Forum Discussion

4x4ord's avatar
4x4ord
Explorer III
Oct 08, 2018

HP required to pull hills

Here is a formula that will give a rough idea of the flywheel HP required to tow a fifth wheel up a grade at speed.

HP= s(53000+gw)/31800

s = speed (mph)
g= % grade
w= weight of truck and trailer

It should give a fairly accurate number for most 5vers traveling 50 - 65 mph.
Tow Vehicles
  • ShinerBock's avatar
    ShinerBock
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    My old 240 hp Cummins wouldn't and neither would my friends 240 hp Eco diesel. Maybe 50-55mph, but not 65 mph.
  • 4x4ord's avatar
    4x4ord
    Explorer III
    Oct 08, 2018
    I think it likely would but 9000 lbs is not much weight for a diesel truck and trailer.
  • ShinerBock's avatar
    ShinerBock
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2018
    Plugged it into Excel to play with different numbers. I am getting numbers that are a little too optimistic because I know an 240 hp diesel will not tow 9,000 lbs up a grade 7 at 65 mph.

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