Community Forums

charlie121 · 09-06-2011, 08:27 PM

We want to purchase a Gas Class A with a Ford V10 with 362 hp. We will be towing a small vehicle. We would like some feedback on how it will pull in the mountains (Smokies).

Thank you!

Arch Hoagland · 09-06-2011, 10:35 PM

I have pulled a 2000 Lexus RX300 that weighs about 4,020 pounds all around the United States.

The mountains out west tend to be a little bigger than the Smokies and are not a problem for us nor will they be a problem for you with your V-10.

You'll do fine. Go for it.

Mr_D · 09-06-2011, 10:43 PM

Shouldn't be a real problem as most rigs slow down uphill anyway. If you've got a 600 HP or more diesel then probably ignore this!!!!

BoJango · 09-07-2011, 03:35 AM

Mr D, which manufacturer uses a 600 HP engine?

ga traveler · 09-07-2011, 07:55 AM

We have been out west three times with a 99 F53 ford chassis. No problems. Just keep it at 4000 rpm in second gear and you can pull any mountain without a problem.

Hikerdogs · 09-07-2011, 08:56 AM

We have an older version of the V10 with only 310 hp. It's got almost 90,000 miles towing a Jeep Wrangler (3750 lbs) from Oregon to Newfoundland and Alaska to Florida. It's been through the mountains more times than I can count and we've never had a problem. You're not going to pass many people climbing the hills but you'll certainly keep up with traffic with no problems.

Cat320 · 09-07-2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga traveler

We have been out west three times with a 99 F53 ford chassis. No problems. Just keep it at 4000 rpm in second gear and you can pull any mountain without a problem.

Agree...if you can stand the noise of 4,000 rpm in second gear, you will be fine.

Billieg · 09-07-2011, 12:08 PM

Just make sure your cooling system is working fine. Stopping in the middle of a steep climb for 20 minutes to let it cool off is no fun. My 454 in a 35' pulling a motorcycle trailer would climb a steep grade and make the top at 35 - 40 mph....

bronk · 09-07-2011, 12:24 PM

We pull a Jeep Wrangler with our 2011 38' Challenger, and have been over the mountains in NC many times. The pull on I-40 (Black Mountain) and I-77 (Fancy Gap) in VA posed no problems, and most of these times were during the summer. We have never experienced over-heating or a problem with power while negotiating these roads. Out west is somewhat more challenging (no pun intended), but still no issues in over 10,000 miles of travel. You should be fine. Happy Motoring!

Bronk

ga traveler · 09-07-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

Agree...if you can stand the noise of 4,000 rpm in second gear, you will be fine.

I found a answer to the noise problem. I went to Summit (the performance car store) and bought some hood liner material. I lined the doghouse and the front hood area the steering wheel support tower and all around the engine area. It doesn't sound like a Caddy, but it sure did make a huge difference in the sound. I used the self stick kind and used short large head screws in the fan area, to make sure it didn't come loose and get into the engine fan. It's been two years and i have not had a problem.

jeeprubi · 09-07-2011, 03:58 PM

I have taken my MH over the smokies many times. Sure I have to go slow up big long hills. I am in no hurry. I just get in line with all the trucks.

I have also gone over mountains in Colorado up to 11,500 ft. while following 2 Newmar Mountain Aires and stayed right with them.

Bo, Newmar makes the King Aire with a 600 hp ISX Cummins according to their web site. I thought I had read it was 650 hp, but guess it is not.

Tha_Rooster · 09-07-2011, 04:19 PM

I had a 2004 with a v10 crossed the smokies from cherokee to gatlinburg many times I had to be in 1st a lot because you cannot build up speed. But it did fine.

wa8yxm · 09-07-2011, 05:56 PM

I pulled a Chevy Lumina from Detroit to California and back, Twice, and to South Carolina and back,, Once.. and then the lumina (4,000 pounds dry) died of natural cuses (old age I mean it was old enough to vote) Only one hill gave me pause where I had to unhook.

and to be honest.. I hope never to see that road or another like it, even if it's flat, ever again.

Dixieray53 · 09-07-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billieg

Just make sure your cooling system is working fine. Stopping in the middle of a steep climb for 20 minutes to let it cool off is no fun. My 454 in a 35' pulling a motorcycle trailer would climb a steep grade and make the top at 35 - 40 mph....

Exactly....You be fine...D