Forum Discussion

jrdgc's avatar
jrdgc
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016

towing thru Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming

I,m towing a 29 ft travel trailer with my 2013 silverado 1500----going west from Rapid City to Yellowstone.I.ve read hwy 16 thru the Big Horn mts is easier then hwy 14----but I,m still wondering if its too much for my truck---been towing for 4 yrs but not much mountain time---thanks for any help

18 Replies

  • I have gone both routes , we just did 16 in June and that is the only way I would go again.
  • After doing research on this, out of curiosity, 16 is recommended by most reviews I read.
  • I did it in a truck camper 2 years ago on alternate 14 and that was enough for me. I understand 16 is much more forgiving and I am contemplating doing it in a motorhome this year.

    The scenery on 14 alternate is awesome but the grades are----- well lets just say I left my finger prints indented in the steering wheel. I never though I'd sweat any power issues in that pick up with a slide on camper having just finished the Alaska Hiway run in it. I found out otherwise when I started running low on gears to use to get up that grade! I'd do it in a car again but never Alternate 14 with anything that has any load. I may try 16 this year though.
  • Been up and down Big Horn with truck and camper in my sig. I would definitely go around next time.
  • You will be fine on either route. Watch your engine and tranny temps, uphill, Use your engine braking downhill.
  • We took 14 from Greybull up over Burgess Junction and down towards the Devil's Tower side. We had an F250 V10 towing a 27' Kit Companion, a heavy TT. We took it slow, but on this route and in that direction it was less steep.
  • UPDATE ON MY POST----my silverado has a 5.3 v-8 with 6 speed tranny---checked to see rear end ratio
  • We did it with a 2008 GMC Sierra and a 2011 Jayco 26BH a few years back. Our Sierra was equipped with a 5.3, 3.73 rear end, and 4 speed automatic You don't state how yours is equipped.

    I error on the side of caution so I took it slower both up and down. I saw transmission temps of 220-240F as those slower speeds don't allow much air over transmission cooler but dealer said no issues until 270F.

    Shortly after that trip we did upgrade to a 2011 Silverado 2500HD 6.0 3.73 and was night and day over the 1500 pulling the 26BH.

    Be cautious and diligent in your driving and maneuvers and you should be fine.