towing in mountains of colorado

I pulled a 27' 5th wheel (8500#) with F250 5.3 Houston to Durango in June 2013 in temps of >100 degrees with zero problems. The truck performed flawlessly. I drove about 55-60 the only frustration was fighting a headwind going from Amarillo to Albuquerque NM. Watch weather and leave early in day. Hills not a problem...met my expectations for a gasser. Just be sure truck and trailer is serviced. If you are going only to Durango, roads are great and you will not be in "Mountains" at all. BUT if you go further to Silverton, you WILL have problems. But from here to Durango is fine...just typical interstate hills which I slowed for, but never caused a problem. Email me if you need more info...had a great trip and can suggest camps

No sweat. You have more truck and less trailer than me. Mostly just set the cruise, lock out overdrive and enjoy the ride. And yes I have been over the mountains of CO with zero issues. Just don't be in a crazy hurry and you will be fine. Sustained 3500/4000 rpm is normal when climbing to make power or descending to assist with braking.

You can do it but you won't enjoy it. I had the same truck, engine, and tow package and was constantly overheating, under-powered, and fighting transmaission heat. Had to pull off road to cool down several times on any pass such as Monarch or Wolfe Creek.

Finally wised up and bought a Dodge diesel which we love!