I have read a lot on this forum about how fast you can or can't go up a grade with a trailer. That is great in theory or on an empty road. But the one common sense thing i have never recalled mentioned here is the fact that you really can't go whatever speed your truck is capable of up a hill. You usually have 2 or 3 choices of speed.1) Speedlimit to 10 over in the far left lane2) 35-40 mph in the far right lane with the big trucksif there is a center lane3) speedlimit to 5 under with the slow cars in the center laneOn a 65-75 mph highway unless you are heavily modded you can't keep pace with the left lane. On a 6 percent grade with 23k combined no stock trucks can hold 65 mph. So that leave the option of the "climbing lane" or far right lane going 40 mph or being rude and holding up the "four wheelers".So to put these power requirements to real trucks. No new truck un modified should be able to haul 23k combined up a 6 percent grade at 65. Every new 3/4 or 1 ton truck gas or diesel is capable of hauling 23k combined up a 6 percent grade at 40-45 mph.

Well not sure about that I have run 19,000# up a 6% at 60 to 65 with a slightly chiped 01 Ram about 265 HP, 600 lb. ft. Touqre. This is running 3.55 gears and a 5 sped manual. I do it as I travel many two lane roads and don't want to hold up traffic. I don't see a reason new diesel can't do that!

Who stays stock? LolI remember pulling the grapevine last May at about 18,000 gross. 5th gear and 60-70 mph for miles on end. I had the power and could of pulled a heavier load at that speed but with the traffic and construction you had to be on top of it constantly. I am not stock however. To the OP, yes you are kind of stuck in the slower lane if you can't keep that fire lit and the load moving.

StockSet cruise for 62 mph and go......What's the problem ?

In the pickuptrucks.com heavy duty hurt locker test the new crop of diesels ran up a 5% grade with a low profile trailer at 27.5k combined and could only hold 45-58 mph. The weight disadvantage of 27.5k vs 23k is very closely offset by the aero advantage vs a high profile 5er.My guess is you started a good bit faster than 60-65 and were bleeding speed the whole way or it wasn't a true steady 6% climb.

I would say 80%+ of truck owners stay stock and there is a big difference between 18k and the 23k I used as an example. Depending on how modified you are you may or may not have been able to do it with 23k. The reason I picked 23k is it represents a 15k 5er with an 8k truck.62 mph would mean you either rear end a big truck in the slow lane up a hill or have a line of traffic cussing you in the left lane. Pick one. I would guess that on a true 6% grade you wouldn't be able to hold 62 anyways, but I don't know exactly what your combo weighs.The point is once you get to a BIG 5th wheel that actually starts to slow you down on the hills you likely aren't going to be able to keep pace with the cars and are stuck going the same speed as the big trucks. Which just about any truck can do anyways.

Towing speed on grade and common sense | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

Huntindog
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
I have never seen any grade that was "true" all the way up. They always have steep and not so steep sections... I am pretty sure that the Hurt Locker test mentioned was a average of the grade.

At any rate, I run in the left lane, grossing 23-24K depending on the trip/load and have no problems doing so. My truck is stock as well. I pass a awful lot of vehicles on the way up.... Some of them pass me on the way down. :B
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
My thinking has always been I might want to go another mountain so just enjoy the drive on the mountain we are towing on. Common sense is an awesome thing to own.

Merry Christmas every one.

chevman
whsk
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
X2 on common sense-my truck is stock and I run anywhere from 60 to 65 towing for the best fuel mileage-I could run faster (no lack of power anywhere)but why?-just my 2 cents-whsk
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
john&bet wrote:
I am not in a race with anyone at anytime on any road. I drive mostly flat roads and my biggest problem is the big rigs that want to run against thier governors reguardless of anyone else. They hold up traffic more than any RV that I have encountered. Most RV's are not running with the cars.

Agree 100%, not racing anyone at anytime, anywhere....If speed limit is 70, I'm normally running 62-65 without holding anyone up (get my best mpg at those speeds),...Other than that I'll run posted speed limit. Truck is bone stock and tows my 16,050# (loaded), 5er quite easily through the mountains of NC, SC, TN, VA and WV....all a person could ask for, and do it without pushing my truck any where near it's limits. All this equates to using common sense whether towing on a grade or in flat land.
Terryallan
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2013
2
Terryallan
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2013
Here. The speed limits on the grades drop to a safe 55 on the interstates. And they drop to 35 / 25 MPH on the state roads. You will NOT go around those curves at 65 MPH. Well, not on 4 wheels.

Also IF I can keep up with, or pass the REAL trucks (18 wheelers). That are made to tow. After all, That's all they do. I got all the tow vehicle I need.
artguys
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
I have seen UPS trucks pulling doubles going north on the backside of the Grapevine in the fast lane, no Jakes, smoke rolling of the trailer tire/wheels...Iv'e seen all types of vehicles get surprised going west bound get surprised at Sherman and getting caught up in traffic...Iv'e seen smaller vehicles pulling trailers on the west side of Cabbage out of their element...Iv'e seen west bounders on I 70 out of Denver pulling rigs not knowing that once you get by the Lakeside exit you need to be on it...I'm thinking the last thing anyone should be concerned about is how fast they can pull a grade.
goducks10
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
All stock here. I have no problem towing a my GCVWR of 17,000lbs up any 6% grade at the posted speed limit and then some. Unless it's real curvy.
Not sure what would happen with another 6000lbs on though. Quite frankly I don't really care if I slow a few cars down for 30 seconds while I pass a slower semi. I've been slowed down enough myself over the last 44 years of driving that I feel it's payback time.
guidry
Explorer
Dec 25, 2013
Stock 2013 Chv Duramax pulling my 5th up the Grapevine at 62mph last summer no problem. Even had to slow once then changed lanes and picked back up, no problem. But you are correct if you only have 2 lanes to work with.
john_bet
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2013
I am not in a race with anyone at anytime on any road. I drive mostly flat roads and my biggest problem is the big rigs that want to run against thier governors reguardless of anyone else. They hold up traffic more than any RV that I have encountered. Most RV's are not running with the cars.