Traveling through the Appalachian Mountains

sblackb7 wrote:
Thanks to all replies on my post! Wow, a lot of really good and useful information to consider, reconsider, and let sink in. We have family in NE Ohio but would also like to travel to or back from Michigan. All of you are right about the mountains scaring us (!) but just want to be prepared as much as possible. We have found the best advise comes from seasoned RVers! Thanks for taking the time to look up our specs and investigating.
I think it sounds like we should get more truck to avoid most problems. We've always worried a little about the smaller sized Nissan. It pulls higher rpms frequently towing just smaller grades around Columbia, mid-state SC! Could anyone suggest good reading materials so we can learn more about RV towing, grades etc?

Never seen a lot of reading material abut towing. Most learn by experience, and advice. like when mountain towing. NEVER start down the mountain in a gear higher than the one it took to go up, lower is better,.

Now when looking at trucks. check out the towing capacity of it BEFORE you buy it. Just because it looks like the one sitting beside of it, doesn't meant it is. If you buy new. the engine, GVWR, and rear gear are listed on the window sticker. There can be as much as 1000lb difference in GVWR between 2 identical trucks sitting side by side. The higher the GVWR the better, and the lower the rear gear the better for towing. There can be as much as 7000lb difference in the towing capacity between a 3.15 rear gear, and a 3.73 rear gear. With the 3.73 having the higher tow capacity. So when you buy. Make sure you get what you need.

If you buy used. there are also ways to find the rear gear ratio, and towing capacity. Do your homework.