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?

Not trying to talk you out of a bigger truck, because I think one is in order, but what exactly are you uncomfortable with?
High rpms? Any gasser 1/2 ton is going to drop 2-4 gears from crushing rpms to pulling 8k up a hill, except maybe the turbo trucks. If your engine or trans isn't overheating pulling hills, you're not hurting them, per se.
Braking? Have you had a bad experience, or just worried about it? Honestly your new midsize has as good or better brakes than every other 20 year old 1/2 ton truck out there still doing the same duties as yours. Yes a brand new half ton will be better than the Frontier , but if the trailer is 80-90% stopping itself, like it should be, then it's not a cause for alarm.
Handling/sway? Guessing if that wasn't under control, your question wouldn't be limited to mountain towing, but rather towing in general. Yes a 1/2 ton crew cab will have significantly more mass than the midsize, but just like the brakes, if it works fine, then it works fine.

All that said, unless it's financially prohibitive, a newer 1/2 ton with a V8 or Ecoboost will pull and handle the trailer with more authority. The question is, is it a necessity or a luxury?
I say little bit necessity and a lot of luxury.