towing out West

Paul Clancy wrote:
If your truck doesn't have a trans temp guage it's a good addition for big grades.

Tundras come with a trans temp gauge. The OP will be fine with that setup. I tow much heavier.

A Tundra towing a 19ft light weight. Sounds like a case of too much truck. My advice. Get something smaller to make things more interesting.

citiznmikem wrote:
I am planning on towing my 19 foot Aerolite travel trailer out West next summer with a 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7 with tow package. GVCR of the trailer is around 4700 lbs. I've been told I shouldn't have any problem, but I wasnt convinced by the people who told me that,so here I am on this forum hoping I can get some positive reinforcement. It tows just fine on small hills and such, but the Mountains have me somewhat concerned.

I live in Colorado at 6500ft and only go up from there. I use a Toyota 5.7 to motivate my Nash TT, about 6K, and I've scaled the combined rig at 13,000. My regular routes include the "Ike Gauntlet" that is frequented by the TFLTruck videos, which maxes at 11,000ft. The Toyota 3UR V8 and Aisin 6 speed has been excellent at grade climbing and descending. At basically the max GCWR for the Sequoia I can hold the I-70 freeway speed limit anywhere on it (5-11K ft in altitude, up to 7% grades), or descend 2000 ft on a 7% grade, 60-65mph in 3rd gear without touching the brakes. Highways are all easier than the 70 freeway since the speeds are lower, even though the grades might be steeper.

Have fun out west.

TucsonJim wrote:
When you get on steep grades, there are some things you should consider.
1. If you're on a two lane highway, don't speed up when you get to a passing lane. Stay to the right, and let traffic get around you.
2. If you're on a two lane highway, and you have traffic backed up, use turn outs every chance you get. This will let traffic clear out behind you.
3. On steep downgrades, make sure you use your transmission to keep your speed under control instead of your brakes.
4. If it's very hot out and you're climbing a steep grade, shut off your TV AC to help with power demands and to prevent overheating.\
5. On some steep grades, there is a brake check area at the top of the grade. If you have any doubts about your rig, pull over there and check to make sure your brake controller is properly set.
6. If your brakes start to fade on a steep grade, make sure you have a hot iron to get the pucker marks out of your seat. ;-)

Good advice, the best way to not get yourself shot out west here is to be a courteous driver. We don't put up with that eastern rudeness.

I would recommend starting your trip with a fresh oil and transmission fluid change. Especially the tranny service if you haven't done one in a while.

If your truck doesn't have a trans temp guage it's a good addition for big grades.

Never had an issue in the rockies, pretty mild % grades.....now down town Seattle mind you, or in the columbia river area......grades in the 15-25% range. Rockies never saw anything over 10-15%..... Freeway grades in the 4-6% range are nothing. Usually have a gear or two before you run out of lower gears. now on a 25% grade.....oh boy, already in low gear, that will pucker you cheeks!

Marty

Tundra 5.7 towing 8,300 GVW trailer mostly in Colorado mountains--no problem.

When you get on steep grades, there are some things you should consider.
1. If you're on a two lane highway, don't speed up when you get to a passing lane. Stay to the right, and let traffic get around you.
2. If you're on a two lane highway, and you have traffic backed up, use turn outs every chance you get. This will let traffic clear out behind you.
3. On steep downgrades, make sure you use your transmission to keep your speed under control instead of your brakes.
4. If it's very hot out and you're climbing a steep grade, shut off your TV AC to help with power demands and to prevent overheating.\
5. On some steep grades, there is a brake check area at the top of the grade. If you have any doubts about your rig, pull over there and check to make sure your brake controller is properly set.
6. If your brakes start to fade on a steep grade, make sure you have a hot iron to get the pucker marks out of your seat. ;-)

Dang, they's hard on em tanite aint they!

downtheroad wrote:
No problem with that rig....
But, make sure you circle up at night. We still get attacked by Indians out here in the West.

Hey OP !
U ain't from New York City R ya?