Hills climbing and disconnecting TOAD thoughts

[Paul T]

Has anyone ever disconnect their toad for mountain climbing? The last time I crossed the continental divide going through Eisenhower Tunnel etc. I had my assistant drive the toad going uphill rather than lugging down my little coach dragging the CR-V. It was a much more pleasant uphill climb and I think I would do it again. Yesterday as I was lugging up the hill on I-26 towards Asheville, NC I thought to myself, (Why didn’t I disconnect that thing?). I know the coach can pull it but with 95 degree weather, 40 mph, and 4000 RPM my mind tends to worry about all those mechanical things working so hard. Of course 4000 rpm at 2000 ft msl is nothing compared to 4600 rpm at 11,000 ft! I guess I'm just a worry wart!

[skipwil]

Welcome to the short, steep mountains of W. No. Carolina. If you come on west on I 26 you have 2 more before you get into Tn. I've pulled the same Mt. w/toad and had the same concerns. My temp gauge didn't rise too much so I quit worrying. If you have an extra driver it sounds feasible to un-hook and go on up.
Safe travels...

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul T Of course 4000 rpm at 2000 ft msl is nothing compared to 4600 rpm at 11,000 ft! I guess I'm just a worry wart!

Paul, That's a BIG rig you got there pulling that grade up to Eisenhower. Not so bad pulling the I-26 in comparison. I have an 08 Vue about 3700 pounds and I pull it very well up most grades.

There was 1 place where I wish I would have disconnected the car and that was West out of Vegas on the Blue Diamond Highway to Parumph. There was a short grade there that brought me down to 25 MPH. Going back to Vegas we elected to drive the car in rather than pulling it but that was sorta disappointing because if was flat approaching the grade and down hill the rest of the way.

[Route 66]

As a single RVer, I don't have that option.

I have not had a problem ascending or descending any hill/mountain.

[ron55]

Pulled a jeep cherokee from Ouray to Silverton on the million dollar highway. 13 miles up, out of Ouray 1st gear about 4600 rpm to the top 25 mph max speed although there are some section in the 13 miles up not so steep, the 8.1 gets a breather. Along abouth the bear creek trailhead, max out 25mph and I was concerned, but I would and will do it again. That up hill section out of Ouray is one of the most dangerous highways in the country according to History Channel. Of course you will meet a semi and the white line is it, no berm, no guard rail, a long way down, makes your palms sweat.
To tell the truth I didn,t know what I was getting into, a Forest Ranger in Montrose had told me that rt 550 was no problem but once you start up, there is no stoping and turning around or unhooking. I would recommend this drive if you would like a little excitement in your life.

[JC2]

We've only come close (2) times in running out of "humph" when pulling a toad behind our rig. The first time was (3) years ago when we were pulling a FULLY loaded enclosed U-Haul to Craig Colorado. Managed to maintain40-45 going up and thru the Eisenhower. Where I run into trouble was in a strech of run that topped out at "Rabbit Pass".. Got her down to 35 mph with no pedal left. Don't remember the elevation but must have been up there. The 2nd time was coming back from the nationa rally, vegas, zion park when I started an loooooong ascent on I-80 in western Wyoming pulling our 2005 Jeep Liberty. I remember upon reaching the top,(about 8000ft), I was running about 40 with no pedal left. Tried to get the wife to get out and push but we know how that goes. The rig ran darn good otherwise. I'm sure the time will come when an unhook will be needed.

[az bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron55 Pulled a jeep cherokee from Ouray to Silverton on the million dollar highway. 13 miles up, out of Ouray 1st gear about 4600 rpm to the top 25 mph max speed although there are some section in the 13 miles up not so steep, the 8.1 gets a breather. Along abouth the bear creek trailhead, max out 25mph and I was concerned, but I would and will do it again. That up hill section out of Ouray is one of the most dangerous highways in the country according to History Channel. Of course you will meet a semi and the white line is it, no berm, no guard rail, a long way down, makes your palms sweat. To tell the truth I didn,t know what I was getting into, a Forest Ranger in Montrose had told me that rt 550 was no problem but once you start up, there is no stoping and turning around or unhooking. I would recommend this drive if you would like a little excitement in your life.

You could add some more excitment to your life by taking Hwy. 212 from Rockvale MT. up to Red Lodge and over the top of Bear Tooth pass headed into Cody Wy. I say up because you will climb 3,600 ft. in 13mi. We have been over it in both directions and will probably do it again.

[ron55]

Also drove from Estes Park through Rocky Mountain National Park Hwy 34 over to Grand Lake. Co. Transmision temp going up 224, going down 270 on dino oil. I now have mobil 1 and the tansmission has never got over 200.

[AFChap]

Quote:

If you have an extra driver it sounds feasible to un-hook and go on up.

...if that extra driver wouldn't kick you in the behind for suggesting she drive the toad along behind ...it would have to be some pretty rare and extreme circunstances for my "extra driver" to go along with that suggestion!!! We have pulled some mountain grades with our 6-speed Allison in 3rd gear, and one or two in 2nd. I just downshift to keep my engine RPM and coolant temp where I am comfortable, and settle in for the slow ride uphill.

[Hikerdogs]

We've pulled pur 04 Jeep through the Eisenhower tunnel on several occasions without a problem. In over 80,000 miles the only time we disconnected was comming out of Skagway Alaska. It's a 12% uphill grade for 12 miles. The morning we left there was about 50 feet of visibility through the fog and rain. To spice things up a bit there was a bicycle tour group comming down at the same time we were going up. A few of the riders were more than out of control. They were using both lanes and a little of the shoulder on each side. One came so close I'm sure he would have hit the Jeep if I had been towing it.

[FLYTYER]

I have witnessed circumstances that confirm my belief we motorhome and 5'r drivers need to be tested and qualified to own our equipment and operate!

[Chuck 1935]

Attaboy FLYTYER, Thats what we need more rules. Give it up Fly boy !!

[Chuck 1935]

flytyer, sorry about the give it up remark, it was uncalled for.
I just dislike more and more rules that lead to more and more fees and charges and taxes. I am now calm, sorry again !

[ron55]

Chuck, You got it right the first time!