Mountain Passes

[Davidceder]

I need some advice and opinions, which I am sure there is no shortage of here. Been towing a trailer with my Ford Expedition for 4 years, been all over the country. Our new setup is a brand new 2013 Ford F-350 Diesel and to arrive any day now our new Sabre 32 RCTS. This will be my first 5’r. I had a PullRite 2900 installed on Monday, so just waiting on the rig. Here is my question. We want to spend August in Colorado. We live in Northern Arizona. We have been to Durango many times with our trailer but this time we want to head up to Gunnison and Montrose. Really no way to do South West Colorado without doing some passes. So, do you think I will be ok pulling up say, Wolf Creek pass at 10,850 ft. or Slumgullion Pass at 11.361 ft.? Really, do you think I will have any issues pulling up most passes? I am estimating the rig to weigh about 12,000 lbs but max GVWR is 13,774 lbs.

Thanks

[transamz9]

Shouldn't have no problems at all except for some ear popping maybe. Have fun.

[bakken]

You won't have any issues at all, as you have lots of truck.
Just take your time, and watch your speed going downhill.

[Oakman]

You won't have any problems at all. Enjoy the trip and the view.

[skipperW]

Tow haul mode will be your friend.

[Lynkage]

I find using the "M" setting on your tranny is the best way to go down the grades that Southern Colorado will present to you.

Otherwise you will be fine.

And BTW have fun!! It is very beautiful down there!

Just returned from Taylor Park after a weeks long camping/ATV trip!!

Cottonwood pass at 12,126 ft is very winding and tight hairpins but still no problems. Enjoy

[jevanb]

See the king of the hill article, 3 trucks WOT all the way with 10k in the middle of summer. You have a capable truck enjoy

[SteveBingham52]

In tow mode you slow down to speed you want and the engine will hold it steady. Catch is get slowed down before you start down a steep grade and it will not work as hard to slow down as you brake. I have gone down some very long windy steep hills with no issues.

[Jay Pat]

My first trip over Wolf Creek (eastbound) going up, gave half trottle and let the truck find it's pace. No stressing the truck.
Going down, use 2nd gear. When it was too slow shifted to 3rd and later back to regular drive into South Fork.

For Slumgullion, the road was rough towards the summit and I slowed down and just eased to the top.
Going down to Lake City, I placed truck in first gear. Going down there is curve after curve with 15 to 25 mph speed advisorys. First gear held the speed very well. Very slight use of brakes, once in awhile.

I use Tow/Haul. At first didn't understand how it worked and manually selected gears.
Hope this is helpful!
Pat

Edit: My rig at that time weighed just under 19,000 lbs.

[BOBFIDY]

Originally Posted by skipperW

Tow haul mode will be your friend.

X2

[jeeplj8]

Originally Posted by Davidceder

I need some advice and opinions, which I am sure there is no shortage of here. Been towing a trailer with my Ford Expedition for 4 years, been all over the country. Our new setup is a brand new 2013 Ford F-350 Diesel and to arrive any day now our new Sabre 32 RCTS. This will be my first 5’r. I had a PullRite 2900 installed on Monday, so just waiting on the rig. Here is my question. We want to spend August in Colorado. We live in Northern Arizona. We have been to Durango many times with our trailer but this time we want to head up to Gunnison and Montrose. Really no way to do South West Colorado without doing some passes. So, do you think I will be ok pulling up say, Wolf Creek pass at 10,850 ft. or Slumgullion Pass at 11.361 ft.? Really, do you think I will have any issues pulling up most passes? I am estimating the rig to weigh about 12,000 lbs but max GVWR is 13,774 lbs.

Thanks

Just got back from week in Colorado. We pulled it up and over Monarch on Highway 50 (which is on the Eastern side of the state) at around 11,200. No problem. You have tons of truck.

I am trying to recall which one is Wolf Creek? Is that on 550 north out of Durango, or is that one Bear Falls? Anyway - we went up and over that one (twice) and it is pretty tight. The truck could care less, but the passengers were a little jittery. The driver packed a change of undies just in case...