Pulling a Travel Trailer across I70

3oaks wrote:

Dennis M M wrote:

Terryallan wrote:

mjames wrote:
My wife and I are newbie fulltimers and are going to Denver in May.We are going to Utah via I70.We are pulling a 32' Ultra Light Rockwood Windjammer7500 lbs loaded with a 2012 Ford F150 twin turbo eco boost with trailer package.Is this doable across the rockies? Any concerns

Why wouldn't it? You are well UNDER the rating for the truck. A turbo does not lose HP, or Torque at the higher elevations. Interstate grades are not real bad. So going UP is not an issue.

I would however start down at a very conservative speed, and a low gear. like 2nd. Remember. It is easier to keep the speed down, and rig under control, than it is to get it back after you have lost speed control. The engine will hold you back pretty good if you use the low gears.

Absolutely correct! Start very slow - let the traffic go around you - pick your max comfortable speed (25-30-35) and start out 10 MPH below it, when you reach your max speed brake FIRMLY back to start speed and release brakes; Let the brakes cool as speed builds back up and repeat. Do this all the way down. DO NOT ride the brake pedal, keep your foot off the brake pedal more than on it.

I totally agree with all that is stated. Too many drivers start their descent down a steep/long grade at much too fast then are almost to the point of panic trying to slow down. If the tow vehicle is rated for the load, it is capable of handling that load, provided the trailer brakes are in good condition and properly adjusted. It's the driver that must know how to maintain control. Even professional big rig drivers sometimes loose control while descending a hill too fast.

Exactly! My family has pulled that many times with a 1969 Chevy with a small block and a 7,000 lb TT. That truck is rated somewhere around 175hp at the wheels at sea level. Now take 30% off of that for the altitude.

With your truck you have waaaaaaaaaay more than 175hp to the wheels and you don't lose any power because of the turbo's.

You will have no problems at all. Have fun.