First time mountain towing

ricks99 wrote:
We'll be camping in the Grindstone Recreation in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest over the July 4 holiday. This will be my fist time towing our HTT in the mountains (beach driging is a breeeze!).

Any hints or advice? I've scoured the forums and collected:
- Check all fluids & tires
- Take it slow and easy
- Increase the brake controller setting
- Enable tow/haul mode

Fluid Checks: I would go beyond "checking" and perform these services instead.
**Engine Coolant**
Have you ever done a drain and refill in the truck? It's now 10 years old so this is a perfect opportunity.

**Transmission Fluid**
Have you dropped the pan, replaced the pickup filter and spin-on cooler filter, and refilled with fresh ATF+4? If not, this is the time.

**Brake Fluid**
Ever had the brake lines flushed? I would if it was me. Brake fluid is hydroscopic. Water and other contaminants in the fluid make it less compressable: AKA less braking power.

**Axle Gear Oil**
Has that been drained and refilled (both if 4x4)? Again, now is the time. Be sure to use the correct amount of limited slip additive if you have a limited slip differential (and if Ram requires it).

**Brake Pads**
Is the thickness good? If you're close to the 'warning screechers' I'd do a brake job before you leave.


I would not increase your brake controller setting. Set it based on the manufacturer specs and leave it there. Biasing more braking to the trailer could cause the trailer wheel hubs to overheat.

Tow/Haul Mode should be used whenever you're towing anyway.

As others said, use your lower gears for engine compression braking when descending a hill. This will save you worlds of grief by keeping the brakes cool. A good rule of thumb is to descend the hill in the same gear used to climb it.

I know I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to PM stuff. But, I just towed my 14K 5er over 4100 miles through the mountains in Wyoming with ZERO breakdowns related to PM items. Example: I checked over the brakes thoroughly before I left and found the rear axle seals on the outer hubs were leaking. I was able to fix the problem at home for only the cost of seals and new parking brake shoes. That would have been a very expensive fix in a shop somewhere on the road.

I had one small issue, an OEM connection in the coolant hose leak, but it was a known issue that I hadn't researched previously. Had I known about that fitting problem I would have replaced it before I left. Basically, I like to address things before they can become a problem. A bit of money spent ahead of time is much better than a huge expense and inconvenience while traveling.

KJ