TT towing advice for the mountains
Let me preface this post by saying I am a firm believer in life experience being a far greater teacher than any book or professor. With that said, my DW and I are planning a trip in the next 1-1 1/2 y...
Forum Discussion
Having driven thru both the Rockies, and the Blue ridge Mountains. I can safely say. a 7 degree grade is a 7 degree grade no matter which you are in. And in truth. the interstates have no really really bad grades. Yes you gear down, and go slow down Black Mountain. But the interstates are not nearly as twisty, or as steep as the roads leading to the BRP. some are 8, and 9 degree grades. On those roads however. the speed limit is usually in 35 to 45 mph range, or lower. You will need to use 1st or 2nd gear coming down to avoid using your brakes too much. Truth is. the BRP is prolly the best road thru the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Which brings up another question. How much braking does your V6 have? I know that my current 5.0 has less braking than did my 5.4. but I can still come down the steeper hills without using brakes, except for the curves.
Bottom line. Start down the hill no faster than you want to go in any part of it. It is a lot easier to keep it under control, than it is to lose it, and try to get it back. So when you see the hill, use low gear sign. slow down, and drop gears before you start down.
Bottom line. Go slow, use the gears, and you will be fine. Remember though. the roads to and from the BRP are much worse than the BRP itself. As you travel to Boone from Ashville, you may need gas, and you know you can't buy it on the Parkway. there is some at the 221 get off. But DO NOT use highway 80 to go down to Marion, and I would suggest you also stay away from 226. you won't like either. 80 has signs warning not to tow on it, and 226 is a 15 mph 1st gear only drop.
Have fun, and be careful
Which brings up another question. How much braking does your V6 have? I know that my current 5.0 has less braking than did my 5.4. but I can still come down the steeper hills without using brakes, except for the curves.
Bottom line. Start down the hill no faster than you want to go in any part of it. It is a lot easier to keep it under control, than it is to lose it, and try to get it back. So when you see the hill, use low gear sign. slow down, and drop gears before you start down.
Bottom line. Go slow, use the gears, and you will be fine. Remember though. the roads to and from the BRP are much worse than the BRP itself. As you travel to Boone from Ashville, you may need gas, and you know you can't buy it on the Parkway. there is some at the 221 get off. But DO NOT use highway 80 to go down to Marion, and I would suggest you also stay away from 226. you won't like either. 80 has signs warning not to tow on it, and 226 is a 15 mph 1st gear only drop.
Have fun, and be careful
