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Old 06-02-2021, 02:45 PM   #1
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Vail Pass

I have a 2019 Ram 1500 crew cab short bed 8cyl Hemi with 3.21 axle 1650lb payload that I’ll be towing a 2016 Jayco 264bhw 28’ travel trailer 5300lb loaded. My wife and I are planning another trip out west but this would be my first time over Vail Pass. I have driven west before but we crossed the Rockies in. We Mexico which really wasn’t anything. Is it safe? Truck is loaded within its max weight ratings. Is it common to see half tons with travel trailers on the pass? Are there other recommendations? We plan on visiting Rocky Mountain NP and then down to Moab and Arches area. Thanks in advance.
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Old 06-02-2021, 03:09 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fdnavy View Post
I have a 2019 Ram 1500 crew cab short bed 8cyl Hemi with 3.21 axle 1650lb payload that I’ll be towing a 2016 Jayco 264bhw 28’ travel trailer 5300lb loaded. My wife and I are planning another trip out west but this would be my first time over Vail Pass. I have driven west before but we crossed the Rockies in. We Mexico which really wasn’t anything. Is it safe? Truck is loaded within its max weight ratings. Is it common to see half tons with travel trailers on the pass? Are there other recommendations? We plan on visiting Rocky Mountain NP and then down to Moab and Arches area. Thanks in advance.
Have you driven this rig in PA?

Does it have an engine brake?

You do know that to get to Vail Pass you have to go through the tunnels - pretty good grade there.

Yes 1/2 tons all the time with trailers - just be sure you use the transmission to slow down when needed.

Buena Vista - Maroon Bells - RT 133 - RT 24 - Utah's RT 128 - RT 6 out of Golden to Idaho Springs and I-70

Lot's to see and do on this trip,
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Old 06-02-2021, 03:13 PM   #3
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There’s no engine brake. It’s a gasser. The truck has driven all throughout the mountains of PA and NY but I understand the Rockies are a different beast. Can campers with propane tanks drive through the tunnels?
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Old 06-02-2021, 03:22 PM   #4
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There’s no engine brake. It’s a gasser. The truck has driven all throughout the mountains of PA and NY but I understand the Rockies are a different beast. Can campers with propane tanks drive through the tunnels?
I to am an east coast guy - if you can handle PA you will be fine - biggest difference is the Grades are longer and pretty steep - just downshift and let the motor do the work. The Great thing is out every window will be eye Candy.

Propane tanks are good through the tunnels - hundreds every day.

When will you make this trip and how long do you have? Sure you have heard this is going to be a Very Busy Season this year! Likely in major areas you will need reservations, yes really.

My son's expedition has been all through the Rockies and he pulls a Max load on the trailer with a total of 6 travelers, No Problem - Its a Gasser too.

If we can help with routing or other questions fire away.

Best of Luck,
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Old 06-02-2021, 03:24 PM   #5
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No problem w/ LP on i-70 tunnels.
I do it all the time.
When you drop down into the canyon just east of Glenwood Springs, get your camera out !!!
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Old 06-02-2021, 03:29 PM   #6
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No problem w/ LP on i-70 tunnels.
I do it all the time.
When you drop down into the canyon just east of Glenwood Springs, get your camera out !!!
Think he should have it out well before Glenwood Springs - But the over under interstate is the best in the Country with the Colorado River right there.

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Old 06-02-2021, 03:37 PM   #7
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I think you'd be hard pressed to find a State or Federal Highway, anywhere in the country, that your modern Dodge truck couldn't safely traverse. There are State and Federal Highway standards to prevent anything outrageous.

I had a 2016 GMC Canyon with the 300 HP V-6. They did a road test on the Vail pass, towing a 5K payload. They had to push it hard, but it pulled the pass at 55mph.

So....you're Hemi will do fine. Keep it in the "TOW" mode and watch your down hill speed. If the trailer starts to get a little unruly, apply the trailer brakes gently via your controller in the truck.
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Old 07-06-2021, 12:39 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fdnavy View Post
I have a 2019 Ram 1500 crew cab short bed 8cyl Hemi with 3.21 axle 1650lb payload that I’ll be towing a 2016 Jayco 264bhw 28’ travel trailer 5300lb loaded. My wife and I are planning another trip out west but this would be my first time over Vail Pass. I have driven west before but we crossed the Rockies in. We Mexico which really wasn’t anything. Is it safe? Truck is loaded within its max weight ratings. Is it common to see half tons with travel trailers on the pass? Are there other recommendations? We plan on visiting Rocky Mountain NP and then down to Moab and Arches area. Thanks in advance.


Your Hemi will handle that fine. I have that truck w the 8 speed transmission so I suspect you do to. Just work the 8 speed to assist your braking and make sure your trailer brakes are set right.
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Old 07-06-2021, 12:56 PM   #9
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You won't have any problems. RVs of all sizes and configurations drive it. It's an interstate.

Make sure you read Rocky Mtn. NP &Arches NP website for details of special alerts, things to do, etc. I just heard of someone driving to the Moab entrance at 7:30 am and the park was full already and they weren't letting anymore in.

https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm
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