Bought first ever TT 1 year ago and have logged 1800 miles and 25 nights, all in the relative "flatlands" of Al, TN, and NC. Longest round trip 550 miles and 7 days. Using a new 5.7L Tundra with tow package, Forest river Cherokee 264 TT (31 feet, 7600 lbs), and Equalizer hitch. We are 2 months away from a 4,000 mile/28 day trip from Al to Utah and back. Being an engineer, OCD, closet survivalist, and resident conspiracy expert, I have endless spreadsheets planning every aspect of the trip. I'm down to 3 issues that I've found lots of discussion on but no real answers:1. This is mostly plains and desert travel and I anticipate winds will be a concern, but how much is too much wind? At what speed of sustained wind and gusts should I pull over and wait it out? What's the rule of thumb?2. I live at 550 feet above sea level and have never pulled above 1,800 feet. Easily half the miles of this trip will be above 5,000 and some at 7,500 feet. Will the truck engine computer compensate for the altitude, or will I truly have top-end power loss? (I asked Toyota corporate and got a non-answer). And if it really happens, will it be a major problem? 3. I've been told to shoot for 300 miles / day of travel. That seems short, but of course we have to put up/take down the trailer each night/morning and with a gasser there will be lots of gas stops, although at my age the gas tank is roughly in sync with the bladder.Any guidance on these issues based on your experience would be appreciated.

We've had a similar setup (same truck, similar-size/weight TT) for the last 6 years and did a lot of long trips with it, including in the mountains. Never had a problem towing in them; the truck could pull uphill all day. Yes, we went a bit slower uphill, but once it downshifted, we often found our speed increasing as we went up. :) Someone once described the Tundra as "more engine than truck," and I tend to agree. Disclaimer: we have not yet towed in Colorado, but I don't think I'd anticipate much of a problem. We certainly didn't notice any big loss of power between 650 feet (our old resident altitude) and 8000 feet (interior Yellowstone). As for winds, I don't know that there's a rule of thumb, but I'd go with my gut instinct (and usually have.) We have traveled in 35 mph headwinds (not pleasant and definitely requires more frequent gas stops) and crosswinds (distinctly unpleasant and disconcerting.) We drew the line at 35 mph sustained/50+ mph gusts one day, especially since they would have hit us broadside, and just spent an extra day in the CG where we were. No regrets about it. Distance per day also relates to your comfort level. We tend to like arriving in camp well before suppertime (the primary driver being the same as the cook supports this choice) so we aim for 200-250 miles a day, with 350 being absolute max. After 6 hours, my leg is ready for a rest!

1. Wind really isn't an issue unless it is really high. We have often traveled in 30-40 mph winds with no issue. Only problem is when it is a headwind--that will sure cut your MPG. I figure if you are going 60 on a two lane road and a semi passes you going the other way at 70--that's a lot of gust and is no big deal.2. We have often topped 10,000-12,000 ft in the Rockies and our truck has always done just fine. I'm sure there is a drop in efficiency but I could never feel it.3. The whole reason, for me, in RVing is enjoying the trip. 300 miles in a day is often too much. There is nothing like getting up in the morning, taking your time over a cup of joe, traveling a couple hours, taking a break, traveling a couple more hours, then stopping and setting up camp. Have a beer, read a book, enjoy the scenery, take a hike...that's what it is all about. RVing is all about the trip, not the destination. That's also why, when we travel, we often take the back roads and by-ways. Enjoy the trip!

It's good to worry. The more you worry, the less chance it will go wrong. :)Now the questions1) winds -- be like a bird and wing it. You'll know when the winds get too high. And it's always possible for a gust of wind to catch you off guard.2) altitude -- the only time I had a problem was on a motorcycle. Went from 900' (home) to 10,000' (mountain pass) and the bike didn't want to run too well up that high. Your Toyota should be fine, trust their engineers.3) miles -- 300 miles is a nice figure to shoot/plan for. Slow down and enjoy the trip. (300 miles is about one tank for me.)

1. Pull over when you feel the winds have compromised your safety. You'll know when.2. I've pulled through the mountains of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. New trucks are amazing. Never had an issue. Don't expect you will either.3. Can TOTALLY relate to the bladder/gas tank comparison. 300 is a fine rule-of-thumb. Give yourself the freedom to do more or less depending on your day, weather, how you feel, or any other variable. OCD wants to plan it out ahead of time but sometimes you just have to force yourself to live in the moment and make decisions as you go. Have fun! :)

1) High wind warnings are issued at 45 mph. High profile vehicles are recommended to pull off.2) Non-turbo gas engine looses roughly 4% of power per 1000' of elevation so at 10,000' you've lost 40% of engine power. Just means you will be going slower, gear down/rev up. It is what it is.3) We travel 250 miles per day.......but we are retired, have no destination plans. We just go.Don't get into analysis/paralysis. It's a FUN trip. Enjoy it! Be adventurous!

Long trip issues for Newbie | Good Sam Community

34 Replies

LeBout
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
1. Pull over when you feel the winds have compromised your safety. You'll know when.

2. I've pulled through the mountains of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. New trucks are amazing. Never had an issue. Don't expect you will either.

3. Can TOTALLY relate to the bladder/gas tank comparison. 300 is a fine rule-of-thumb. Give yourself the freedom to do more or less depending on your day, weather, how you feel, or any other variable. OCD wants to plan it out ahead of time but sometimes you just have to force yourself to live in the moment and make decisions as you go.

Have fun! :)
mrquacker
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
It's good to worry. The more you worry, the less chance it will go wrong. :)

Now the questions

1) winds -- be like a bird and wing it. You'll know when the winds get too high. And it's always possible for a gust of wind to catch you off guard.

2) altitude -- the only time I had a problem was on a motorcycle. Went from 900' (home) to 10,000' (mountain pass) and the bike didn't want to run too well up that high. Your Toyota should be fine, trust their engineers.

3) miles -- 300 miles is a nice figure to shoot/plan for. Slow down and enjoy the trip. (300 miles is about one tank for me.)
Earl_E
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
1. Wind really isn't an issue unless it is really high. We have often traveled in 30-40 mph winds with no issue. Only problem is when it is a headwind--that will sure cut your MPG. I figure if you are going 60 on a two lane road and a semi passes you going the other way at 70--that's a lot of gust and is no big deal.

2. We have often topped 10,000-12,000 ft in the Rockies and our truck has always done just fine. I'm sure there is a drop in efficiency but I could never feel it.

3. The whole reason, for me, in RVing is enjoying the trip. 300 miles in a day is often too much. There is nothing like getting up in the morning, taking your time over a cup of joe, traveling a couple hours, taking a break, traveling a couple more hours, then stopping and setting up camp. Have a beer, read a book, enjoy the scenery, take a hike...that's what it is all about. RVing is all about the trip, not the destination. That's also why, when we travel, we often take the back roads and by-ways. Enjoy the trip!
kknowlton
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2014
We've had a similar setup (same truck, similar-size/weight TT) for the last 6 years and did a lot of long trips with it, including in the mountains. Never had a problem towing in them; the truck could pull uphill all day. Yes, we went a bit slower uphill, but once it downshifted, we often found our speed increasing as we went up. :) Someone once described the Tundra as "more engine than truck," and I tend to agree. Disclaimer: we have not yet towed in Colorado, but I don't think I'd anticipate much of a problem. We certainly didn't notice any big loss of power between 650 feet (our old resident altitude) and 8000 feet (interior Yellowstone).

As for winds, I don't know that there's a rule of thumb, but I'd go with my gut instinct (and usually have.) We have traveled in 35 mph headwinds (not pleasant and definitely requires more frequent gas stops) and crosswinds (distinctly unpleasant and disconcerting.) We drew the line at 35 mph sustained/50+ mph gusts one day, especially since they would have hit us broadside, and just spent an extra day in the CG where we were. No regrets about it.

Distance per day also relates to your comfort level. We tend to like arriving in camp well before suppertime (the primary driver being the same as the cook supports this choice) so we aim for 200-250 miles a day, with 350 being absolute max. After 6 hours, my leg is ready for a rest!

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Long trip issues for Newbie

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