Routes with steep hills

I will be pulling our 32 foot CAT from Monument valley to Lake Powell, Zion and Bryce canyon. I'm concerned about steep long hills through the mountains since this will be our first long trip with the camper. Has anyone pulled a camper through these areas? Should I expect to see a lot of the hills I'm concerned about? Help please.

Bill

What are you pulling it with?

I'm pulling with a chevy duramax 6.6 diesel. My concern isn't going up it's coming down.

Hi Bill, I have the same concerns with my set up as I am headed over the Rockies this summer. I am anxious to see the replies you get, my self I am planning on installing a BD exhaust brake on my Ford.

Safe travels
Bill & Pat

Bill, doesnt that DuraMax have the Transmission Tow/Hold tranny?? My son's did... otherwise, an Exhaust Brake is a wise investment. I have a Banks on my Manual 6sp Dodge...only way to come down a hill and not be on 'pins n needles'.

I have a 08 duramax 6.6 and what I always do is set the speed at say 45 mph push the cruise and truck in tow/haul. I think I could fall off a cliff and when I hit bottom I would still be going 45. I may be wrong but its what I always do and I never touch the brake. As a matter of fact you can do this with no trailer, just the truck, same thing. I have been out west on some long grades and it works. I come down Black Mountain all the time and its steep and I never touch the brake

First, let me say that I've never towed anything in those areas. However, I agree with John Neely. Your Chevy should have the Tow/Haul that should provide you with pretty good braking assist. It is in my Dad's Duramax (2007). It worked great in my 2008 F-250, and it's even smoother in my 2011 F-250.

Beyond that, going slow and keeping to the lower gears manually would be the thing to do. But again, that's what tow/haul is made for (well, part of anyway).

Exhaust brakes are awesome. I have one on my Dodge and would never own a diesel truck without one. It brakes so well I normally have to turn it off and on to keep my speed up. I can come down a 6% grade and not touch the service brakes but have to turn it off and on as it slows me too much. I also use it all the time while bobtailing. I hardly use my service brakes.

I think Banks makes an item called speed brake that works like an exhaust brake for GM trucks. I believe its a plug in controller.

Don't overspeed your engine when coming down grades in lower gears!

Earl

spock wrote:I have a 08 duramax 6.6 and what I always do is set the speed at say 45 mph push the cruise and truck in tow/haul. I think I could fall off a cliff and when I hit bottom I would still be going 45. I may be wrong but its what I always do and I never touch the brake. As a matter of fact you can do this with no trailer, just the truck, same thing. I have been out west on some long grades and it works. I come down Black Mountain all the time and its steep and I never touch the brake

I have the same truck, and yes, the transmission will hold it back just fine.
jim

Nope, nothing to worry about.

Where at on Lake Powell? Utah, Arizona?

I'm guessing you will be going from Kayenta to Page using Hwy 160 & 89. There are no serious grades on this route; nothing to worry about.

Are you pulling all the way from Ohio? If so, you'll have much bigger mountains to worry about when you cross the Rockies. However, your truck will handle it.

The Duramax and Allison transmission will do a great job. I live in Florida and had never pulled in the mountains and just got back from an Alaska trip and never once did I feel like I wasn't in control. The engine and trans are the best in my opinion. I almost invested in a brake system but glad I didn't. The truck will do fine!!

Hey Guys,
Lots of responses and all helpful.
Yes I do have the tow/haul but I wasn't aware of the controlled braking with the transmission. Here in Ohio it's pretty flat so when I pull the rv I really only use it for it's pulling ability and not paying any attention to the braking. I will now as we go south this winter.
For the trip to Bryce/Zion we're leaving from Monument Valley so route 98, between 160 and 89 looked like it will cut off a lot of time.

Bill and Pat...hope this was helpful to you guys to. Also have a safe trip and to all of you who answered......outstanding and thanks ! ! !

98 is a good road, no major hills.

I tow my RK28 with my Chevy all over the intermountain west and the rockies with no trouble at all. Near Escalante, Utah there is a hog-back with 14% grades. Went down it okay with trailer/tow engaged. Don't know that I'll go that way again but man what a view!