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Mountain Towing Advice

Discussion in 'Colorado' started by Zoey'sTaco, Jan 1, 2022.

  1. Jan 2, 2022 at 8:53 AM
    #21
    CO MTN Steve

    CO MTN Steve Well-Known Member

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    NJ at Sea level is a completely different animal that 5K+ feet altitude in Denver let alone the 10K+ feet at Fairplay. The power drop on everything not Turbo/ Supercharged is real.
     
  2. Jan 2, 2022 at 9:10 AM
    #22
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

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    IMHO.....you will be fine for a trip or two.

    Although, I do suggest you stop at a scale to weigh the truck & camper in their LOADED condition. Most times weights are UNDER estimated. Meaning you could be towing over limits.

    When climbing, drop the tranny a gear or 2, crawl up the slope in the climbing lanes the semi-trucks use. Watch your temps, stop if things are getting hot. Don't be in a hurry during the climb.
     
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  3. Jan 2, 2022 at 11:22 AM
    #23
    Wulf

    Wulf no brain just damage

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    My unsolicited advice would be to consider an EcoBoost F150. They tow really well up the passes here.
     
  4. Jan 2, 2022 at 11:51 AM
    #24
    Zoey'sTaco

    Zoey'sTaco [OP] Art Jockey

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    Thank you, everyone, for your advice. Have a great day!
     
  5. Jan 12, 2022 at 1:03 AM
    #25
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Retired cat herder Moderator

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    That sounds like a long adventure.

    Like others have said, towing in Colorado is a whole different beast. Some brake upgrades and definitely don’t cheap out on a weight distribution hitch with built in sway control. The SC will get you up the passes better, but you still have to control and stop that load.

    Some outside the box thinking that doesn’t have you spending 8k on your truck that only improves one area of towing or spending even more money on a different truck:

    - Have a power only hotshot pull your camper out to Colorado. If you need to park it someplace for a week, more than welcome to use my property as storage. I have a fenced/gated property with security cameras and a GS that is an Alfa asshole. If you go that route, I would make for sure it was out here before you left. I had my Corvette shipped from Orlando Florida to Colorado Springs for 1000.00 to give you an idea what it cost me.

    - Tow your camper to Colorado and stop someplace on the I-25 corridor. Many of us Coloradans have tow rigs that can handle the mountain passes with ease and it would be safe. I would help you out if need be…just have to schedule it in advance. I would have to find my receiver hitch. Haven’t used one for towing in a while (gooseneck trailers). :D


    FairPlay is a nice area. I assume you plan to leave the camper here in CO? If you do, I would make every effort so some shitbag doesn’t just take it. I’m talking Jack stands, remove wheels, gated entry., etc. People have been getting campers and trailers stolen out of gated storage units let alone property that has easy access.

    If any of that interests you, shoot me a DM and we can chat about it.

    Good luck with everything. :)
     
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  6. Jan 12, 2022 at 7:55 AM
    #26
    Zoey'sTaco

    Zoey'sTaco [OP] Art Jockey

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    First of all, thanks so much for your generous offer and insight. Lots of good points made for strategies to make the trip easier.
    Thanks again!
     
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  7. Jan 12, 2022 at 9:52 AM
    #27
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Retired cat herder Moderator

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    Guess the best way to find out is give it a go. You will know by the time you hit the passes if it was a good idea or not. Since the trailer will be going home with you, the SC isn't a bad idea. Obviously your call.

    If you find it a bit much, I'm usually available since I work 15 days a month. Might get lucky.

    Your route will be interesting no matter which way you go. Taking 70 West out of Denver you will hit Floyd Hill and continue to hit passes from there. You can take the Frisco exit to Breckenridge, but that is a two lane road and you have to hit Hoosier Pass. That is no joke towing...FYI.

    Another route would be to take 470 east off I-70 heading to Morrison and get on 285 towards Conifer. Plenty of passes on this route, but it's two lane and plenty of pull offs if you get white knuckles. That's how I would go with your setup.

    Screen Shot 2022-01-12 at 10.36.34 AM.jpg




    Screen Shot 2022-01-12 at 10.44.04 AM.jpg
     
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  8. Jan 12, 2022 at 10:03 AM
    #28
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Retired cat herder Moderator

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    I was towing boulders out of Evergreen area this summer and I'm not going to lie...it was sporty and had to put the game hat on. IMG_4441.jpg

    Another load going down Floyd Hill

    IMG_3367 2.jpg

    Here is Floyd Hill

     
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  9. Jan 12, 2022 at 10:10 AM
    #29
    crazysccrmd

    crazysccrmd Well-Known Member

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    Taking I-25 down to Colorado Springs and then US-24/CO-9 to Fairplay might be a better route to avoid the steeper passes and narrower/winding roads.
     
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  10. Jan 12, 2022 at 10:10 AM
    #30
    Zoey'sTaco

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    Damn! I will leave all my boulders at home!! We take 285 to 9 to get to our property. Thanks again for the offer. If I run into trouble, Ill keep your post on speed dial. Thanks again for all your help and info!!
     
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  11. Jan 12, 2022 at 10:32 AM
    #31
    GorgeRunner

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    I used to live in Georgetown, work near Berthod Pass and drove a lot between there and Summit County. Whatever you decide to do, be life and death careful. Things can go bad real quick in the mountains. Make sure you can stop.
    I'd drive to Denver, rent a bigger truck and enjoy the drive.
     
  12. Jan 12, 2022 at 11:32 AM
    #32
    Wulf

    Wulf no brain just damage

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    Putting that truck to work

    https://media.giphy.com/media/D7z8JfNANqahW/giphy.gif
     
  13. Jan 12, 2022 at 11:35 AM
    #33
    Speedytech7

    Speedytech7 Toyota Cult Ombudsman

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    It'll be fine as long as you watch your trans temps and drive at an appropriate speed. I've towed plenty with much less power. My old ass land cruiser makes 212hp at the crank and roughly 120hp at the wheels, had no problem towing 7klbs from AZ to WA over a few mtn passes.
     
  14. Jan 12, 2022 at 11:50 AM
    #34
    Zoey'sTaco

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    I have descended eastern mountains without issue. Between the truck and trailer there’s 6 drum brakes and two disc brakes. It can be quite jarring if turned up past 5.
    Would a beefier disc setup make a difference?
     
  15. Jan 12, 2022 at 12:51 PM
    #35
    crazysccrmd

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    Eastern mountains would barely count as a hill here though. The route I suggested will add a little time and distance but greatly reduce the workload on you and the truck.
     
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  16. Jan 12, 2022 at 1:06 PM
    #36
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A トヨタ純正男娼

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    If you have stock 16" wheels, there's no room to fit bigger rotors than stock. Anyway on descents you should downshift and rely on engine braking as much as possible. Apply brakes only if the truck + trailer doesn't slow down enough with your engine at redline.
     
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  17. Jan 12, 2022 at 2:37 PM
    #37
    ColoradoTJ

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  18. Jan 12, 2022 at 3:07 PM
    #38
    Marshall R

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    A few things. The hills in the east are just as steep, and often just as long. But the difference is that altitude robs power. You will hit some passes in Colorado 10,000-12,000'. Your engine loses about 3% power for every 1000' above sea level. At 5000' in the east that is only 15% and you may never notice it. At 10,000' you have 30% less power and should reduce tow weight by about 30%. Your truck is optimistically rated at 6500 lbs. In Colorado that should be reduced to about 4500 lbs.

    Then there is payload. Chances are you're around 1000-1200 lbs. A 5500 lb trailer will eat up 715 lbs. That barely leaves any room for more than a driver.

    When you get to higher altitudes gas stations sell 85 octane, 87, and 89 whereas in lower altitudes it is usually 87, 89, and 93/94. Don't even think about 85 octane. When pulling a trailer at altitude spring for 89. On level stretches at lower altitude going to and returning from Colorado you can probably do OK with 87, but I'd still run at least 89 and maybe 93/94 when towing.

    Just be aware you're pushing this right to the limits of what the truck is designed for at lower elevations. A little over that at high altitude. I ain't saying not to do it. Just be aware. This is something I might try to do once. But this sort of thing is what wears out trucks causing an early death. You need a bigger truck, or smaller trailer if this is something you're going to do on a regular basis.

    And if fuel mileage is your concern the Ford 2.7 EB, (if properly equipped) will easily handle the weight of your trailer, at altitude, and still get better fuel mileage than your Tacoma. Probably cost less too. The key is PROPERLY EQUIPPED. Not all are and you need to really check the specs carefully before buying one.
     
  19. Jan 14, 2022 at 10:15 AM
    #39
    6P4

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    I don't tow, but I live in Colorado Springs and drive US-24 pretty regularly. I think it's a much nicer, less-stressful drive than I-70 or US-285. You'll be on 4-lane to Divide and then 2-lane the rest of the way to Fairplay. There are still steep/windy sections (especially between Manitou Springs and Cascade and again around Wilkerson Pass), but they're relatively short and with less traffic.

    Traffic does vary a lot depending on when you drive. Things can get congested with weekenders coming up and down from the mountains. I think weekdays and early mornings are the lightest.

    If you come this way, I can recommend some good food just off the highway.

    Don't underestimate the drive across the plains, either. Those winds can be fierce.
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2022
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  20. Jul 11, 2023 at 7:57 AM
    #40
    Zoey'sTaco

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    Follow up:
    We finally got out here after cancelling our trip last summer due to financial difficulties. I got the SC and a 87mm pulley/tune. Would a full size truck have been more comfortable? Probably. We only took the truck and camper with us. No second vehicle. So everything had to fit in the truck. it was tight. But would an F150 eco boost have towed it better? Maybe. IDK. The tacoma did an amazing job. We took 285 out. Traffic was slow for a bit of it. That was the hardest part.
    descending was no problem. I put it into S3/2, depending on speed, and barely had to brake. And when I did, the camper's trailer brakes were more than adequate.
    We will be heading to Jackson, WY on 8/1. Very excited to be here for an extended stay.
    Thanks again for everyones input71063061420__F84B5010-9194-4500-8EB4-856F51CDAE2D.jpg
     

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