Forum Discussion

b_pilot's avatar
b_pilot
Explorer
Aug 21, 2014

Towing through Eisenhower Tunnel

Just wondering if anyone has towed over the Straight Creek Pass through the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70. I will be going there this coming week. The pull going up the east side is about 12 miles of 5% to 6% grade. The pull up the west side is 6 miles of steady 7% grade. I have a 38 foot 5th wheel that I pull with a 2013 GMC Duramax 3500 Dually. I have towed in the mountains, but not over a pass with such long grades and 11,000 feet. My concern would be the truck overheating on the pull up the long grades, especially the 7% on the west side. Not concerned about going down hill because of the new Exhaust Brake system. Any recommendations on technique would be appreciated. Perhaps I'm just too paranoid. Thanks.
  • txdutt's avatar
    txdutt
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2014
    traffic at the tunnel entrance when it goes from 3 lanes to 2 lanes is more of a worry than overheating with your setup---worst part about the way up are the semi's that are having to crawl up at 10-20mph but at least they are restricted to the right lane for the most part
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 22, 2014
    If it gets too hot just drop 10 mph. People tow through that tunnel 24/7.
    And yes I have run that route without issue.
  • kalynzoo's avatar
    kalynzoo
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2014
    On my first trip through I was told by many to unhitch and have the car follow the MH which had a 454 engine. There was really no need. On subsequent trips with motorhomes, all gas, I just towed all the way without a problem.
  • ed6713's avatar
    ed6713
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2014
    In addition, there are fairly frequent pull-offs should your TV begin to overheat. Which it won't, but just in case.
  • skipnchar's avatar
    skipnchar
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2014
    I've towed through the tunnel from both directions dozens of times but towing only around 10,000 lb. Have done it with two different 5.4 V8 Fords, a 6.0 diesel Ford and my current 3.5 V6 Ford and haven't overheated with any of them. Doubt if you'll have any problem with your rig as long as you keep your speed up. Low speeds would make it more likely you'd overheat due to less air moving through the radiator.
    Good luck and enjoy the trip / Skip
  • glazier's avatar
    glazier
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2014
    That sounds like a fun pull, I doubt your combination will have any problems up or down.

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