Community Forums

BaD42 · 03-23-2006, 07:23 AM

I've talked with several individuals about this subject and have received answers anywhere from they were staying with the DP's going up the mountain passes to the other extreme of barely making it up the pass.

The only driving I've done with this rig has been primarily on flat & level or rolling hills and so far have been impressed with the 8.1 engines pulling power.

The unit is a 2005 Dolphin on a W24 and will have approximately 5,000 miles. I'll also be pulling a Saturn Vue and will probably be very close the max weight.

The engine is stock with no Banks system etc, and probably won't be
doing any changes in the near future.

I'm interested in hearing from anyone with a similiar setup and real life experience.

thanks for any insight you can share.

BaD42 · 03-23-2006, 07:23 AM

I've talked with several individuals about this subject and have received answers anywhere from they were staying with the DP's going up the mountain passes to the other extreme of barely making it up the pass.

The only driving I've done with this rig has been primarily on flat & level or rolling hills and so far have been impressed with the 8.1 engines pulling power.

The unit is a 2005 Dolphin on a W24 and will have approximately 5,000 miles. I'll also be pulling a Saturn Vue and will probably be very close the max weight.

The engine is stock with no Banks system etc, and probably won't be
doing any changes in the near future.

I'm interested in hearing from anyone with a similiar setup and real life experience.

thanks for any insight you can share.

Fred and Bonnie · 03-23-2006, 07:35 AM

We have traveled up & over I-70 west of Denver, yes it's a struggle since the elevation is between 10,000 & 11,000 feet. We are able to keep-up or pass the 18 wheelers, and thats all I expect under the condtions. We recently switched from a 95 SC1 to a VUE, however so far not any difference in how the two units tow. If you read the posting by Joe-K you can get an idea of what it takes to move a coach under various conditions.

Coach Performance

Fred

Geechee · 03-23-2006, 10:05 AM

Last summer we crossed Colorado south to north and west to east. We traveled 6000+ miles from Charleston to Yellowestone and back. The Brave was pulling a Honda CR-V and weight-in at 20000+ lbs. The long climbs above 10,000' were a new experience for us. We could hold our own with the DP's and passed almost all the big rigs where conditions allowed. The torque band of the 8.1 provides plenty of climbing capability. Driving in a snow storm into Yellowstone from Cody was hard on the wife's nerves ( she is a flat lander by birth ). Your MH is more than capable so enjoy your trip.

This spring we are driving cross country and up the west coast.

"007" · 03-23-2006, 11:14 AM

Made the same trip as Geeche with a Ford V-10

pulling a trailer, if the Ford can make it look easy

, what do you think your Workhorse can do.

"007"

DonavonP · 03-23-2006, 11:51 AM

Bill, You will have plenty of power. For our own peace of mind, we disconnect the tow vehicle and drive seperately through the steep climb and decent areas.

Fillitup · 03-23-2006, 12:17 PM

We have made the trip out to Colorado several times. We have been over Monarch Pass, Lizard Head Pass, Loveland Pass, Fremont Pass, Red Hill Pass just to name a few that quickly come to mind. Most are 10 - 11 K ft. or so. We have NEVER had a problem with any passes out there with the W22 and 8.1. However, you will slow down a lot (expect it), you will see the RPMs go up, the Allison pretty much will take care of itself. Just be patient and get in the right hand lane when possible and don't push it. We tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee at about 4000 lbs and the MH loaded is about 19,500 lbs. You don't have to, but we usually pull over somewhere at the crest and let the MH, trans etc. idle, cool, and rest a little.

Be more concerned about going DOWN the other side. Downshift around the crest before starting the hard decline and stay off your brakes unless you just have to hit them. Let the trans do the work. If you have to hit your brakes to get to a certain speed/RPM down - hit them steady and sorta hard then get off them. Don't pump and ride them. Some people may do it different but this is what I do and it has worked for us many times.

Another thing we do is that if we have one bad pass or so early in the day before we hit flatland that day - we leave the campsite in two vehicles and make the hard climb and descent without the tow attached. Then after the pass, we pull over somewhere handy and hook the towbar up and continue on. You will be fine with the W22 and Allison combination.

DriVer · 03-23-2006, 03:48 PM

The Rocky Hills will be no problem for your Workhorse.

Tom N · 03-24-2006, 04:32 AM

I a 38' 11" coach on the W24 chassis. I tow a Civic coupe. THe W24 has a 5.86 rear end which will give you a little advantage over the W22 chassis. I live in western PA, a very hilly area, although nothing over 3500'. Many of our hills have truck runaway ramps.

I've had no problems with large steep mountains. I've followed my buddy in his 40' coach with a 400 Cummins and he can't pull away form me. Although at 8000' I'm certain he would with his turbodiesel.

The W24 has huge quad piston brakes and have much more stopping capacity that the W22. You will have no problems on the downhills, natually shift to a lower gear and don't "ride" the brakes.

rogueii · 03-24-2006, 05:10 AM

You will not have any power problems. I did 11,000 miles last summer. FL to yellowstone, Glacier, Tetons, on the Washington, down through Oregon to San Diego, NV, AR, Colorado, to PA and back to FL.
Just don't hit the down side of the hills going to fast. Downshift early enough to stay in control. Turn the overdrive off. I had to use 3rd gear many times and even used 2nd on some steep switchbacks. I never felt insecure. I have been living in FL since 1979, so I guess I am a Flatlander. The 12,000 foot passes will not be a problem for a stock Workhose, Unless it is Snowing

I was at about 25,350 lbs on that trip, including the Toad. I have shedded about 600 lbs since.

Tom N · 03-24-2006, 04:15 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> You will be fine with the W22 and Allison combination. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

He has a W24. The W24 has a much stronger braking system than the W22.

LeeSoCal · 03-24-2006, 04:53 PM

I hate to disagree with the previous posters but I will never take Interstate 70 through CO from West to East again. I was in low gear many times and was even loosing RPMs on one long hill. I was towing a Ford Ranger which weighs 3200 lbs. The Workhorse perfomed OK but I felt it was too hard on equipment. I have towed all over the US and some in Canada and have never had to get down to low gear before so I will never be on 70 again in Colorado. Just my .02 cents worth. For you it is free.

M&EM · 03-24-2006, 05:08 PM

I encountered I70 west out of Denver when my Workhorse was newer. I was disappointed too in having to gear down to first for most of the upgrade. I may have had some headwinds, that didn't help. Haven't come across anything that difficult since. Maybe an Ultrapower fix will remedy the situation.

DriVer · 03-24-2006, 05:18 PM

I don't think that I got much under 55 while traveling from West to East on I-80 from Utah to Nebraska. Just try to keep your RPMs up and you can climb those grades pretty easily.