Need advice for towing downhill....

One last minor point, have air conditioning on when downhill, adds a small amount of additional drag. On uphill, if uncomfortable with engine temp rising, roll down the windows, and turn the heater on. Don't expect miracles, but every bit helps. The a/c downhill adds up to half a gear.

Thanks everyone--a lot of great responses and advice that I followed and we made it down with ease. This is hands down one of the most useful forums I've ever used.

I need to completely stop to go in or out of 4lo. Not going to happen at every curve.

Have been a few roads where I have thought if it was unpaved it would have been easier. I would convert my front hubs if there was an easy kit.

RCMAN46 wrote:
I have used 4 wheel drive on pavement as long as the distance is short and the speed is less than 20 mph.

Well, it is no problem using 4 low on pavement as long as the road is relatively straight. It is the sharper turns that will cause problems for you.

One of the reasons I have manually locking hubs is so I can run low range on dry pavement. A steep hill has nothing on the high ratios you produce in low. If it is on snow or a loose surface, that should be another thread.

Reader1: My DW also panics when she sees a guard rail with a drop.

I have used 4 wheel drive on pavement as long as the distance is short and the speed is less than 20 mph.

Better than overheating the brakes. Do not forget a 16% grade is very steep and I would think you would want the speed to be less than 20 mph anyway.

Lots of good advice on a difficult subject. You have really hit on the technical aspects. But...if your wife is a nervous passenger like I am, my advice for her is to close her eyes, read a book, play a game. I can't help him drive but I can and have added to his stress, so I try to keep busy.

Slow up before the curves. As you exit the curve do not be tempted to touch the throttle. Just let it coast back up to speed.

My '06 Duramax had plenty of engine braking -- seemed on par with the gas engines I've owned.

And to the OP, your brakes would be long gone after 10 miles of steep descents! Gear down. Is this on a gravel or dirt road? When we're getting far off the paved path, we often use 4-low to come down the steeper grades. Works like a charm -- never have to even touch the brakes. You wouldn't want to do it on paved roads, however.

Been up and down the back grade many times. Low gear is best in the steep spots. Enjoy the ride.