Mountain Towing Experiences with 1/2 ton & TT
Hey all, My wife and I have a 2001 Ford F150 with the 7700# option for better towing. We purchased it from the only owner it has ever had who used it occasionally to pull a 27-foot 5th wheel. W...
Forum Discussion
Lots of good advice and information provided by previous posters.
While I don't have the combo of TV/TT that you're talking about, I do have a rig combo that has similarities. And I can give you some feedback from my experiences at altitude. I am in Colorado and routinely tow at 8000-11000 feet. Others here are also experienced high-altitude drivers.
The Tahoe is a 5.3L/3.73 rear. The trailer is a 25ft Keystone Outback, with a scale weight of right around 6100 lbs. Towing capacity of the 'hoe is 7400 lbs (less than yours), combined scale weight was ~11200 with a max of 13400. Weight distributing hitch w/anti sway. Usually 2 people on board and some firewood, included in the weights.
The places I've towed with this combo in Colorado have not been difficult. Slow sometimes, yes. Drop down to 2nd gear and even 1st on occasion, yes. Had any problems getting where I want to, no. The interstates, as stated previously, can have some long inclines/declines, but there are consistent standards that they meet (I think no more that 7% grade). And there's usually pull offs at the tops of passes if you want to pull over and rest yourself and the vehicle. Also, as previously stated, you'll likely be in a line of truckers/semis, so you'll likely be caravaning with them and other RVs. Don't be intimidated by the big diesel MoHos that seem to breeze up those high passes. Take it slow and easy, stay within what you perceive as your limits. When I tow I'm a LOT slower and more cautious than I normally would be.
Couple of rules of mountain driving. First, never go DOWN without using the same gears that you used going UP. Second, if there's a line of cars (3 or more) behind you, use a pull over to let them get around you. Many Colorado roads (and in other states as well) will have frequent pull overs for such situations. And third, if going UP a narrow road and meeting an on-coming vehicle, the UPHILL vehicle has the right-of-way, and the DOWNHILL vehicle must back up or pull over to make way.
As for routes getting from Florida to where ever out west, use T H I S - Flattest Route link to find the flattest route between 2 points you may consider. For example, if you look at Pensacola FL to Los Angeles CA, it routes you on I-10 and the highest point is less that 5000 feet. Also, the graph it provides is compressed, so keep that in mind as you look at graphs.
The whole point of what you're doing is ENJOYMENT! And for that, I wish you safe travels and many good memories.
While I don't have the combo of TV/TT that you're talking about, I do have a rig combo that has similarities. And I can give you some feedback from my experiences at altitude. I am in Colorado and routinely tow at 8000-11000 feet. Others here are also experienced high-altitude drivers.
The Tahoe is a 5.3L/3.73 rear. The trailer is a 25ft Keystone Outback, with a scale weight of right around 6100 lbs. Towing capacity of the 'hoe is 7400 lbs (less than yours), combined scale weight was ~11200 with a max of 13400. Weight distributing hitch w/anti sway. Usually 2 people on board and some firewood, included in the weights.
The places I've towed with this combo in Colorado have not been difficult. Slow sometimes, yes. Drop down to 2nd gear and even 1st on occasion, yes. Had any problems getting where I want to, no. The interstates, as stated previously, can have some long inclines/declines, but there are consistent standards that they meet (I think no more that 7% grade). And there's usually pull offs at the tops of passes if you want to pull over and rest yourself and the vehicle. Also, as previously stated, you'll likely be in a line of truckers/semis, so you'll likely be caravaning with them and other RVs. Don't be intimidated by the big diesel MoHos that seem to breeze up those high passes. Take it slow and easy, stay within what you perceive as your limits. When I tow I'm a LOT slower and more cautious than I normally would be.
Couple of rules of mountain driving. First, never go DOWN without using the same gears that you used going UP. Second, if there's a line of cars (3 or more) behind you, use a pull over to let them get around you. Many Colorado roads (and in other states as well) will have frequent pull overs for such situations. And third, if going UP a narrow road and meeting an on-coming vehicle, the UPHILL vehicle has the right-of-way, and the DOWNHILL vehicle must back up or pull over to make way.
As for routes getting from Florida to where ever out west, use T H I S - Flattest Route link to find the flattest route between 2 points you may consider. For example, if you look at Pensacola FL to Los Angeles CA, it routes you on I-10 and the highest point is less that 5000 feet. Also, the graph it provides is compressed, so keep that in mind as you look at graphs.
The whole point of what you're doing is ENJOYMENT! And for that, I wish you safe travels and many good memories.
