Towing in the Mountains

Towing your 5th wheel, travel trailer, or RV through the mountains can seem very intimidating. Living in Utah we almost every trip have to pull through the mountains to get to our next camping adventure. Many people avoid pulling through the mountains because they just don't trust their equipment or have a lack of experience. Mountain towing does not need to be dangerous, intimidating, unsafe, or avoided. These are a few suggestions we have to help while driving in the mountains.
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[@MrStingray186]

I own a trucking company with five trucks and I haul caskets from Fontana, Ca to Denver, Co. weekly year-round for the last ten years. Running mountains in the snow or dry are all about knowing your equipment and how it reacts going downhill. A good rule of thumb is to use the lowest gear you pulled the hill to go down the other side. I descend grades with 80K GVW loads using a low enough gear with engine brake (Jake) in one of the three settings to NEVER have to use the brakes 90% of the time. If the jake won't hold it back alone just drop a gear until it will. Another good tip is to never go from braking to throttle or throttle to braking in a turn. Do all your braking before the turn and try to maintain a steady pull through the turn it keeps everything steady. Lastly, never ever ride your brakes once there overheated real bad things happen real fast. Trailer swaying is a problem with weight pushing on the truck as well as weight distribution for and aft over your trailer axle. Having a little more tongue weight will keep it to a minimum as possible. Take your time and go slow it's not a race. You can go around a curve or down a hill a thousand times too slow... But you might only do it once too fast"

[@JauntJunkies]

I can’t agree more. Thanks for the other suggestions as well.

[@jimmybb6772]

You are Correct

[@garysarratt1]

Thank you for your service.

[@larryreno8293]

Tow/haul mode does several things. First off it will increase the line pressure in the trans to apply the clutches with more force. Second, it allows the gears to stay applied throughout a higher rpm range before shifting. While braking it will quickly drop into a lower gear allowing for increased engine braking. This is all done by electronic programming. Love the tow/haul mode!

[@JauntJunkies]

larry reno you are correct. Thanks for watching.

[@mtind2000]

Modern day electronically controlled transmissions, with Tow/Haul are so nice these days. I see no use for the old standards. Sorry I know the purists hate that..... I used to be one

[@6582rg]

Does that go for a gasser too? I have a new F350 7.3L gasser and I haven’t purchased my 5th wheel yet. It has a downhill braking system, but it only turns on under 20mph.

[@mnnomad1870]

Nothing better than tow haul mode and cruise control. I hardly ever have to tap my brakes going down 6% grades

[@msdeessbtv]

I'm a newbie in the mountains 1st time out towing my 1st 5th wheel. Got up to the mountains ok but have a tricky drive ahead. Lots of downhill and canyon roads. I was freaking out when I found your video. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I knew there was the right way and you hit the mark. Especially since Im driving a 2003 F250 FX4 V10 super crew that doesn't have the fancy tow/haul computers like today. So grateful. I'm much more confident than I was 5 min ago. 😊

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching.

[@nonoiscool98]

This has helped me still, as someone who tows fairly frequently in hilly areas. One thing I will add is to activate the trailer brakes. Using your brake controller 's slider, in the event you feel sway. Never stomp on your tow vehicle's brakes! As it will make the sway worse, and cause a wreck. This general practice is used on flat terrain too. However it is important for downhill trailering.

[@Spoolingturbski]

"Your trailer is going to want to push you... because of gravity." Solid advice!

[@JauntJunkies]

MRVOVO thanks for watching

[@kennethgoss8962]

I’ve driven in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and the Great Smokey Mountains of east Tennessee during three different vacations pulling a 5th wheel. We just got back from Tennessee yesterday. Before each of our trips into the mountains I watch this video. Your suggestions are on the money. Thanks for the info. I use it every time.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching. Hope you had a great trip.

[@kennethgoss8962]

@@JauntJunkies we had a great time!

[@lloydholt6511]

Great advice. Something I see regularly along interstates. “Speed kills”. Just because the speed limit is 70 mph doesn’t mean you have to go that fast. I rarely go over 60 mph when towing. In the mountains uphill I average 55 mph. Downhill I average 30 mph. Like you I don’t worry about traffic backed up behind me. On the interstate there is always the left lane. On two lane roads you are welcome to come around me. I travel at a speed I deem safe to me. Added Benefit isI get better fuel mileage. 1 mpg may not sound like much, but when your trip is 1600 miles round trip the savings are real (About $80-85.00).

[@JauntJunkies]

lloyd holt thanks for watching.

[@garysarratt1]

Recalculate for March 2022 😡😭 💸💸💸💸💸💸

[@rosc2022]

So true. Many years ago I bought a slim book about how to tow to help me tow a teeny tiny Casita (16'?). The author said if you're in a hurry to get somewhere, fly. He said towing is for those who are willing to go slow and see their surroundings. He also said to stay under 55 mph. Great advice & I've never pushed the boundary. Still, I am looking forward to tackling mountains, but am more than a little nervous about it. Hauling a much bigger trailer (28') now.

[@Hippo0529]

This is coming from a passenger, but it makes me more comfortable when the driver slows down, especially around curves, because their is a lot of weight behind you that you vehicle has to control, great tips!

[@JauntJunkies]

Gearboy Forge thanks for watching

[@tiger1607]

Found out the hard way about the GPS in Tennessee. Routed me up the side of a mountain driving a F350 dually towing a 42 foot 16,000 pound fifth wheeler on a two lane undivided road with no shoulders or rails. First time towing through the mountains. Needless to say NERVE RACKING!!!!!!!!

[@lloydholt6511]

tiger schultz sounds like my introduction to Fall Creek Falls

[@723kwrenn]

Still here to comment

[@PranaYanna]

tiger schultz that is horrifying

[@scottsnider1895]

Yes I love all of what you said, I use my lower gear in coming down a mountain often and I don't have a problem hanging with the tractor trailers going up.

[@mattc.310]

Go to the outside line on the curves. Keeps your trailer from wandering out of your lane. Take your time, keep your eyes on the road and your head in the game. Mountain roads hold surprises for those whose attention wanders..

[@sslcfc]

I would love to know new tow drivers watch this. Best video I've seen on towing for newbies.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching.

[@stanburk7392]

good video great advice. the way I look at it is if I go fast and wipe out I am going to really jam up traffic behind me. I have about 15 years experience accident free driving tractor trailer's in the mountains and I couldn't agree more with your message. take it easy slow down.

[@JauntJunkies]

Stan Burk thanks for watching.

[@nonrevhogan8938]

Thought you did a nice job. Exactly why we went with a Diesel engine . Did cost more but the torque and braking makes it so much worth it. And not trying to talk over that gas engine revving up over 4,000 rpm’s and gears up and down. Mountains ⛰ = diesel in my opinion.

[@maese2982]

I agree... I went to a 3500 RAM Diesel Dually and it is AWESOME. Well worth it.

[@ah757]

Good video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@RobShutt357]

That is a great video, one thing I would like to add is when you get to the top of the mountain start your decent at the speed you need to maintain all the way down. I tow a 19,000 lb 5th and have towed over the Rockies many times and I usually never touch my brakes during decent because I start out at a speed I can maintain with the tow/haul mode and exhaust brake doing all the work. One last thing, my RAM truck has a heavy and light trailer brake setting, make sure you read the owners manual to know which is best for the weight of your trailer.

[@JauntJunkies]

RobShutt357 thanks for watching. Great suggestions. Stay safe in your travels.

[@sahanest]

This is a great video, thank you. I don't tow but I have driven my Sienna through the rockies 4 times and driving on I70 there has always a challenge for me. I change my gears downhill just like you said and that seems to help.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it. Stay safe in your travels.

[@joyce7892]

I am about to ascend Cabbage Hill in the Oregon Blue Mts. pulling my 23' trailer. It's a steep grade. I REALLY appreciate the tips. You answered my concerns. Thanks!

[@JauntJunkies]

Jouncyg glad it helped. Be safe in your travels.

[@duceizwild]

Vary useful information not just for mountains but for towing in general. Thanks for the video.

[@237130]

These are all really good points you made in this video. I have a similar truck as you and it makes towing a breeze. I tow a fifth wheel camper that weighs only 10K, and a 2 car enclosed trailer. The exhaust brake is indispensable! Even with all the weight, if given enough room, it will step you down to about 15 MPH without touching the brakes. Love it! But also a good point is making sure the truck that’s pulling that trailer not only has enough power to pull it, but more than enough power to stop it. As you mentioned the smaller trucks towing big trailers, it’s one thing I stay away from on the highway. I feel (my own personal opinion, don’t get mad) that 150’s, 1500’s, and etc shouldn’t be towing fifth wheels. I understand they’re making the trailers “feather weight” now, but I feel the brake systems may not be designed to stop the weight. Again, my personal opinion. Thanks for the video and hope to see you out there.

[@JauntJunkies]

Jarrod Fothergill thanks for watching. I agree with you on all points above. If you have a chance subscribe and checkout our other videos.

[@miniaddict4534]

It’s been 5 years since this video has been posted. While the advice of carrying an Atlas is excellent, there’s an additional solution as a third backup: Google and Apple Maps have created an offline maps feature. You can save any region by drawing over the area you want. You can’t save the entire country, or even large sections, but you can save as many offline maps as you want. It’s not a replacement of an atlas, but it’s great to have as a supplementary solution.

[@JauntJunkies]

We will look into this.

[@margaretcurry8414]

Thank you for this. We just bought a TT. My husband will be watching this. We have used Utube to educate us a lot.

[@JauntJunkies]

margaret curry no problem thanks for watching. Stay safe in your travels.

[@freeskytreeshy]

Thank you for answering all of my questions. Great video.

[@thomfisher1100]

Two of the ultimate tests of your truck's pulling power: Genesee Hill Interstate 70 west bound from Morrison, CO; east bound approach to Eisenhower-Johnson tunnel from Silverthorne, CO. Throw in Vail Pass east bound if you wish. Genesee eats RV's daily! All on Interstate 70. Have fun.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thom Fisher thanks for watching. I will try them someday. Stay safe in your travels.

[@sappersapper4077]

Thom Fisher, no lie on that route. My F250 struggled / felt it on that hill. I was use to towing up that route with my old 7.3 and it just went right on along never any issues. It was the only truck that I have owned that pulls close to or the same as my ram. Keep trucking and stay safe.

[@6582rg]

I wish there were more folks who towed like you. There are too many people overloading their trucks. You certainly can’t rely on some RV salesman to sell you a trailer or 5th wheel that’s within your tow vehicles capacity. Look at the numbers and buy more truck than you need. Thanks for the video. 👍👏

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching

[@MolyMan0o]

You definitely have THE best piece of advice... Go slow. Great video. Thanks

[@JauntJunkies]

MolyMan0o thanks for watching

[@LoftisPartyofSix]

So yesterday I found myself in a bad situation.. I have a 1ton towing about 14k... and I tried getting to a campground that was up hill for 4 miles on a tiny government road.. truck overheated as well as transmission.. had to stop on the side of a hill and let it cool off.. then had to continue on to find a place to turn around because I didn’t want to go up anymore and damage something.. but then had to go down and top speed on that road safely going down was about 5 miles per hour.. my truck at that speed could not keep the trailer from pushing it without me riding the brakes.. so I had to stop and put the truck in “4low” and then it went down hill without me ever having to touch the brakes again! So if you ever find yourself in that situation and have 4x4 then use it slowly to get you down!

[@JauntJunkies]

Loftis Party of Six - weROAM sorry to hear of the rough day. Great advice.

[@takayama1638]

Go ahead and trade up to an F450 or some such with that load.

[@shiftfocus1]

I can't say enough good things about the tow/haul mode (I drive a 2012 Ford Expedition Max, 5.4L Triton, pulling a 4700 lb trailer). I pulled over the Coquihalla pass in BC this summer, and found I needed no brakes whatsoever until the downhill grades exceeded 7 or 8%. The aero-drag on the trailer alone would hold me at a steady 100 km/h down 6%, with no grade shifting in the transmission. When the grades dropped to about 5%, the truck actually drew fuel to maintain speed. I also echo the advice about watching your temps. I don't have a dash readout of the tranny temp, so added a scangauge to my truck this spring, just so I could monitor the transmission temp, and see the actual engine temp.

[@JLip-ww9ul]

Slow and steady wins the race.

[@JauntJunkies]

100%

[@davidlabrenz7230]

I like the info about having enough truck I also think that a lot of trucks are pulling to large of a trailer for the truck when you pull with more truck than you need it is much more relaxed driving

[@JauntJunkies]

David Labrenz thanks for watching.

[@timcross9904]

Agree

[@jonesproperties3085]

Great info! Newbie here. Hitting the mountains today from Colorado to Oregon. 🙏🏻

[@JauntJunkies]

Be safe. Hope the weather is better for you than we have here in Utah today.

[@danmcculloch3928]

I have watched this video several times and I'm always getting new information from it that I didn't get before thanxs for the video

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching.

[@JauntJunkies]

Glad the video helps. Stay safe out there.

[@danmcculloch3928]

@@JauntJunkies we will stay safe out there

[@Fullboomersrver]

Thanks for the very useful information, as a newbie I appreciate you,

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching

[@ontheroadagainwithvinny931]

I would also add, keep your eyes on the road, hands on the steering wheel and don't mess about with electronic devices as good skills for driving in all road conditions.

[@JauntJunkies]

Chenzo Travel Videos & More thanks for watching. Stay safe in your travels.

[@bray7197]

Thank you best video I have watched on mountain driving.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching.

[@michaelspencer4152]

Wish I had found this last week. I just finished my 1st haul of a 4000lbs enclosed trailer with an 05 Nissan Pathfinder from VA to Ohio along the WV turnpike. I had prepped my suspension with new rear coil springs, air bags, read differential fluid change and weight distribution hitch. The ride was smooth but I had no idea how difficult it would be just to "drive" that load through West Va mountains. The ride back from Ohio was much easier but I had learned and processed a few things. You mentioned driving slow, I would add a layer to that thought, be comfortable driving at whatever speed you tow vehicle can realistically handle. My vehicle did much better when I kept the overdrive off and was comfortable with +-60mph.

[@JauntJunkies]

Glad you had a safe trip. Thanks for watching.

[@northerniltree]

At elevation, reduced atmospheric pressure will cause coolant to boil at less than 212 degrees, which is the sea level boiling point. So, when hard towing up a grade, let the truck idle in park for 5 minutes before turning it off to prevent possible symptoms of overheating.

[@JauntJunkies]

northerniltree great suggestions

[@javaman2883]

Good recommendation of idling for a few minutes, your cooling fan will be running at high speed still to help cool the engine. If your coolant is boiling at 212 degrees, you have problems. The standard 50-50 mix of water and anti-freeze raises the boiling point to 223F. The standard 15PSI radiator cap increases the pressure inside the cooling system to further raise the boiling point to 253F. Yes, altitude does have an effect, at 8000-foot elevation, the boiling point is lowered by 2F, so an open pan of water would boil at 210F rather than 212F. Using the standard coolant and cap, at 8000-foot elevation, the boiling point is lowered from 253F to 251F. So keep your coolant system properly maintained, especially when towing or driving in the desert heat.

[@NomadicSociety]

@@javaman2883 wow i just learned something! thanks i thought 220 was boiling and zero cooling,- nice to know,. @ 220 i get real nervous then one idiot light comes on ,then another @ about 225 thats when i seriously almost stop ,i just cant downshift and make the engine scream when its that hot. i still can hardly believe 251f is boiling but glad that it is!

[@dandavidsonpoker]

Thank you. Getting ready for my first pull and found your video very helpful

[@JauntJunkies]

Dan Davidson thanks for watching and stay safe in your travels.

[@caseyvertz8861]

I was looking at this and was like "Boy this looks a lot like the Utah/Wyoming are!" LOL

[@JauntJunkies]

It is Wolf Creek in Utah

[@jjsroofing860]

Clean your radiators before a mountain trip in the summer. Older diesels don’t have engine brakes but with a tuner you can program your transmission and turbo to help slow you down. Save on brake pads and rotors.

[@JauntJunkies]

Death to Ice Shield good suggestions. Thanks for watching.

[@Icutmetal]

JJS Roofing Not with older diesels or ones without a variable vane turbo, you can’t.

[@uttamgala7186]

Exhaust brake on those rams are savage 😎

[@JauntJunkies]

100%. Thanks for watching

[@waynederby4684]

Excellent advise. You obviously know what your doing... Congratulations.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching

[@jhm68]

Wolf creek is such a beautiful drive.

[@JauntJunkies]

Yes it is

[@jhm68]

We travel Wolf Creek many times during the camping season.

[@timesup6386]

80% of RV'rs tow more weight than is safe. Most are over GVWR and GCWR. Payloads of tow vehicles are overloaded always first before max tow weights are reached. 2019 models now have max hitch weight on vehicles.Think more need to understand this

[@Mikey83943]

I thank you're right

[@takayama1638]

No, he's wrong. It's actually 79%.

[@aaronzona]

I like how you made the video while you were towing through the mountains. Great advice especially the part about the atlas, been there, GPS failed me too many times.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching. Every time we go back to the gps it fails us.

[@Craig122455]

A very well done segment. Everyone can do well just to listen to your very first comment - SLOW DOWN. The only thing I would add is pay attention to the speed signs at the turns. Though you can usually take those turns in a car or small SUV easily at ten miles over the suggested limit, do not attempt that when pulling a trailer. Those speed limits are specifically designed for people pulling trailers - both professional drivers and private, RVers.

[@JauntJunkies]

Craig Holstedt thanks for watching

[@michaelh.4535]

Jake and engine brakes are on the engine’s heads! Exhaust brake is on the exhaust!! FYI👍

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for the clarification.

[@OurNomadicStory]

Thank you for the helpful video. Considering the highest elevation in Florida is 345 ft, there have not been many opportunities to practice with mountains. While I have lived in areas with mountains, I have not had to drive anything larger than a car or van.

[@Americancitizen1]

Excellent information and I think the key fit is get enough truck. Way too many people out there don’t have enough truck or the truck is not set up properly.

[@JauntJunkies]

That can be a very big part of safe hill towing. Thanks for watching.

[@scottsnider1895]

I was towing on Hwy 50 in Colorado and came up to Monarch Pass (just short of 12000 ft) as I asked at the pass some people in the shops there about going down hill. Its 7 miles up and 7 miles down, I was told you can get a ticket for going to fast down hill but not for going to slow, I kept it at 35 mph and all was good, I have a 2016 Tundra with a 7.5 liter with tow haul mode and my trailer was maybe 5000lbs so I was good. Yes tow haul mode and slow as you go, thanks for the video.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching. Tundras are such an awesome bulletproof truck.

[@MrChrisWyllie]

Thanks, all this info was known. People who need this advice shouldn't be towing to begin with.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching. Everyone has to learn sometime.

[@dwaynevuolo9179]

Awesome tips thanks 😊👍👌

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching

[@terryg3921]

Good advice.

[@JauntJunkies]

Terry G thanks for watching. Stay safe in your travels.

[@JonBecker81]

This is an older video but as far as the maps go on your phone. You can download google maps to where they can work off line. Just did a trip in Colorado and the downloaded maps worked great. I downloaded several maps that basically covered the whole state.

[@JauntJunkies]

Google maps and other smart phone apps are so much better now than the use to be. Downloading maps early is a great idea. Thanks for watching.

[@TheNovaNorm]

Great advice. Thanks!

[@jeremykovaciny2578]

This is by far the best video I have seen on mountain towing, sometimes my exhaust brake sounds like it’s going to explode on 7-6% am I just going to fast?

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching. I would hate to say without more info. What are your rpms at?

[@jeremykovaciny2578]

@@JauntJunkies duromax 6.6 4000-5000 next time I’m going to hit the cruse at like 45mph

[@JauntJunkies]

How much weight are you towing?

[@bandjolyn]

Appreciate the advice. I kinda do all this already with nothing behind me. I'm in an older burb 2500 and it's pretty damn heavy on its own. I down shift on the way up amd down. Thinking about flat towing my TJ up some mountain roads next summer. Gonna be fun!

[@JauntJunkies]

Sounds like a fun time this summer. Thanks for watching.

[@driftersden4439]

Also tapping the trailer brakes helps when going down hill and sway.

[@AlliChuckAdventures]

Very correct! I've done this where just squeeze the trailer brake controller to activate the trailer brakes. Works like a charm.

[@g-manracer1997]

Absolutely! Unfortunately I see so many people just hookup their trailer, and never calibrate for the weight of the trailer. They just assume it's good to go.

[@jayward4600]

Uh, Wolf Creek Pass is in Colorado. Have towed our 5th wheel over it many times.

[@JauntJunkies]

@@jayward4600 there is one in Utah as well.

[@TexasDraped]

Thanks for the video!

[@flexjay87]

Good, to the point, advice. Well done.

[@JauntJunkies]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@koalabear6722]

Thanks for your excellent expertise!

[@JauntJunkies]

I don’t know about expertise. But just a few suggestions of things I do. Thanks for watching and stay safe in your travels.

[@thomasdipaolo2349]

Thanks for your suggestions

[@JauntJunkies]

thomas dipaolo thanks for watching. Stay safe in your travels.

[@bcar1ify]

Great advice. The thing to take away from here. Don’t speed and take your time.

[@JauntJunkies]

Bob C yep. Thanks for watching.

[@TheBruceGday]

I tow a 26’ 6,200 lbs. loaded travel trailer with a Ford Expedition. We live in Wyoming, mountain driving is just part of the game here. I’d as you suggest and plan a route that has fewer turns and keeps the grades as minimal as possible. Tow/haul mode and manual shifting of the transmission are key. Go slow. Wish I had a diesel engine like the old Excursions, but using the transmission carefully allows me to handle grades like Togwotee Pass and Powder River Pass.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching. An old 7.3 Excursion is a dream vehicle. So cool.

[@rickcrowson871]

I have a 2015 Ford Expedition pulling a 26' travel trailer also weighing around 6000 lb. It has the Ecoboost engine and a towing package with built in trailer brakes. We are thinking of going to Colorado this summer and we will need to go over Cottonwood Pass which is a little over 12,000 ft. I have no experience pulling the trailer in the mountains as I live in Texas. Would you recommend this for a first time experience in the mountains?

[@carlosavila7635]

I drive up thru fresno to Lee Vining alot in the summer . From 1500 feet to over 10000 feet and I keep my eyes on people cause you don't want to be pushed to go fast just relax keep calm and tap the brakes and use tow haul mode if your going down 7 percent grade is you need use second gear

[@JauntJunkies]

👍👍👍 sounds like a fun pull. Perfect advice right there. Keep calm.

[@davidkendall6801]

Good video, but I very much dislike tow/haul mode. I shift manually. Programming is lousy causing screaming downshifts. Gas is totally different than diesel requiring more care and attention.

[@JauntJunkies]

Yeah sometimes those downshifts can be rough. Especially with a gas engine. Thanks for watching.

[@davidkendall6801]

@@JauntJunkies Plus, T/H waits too long you upshift at the bottom of grades.

[@billramsey8695]

Very good video. I drive a tractor trailer with over 4 million miles experience. And I have toad a little bit of everything behind my personal pickup trucks. I apply the same rules of the road in that semi as I do with the pickup. Your video was spot-on.

[@JauntJunkies]

Bill Ramsey thanks for watching. Stay safe in your travels.

[@williegohard1368]

That's crazy because my little Nissan frontier 2.5. when I double tap the brakes going down the hill the transmission slow the truck down

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching. My dad had a terrible titan and it had a great transmission as well. What are you towing?

[@richardkoch8752]

Great video! Well done :)

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching.

[@Mike-01234]

Most of these pickups with diesel engines have way more HP and torque then you need to pull. It's going down hill truck can get away from you and overheat the breaks. Key is like he says slow down follow road signs speeds use the engine brake as much as you can. Don't get lulled into thinking it's okay on the wider passes like Wolf Creek pass in Colorado it's a big 2 sometimes 3 lane highway it's steep grade and turns are sweeping at first so you think it's okay to go fast then a 180 turn comes up suddenly going 70 mph can't slow down too late. Even cars have gone off that 180 turn they get going 80-85 mph so easy suddenly they are trying to slow down for 180 degree turn.

[@JauntJunkies]

@@Mike-01234 thanks for watching

[@jimmyburnett2245]

Wolf Creek pass is in Colorado...

[@JauntJunkies]

I think every state in the west has one but this one is in Utah. Thanks for watching.

[@Bwanar1]

Don't depend on idiot gauges. They only tell you when it's too late. Ideally you need digital gauges that tell you exactly what your temps are and when they "start" to go up above normal. Not once it's too late. A lot of truck are still not equipped properly for this yet.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching.

[@mrzif0013]

great video! just what i was looking for. we are heading west in a 21qb motorhome cevy 4500 6.0 dually... i think i am in good shape for the mountains....

[@JauntJunkies]

mr zif001 thanks for watching. Stay safe in your travels.

[@mikeshaw4610]

Just saw this. Dry good tips.

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching.

[@roberts.labodajr.8029]

Well it sounds like to me you got to slow down a little bit slow down a little bit more so that you can because the guidelines of the trailer so you can go 5 miles an hour slower that’s what my manual says to do and I have a small camper but do you have a much larger one that I do

[@mylestubedayz5613]

The steering wheels on the wrong side! 😉

[@arnaldoscachetti3558]

I just bought an Escape fiberglass 5th wheel which is max 5500lbs. I have a 2019 Ram 1500 Hemi short bed 5.7 Inch and was wondering if I’m going to have an issue towing my 5th wheel… loved your video on driving downtown mountains in. 5th wheel.

[@JauntJunkies]

I don’t know your trucks weights but I can’t imagine that you would. Just use your tow/haul mode and set your trailer brakes properly. That hemi has plenty of horse power for your trailer. Thanks for watching and stay safe in your travels.

[@domfordoom3651]

Great video, thanks

[@JauntJunkies]

Shawn Kidwell your welcome thanks for watching.

[@christopheranderson5803]

I appreciate you all making this video brother! I have a long road trip coming up from Washington to Texas, and it's my first time towing.

[@JauntJunkies]

Christopher Anderson thanks for watching. Stay safe in your travels and enjoy your journey. If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask.

[@duncanmcalynn]

Christopher Anderson If you’re talking about Washington state, I’ve done the trip from Seattle to Austin over a four day period. It was a beautiful trip. Especially through Moab and New Mexico into West Texas. Had I not been rushed to meet movers in Austin, I definitely would have extended the time to enjoy more of the country.

[@joenelson8060]

You can go down a hill too fast once. You can go down a hill to slow a bunch.

[@JauntJunkies]

I like that saying👍

[@dougcudaback8466]

55 or 60 max in mountains, 65 on the flats. We have 37' 5th behind our 1ton duramax silverado, exhaust brake and tow mode. Never had a problem, take it easy and keep your head in it! Don't drive tired either... Too many messes out there because stubborn fools thought they could hack it another 50 miles! :-)

[@JauntJunkies]

Doug Cudaback you are so right on all points. Thanks for watching.

[@richardbosworth9787]

Thank you for your insight

[@JauntJunkies]

Richard Bosworth thanks for watching. Stay safe in your travels.

[@bennyrussell5551]

Pull 12,000 lbs. over Teton Pass with a 6.2 gas f-250 2017 4×4 super duty and you won't do it again. If you are questioning the ability of your towing vehicle to pull your rv you better go larger or reduce the size of rv. Teton Pass is 10% GRADE UP&DOWN.

[@JauntJunkies]

Bear Russell thanks for watching. I use to have a f150 and ran into similar situations towing. I love my diesel. But I know not everyone needs a diesel. Are you replacing your truck?

[@bennyrussell5551]

@@JauntJunkies no I'm not replacing a brand new truck. I just need to be more careful in choosing routes.

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

Jaunt Junkies You have to be cautious when choosing a Diesel truck as most Diesel 3/4 ton's lack payload capacity for pin weight over 1,800lbs. Read your payload stickers on door pillar people

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

Bear Russell Good thing you don't have a Diesel F250. You'd be over payload real fast with that 10,000lb. GVWR. If you insist on a Diesel engine pulling that much weight get at least a 1 ton SRW with 11,400lb GVWR

[@takayama1638]

Big (mind if I call you by first name?), you have it right - Big Truck Little RV.

[@itruck96]

GMC Arcadia! 🤣

[@Icutmetal]

Was it really that funny?

[@zachsteele6964]

@@Icutmetal humour is subjective, it made me smile.

[@howardmosebar987]

No, it's not about rear axle ratios anymore. It's the overall gear ratio. With the new 10 speed transmissions lower ratios in the first few ranges make rear axle ratios unimportant. Single most important thing about towing in the mountains is having a diesel engine. And no, it's not a jake brake it's an exhaust brake.

[@JauntJunkies]

These new 10 speeds are awesome. Yea the diesel makes all the difference.

[@yvonneshrader4768]

Great advise, thank you! I noticed that you speak with your hands and took them off of the steering wheel several times! Made me nervous and I wasn't even in the truck! Lol! I've driven with several people that did the same thing and I wouldn't be able to handle riding in the truck with the driver doing this!

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching. Haha about the hands. We were going slow up a mountain not like cruising down the freeway in traffic.

[@bobcausey]

Helpful information. I’m new to towing a travel trailer. My question pertains to towing an Rpod 19’ trailer weighing about 2900 dry weight, with an 2009 Chevy Silverado 8 cylinder. Do you think I will have any problem towing up a pass around 9500 ft near Red River, NM? Any suggestions?

[@kevinmcgo]

Some great info, thank you. Hoping to travel through the Rockies in the next year or so, we will follow your advise

[@JauntJunkies]

Kevin McGovern you will not regret traveling the Rockies it is great. Check out our other videos if you would like. Thanks for watching and stay safe in your travels

[@takayama1638]

Any of y'all boys towing anything over about 8,000 pounds, go ahead and get a BIG truck. I'd do like old Big of Big Truck Big RV, an F450 dually to tow his fifth wheel. One can never have a truck that's too big, but it's very easy to have a trailer that's too big.

[@JauntJunkies]

If my trailer was heavier I definitely would go dually or 450/4500. Luckily my trailer is only a 32 footer . It only weights about 10k without water and we usually don’t haul water. Our next truck will be a 3500 SRW. It is the wife’s daily driver and she doesn’t want to drive a dually.

[@Wireman134]

His previous video he deleted he scaled and was over GVWR of truck by 560lbs.

[@paulkoehler7061]

All good suggestions Jesse! I have a similar RAM truck as you. Mine is a 2016 Cummins crew cab and I tow about the same size fifth wheel, ~30' and ~10k empty. My trailer is also equipped with an integrated 2" receiver hitch allowing me to bring along a small utility trailer and an ATV. The tow/haul mode with the exhaust brake (EB) engaged, along with the very sensible driving practices you've mentioned, has made towing this rig much less stressful. We routinely camp in the Rocky Mtns and one particular steep grade we encounter comes off Burgess Junction, WY (US Hwy 14A) where the descent is 10%, drops 3,600 feet in 13 miles and has three runaway ramps. Needless to say, NOT for the faint of heart nor the ill equipped. Unfortunately, several people die each year along this same stretch of road. I have a question about your experience with the EB on your RAM. The exhaust brake on my RAM has three settings; off, full and auto. As you know and as the name implies, the full setting is more of an aggressive setting and the auto setting is designed to hold the vehicle's speed at the drivers' selection. What is your experience, particularly on steep downhill grades? Are you more likely to engage the tow/haul mode and set the EB on full or do you set the EB to auto once you achieve your desired speed? Will the auto setting more often than not be able to hold the desired speed or are you more likely to use the full setting? When the tow/haul mode is active and the EB is either set to full or auto, will touching the brakes cause the transmission to downshift? Thanks for the voice of experience.

[@JauntJunkies]

Paul Koehler I always just turned the auto on as soon as I hooked onto my trailer. Never had to use the full setting. The few times I tried full it seemed like to much hold back if I remember right. We got a new Ford 18 months ago so I am trying to remember correctly but may be wrong. Thanks for watching and stay in your travels.

[@paulkoehler7061]

@Jaunt Junkies Thanks for the reply. From your recollection, was the auto setting able to hold the desired speed setting on the steeper grades? Also, when the tow/haul mode is active and the EB was set to auto, did touching the brakes cause the transmission to downshift? Thanks again.

[@Knuckledragnation]

I was curious if you ever manually shift to say a lower gear by way of shift column -/+ button and have held it to that gear while either going up or down a mountain?

[@JauntJunkies]

With our diesel trucks that have engine braking no. Without the engine braking on our F150 and our 06 Dodge diesel yes.

[@tx2sturgis]

When did they move Wolf Creek Pass to Utah?

[@JauntJunkies]

tx2sturgis 😂😂😂. There must be more than one Wolf Creek Pass. Thanks for watching and stay safe in your travels.

[@elgix5927]

I was going to say the same thing.

[@takayama1638]

I'll meet you at Dry Gulch.

[@JauntJunkies]

Taka Yama where is dry gulch?

[@jrsbebco]

Lol C W McCaw can move the snow shed but he kept it in the correct state.

[@marcopazorell7770]

Don't let scare hills you!

[@crankbaitbaron7565]

i pulled a older camper up the saluda grade in a f150, struggled a lot, but on the way back home i made it to the top of the grade and my motor fell apart, like completely. Parts crumbled on the inside, cost me 4 grand to replace my motor.

[@JauntJunkies]

Crankbait Baron wow. That sucks sorry to hear that. Thanks for watching and stay safe in your travels.

[@tommygun6028]

Great video 😎👍

[@Daddyoftam]

I'm pulling an 8200lb Sporttrek with a 2006 Cummins 2500 from Pittsburgh to Myrtle Beach, going through the West Virginia mountains. At 4:00 you talk about "driving the truck". What about using cruise control? I can still add fuel to the engine for acceleration prior to the climb. This will be my first time pulling through the mountains. I'm a little bit nervous, but not scared.

[@JauntJunkies]

Depends on the hill with using the cruise. I prefer not to but I know others do use it. Do you have an engine brake installed?

[@Daddyoftam]

@@JauntJunkies I inherited the truck off of my dad. He did have one, but I don't believe it works anymore

[@scotteinarj]

Who can afford to tow anywhere with gas $4.50 per gallon 😵‍💫

[@JauntJunkies]

It is getting tougher but we are trying. Thanks for watching.

[@puddleduck112]

Why use the gas pedal to get truck to down shift. Shouldn’t you be driving in manual mode just for that purpose. So you have total control on gears

[@JauntJunkies]

Don’t need to use manual mode unless your rig won’t shift or control itself. With the newt rants and exhaust brakes just a little touch of throttle or brakes has always given me the desired results. Thanks for watching

[@NorthColoradoHome]

We just bought a 2015 Ram 2500 Cummins and a 14K-pound 38' 5er to tour the country. We live in CO and many of the best Nat'l Parks are here in the mountains. I've been up and down the mountains numerous times in my car, but towing downhill on those 6-7% grades with 65 MPH zones terrifies me. Total noob here. Thanks for the tips. I'm curious to know what an appropriate speed and gear to select is as I top a hill and start to descend if I don't want to get above 60 MPH. Will my truck in tow mode do that on its own fairly well?

[@JauntJunkies]

Thanks for watching and congrats on the new truck. I never had to manually downshift mine as long as I had tow haul mode on and the exhaust brake. All you have to do is touch the brake and the truck will automatically start trying to hold back to that speed. If you need a little slower touch it again. If it is going too slow just give a little throttle and it will kick out of holding you back. It is pretty easy. A lot of people mess up because they top a hill and keep their foot in it as they start down the other side and are starting with to much speed. Slow and steady let people pass it is not a race. Let the engine do the work with the exhaust brake and you should not have problems. I like to turn on my exhaust brake every time I hook onto my RV not just when I start down a hill. I know people have different opinions about it.