towed my wife's 4 door Jeep Wrangler. I was very happy with the performance. For the most part, I was able to maintain the speed limit going up the grades. The one exception was one 8% grade where I was only able to maintain about 40mph in a 55 mph zone. I think I could have maintained a better speed but halfway up there was a construction zone where the speed limit was 35mph so I lost my momentum. Yes, the V10 revved quite a bit on the big climbs but it did the job. I am sure a DP would have done better and I know the Smokeys are small compared to the Rockies but I was pleased with the performance. After reading some of the comments over the years about class A's really struggling up grades, I was a little apprehensive while planning this trip. Now with one trip under my belt, I am looking forward to our next trip.
I was also pleased with the engine braking. I put the transmission in tow/haul mode and tapping the breaks would downshift. On a couple of the 8% downhill grades, I would have to jab the breaks a few times to bleed off some speed but the engine/transmission really helped keep the speeds down. Again, not trying to compare to a exhaust brake on a DP but I thought the RV did great.
Yeah, like you I was apprehensive going on my first trip in the Smokeys last year, but it ended up being easy. Like everyone said here, (my interpretation), learn your rig, know your limitations, and don't be stupid and a V10 Ford will work just fine.
Al
