Towing in the Mountains

Fraser · #1 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 01:03 AM

Hello,

I have a 2003 4X4 4.7L Access Cab and currently tow a 17.5' Bigfoot trailer @ 3000lbs dry. We are planning to go to Yellowstone in June driving from the wet coast. It is my understanding the elevations get over 7000ft in the park and I am wondering what impact this will have on towing. I don't believe this will be a problem for this trailer but I am considering getting the next size up, a used 2000 21.5' Bigfoot Rear Bed (25B21RB) which according to the manufacturer's website (Bigfoot RV - Motorhome, Truck Camper, Travel Trailer - Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer - 2500 Series Travel Trailers - Specifications) has a base dry weight of about 3700lbs and a GVWR of 7500lbs. I viewed the trailer today and according to the sticker inside, it weighed 1750Kg which is about 3800lbs and is supposed to reflect the proper weight with the options installed. Should I take it to a scale? The 21.5 trailer is a double axle.

I have taken the smaller trailer through the Rockies no problem - just wondering if the larger trailer is too much to handle in the hills? I am pretty sure I can make it up the hill, but can I come down safely?

The main reason for the trailer upgrade is the bed - it is currently 42" wide which is small for me and the wife (a single bed is 39") the new trailer has a bed that is 54". Maybe I take the smaller trailer on the trip and sell it when I get back? Most of the camping I do is under 4000ft. This is the usual road that I have to travel
(http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topi...de-profile.pdf) It is metric (a metre is close to a yard and 100KM is about 60miles) - it has some big hills!

Sorry for the long post - would appreciate your thoughts!

YYCtundra · #2 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 05:28 PM

Hi Fraser - we just had the maiden voyage with a scale stop - same truck - with a 22ft Salem - 4000lbs on the trailer axles (3700 dry) we didn't attack any passes, but Hwy 1 near Calgary has some good foothills type climbs - I was able to maintain 75km/h on the steepest hills using gentle throttle. The handling was good up until 110 - it was most comfortable at about 90. You won't break any landspeed records but it's a good ride. On the scales I also noticed that with the fuel full up and 4 adult passengers we were 3700 lbs on the rear axle. The GCVW was 10,800 so we were pretty close to max.

YYCtundra · #3 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 05:30 PM

I forgot about your coming down question - I have the tekonsha controller, best 119$ I've ever spent - I told my passengers I'd hug those trailer brakes if I could.

noworries19 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 12:22 PM

Hey guys, I am a new member and currently tow a 28 ft outback, loaded weight of 6000lbs. I am towing it with a 01 tundra and looking to upgrade to a 08 crewmax. I know the crewmax will pull my trailer with plenty of power however I want to know how it does during high winds or crosswinds. I have a wd hitch and sway control and never experienced sway however I have had high winds push me around on the road. Because of this I am considering a chevy 2500 diesel. Any info would be great.

YYCtundra · #5 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 08:04 PM

Hi Worries - your wheelbase will increase about 20" (147.5") with a crewmax - this is a big factor in the sway and tracking issues. A Chev 2500 crewcab longbox will have 157" wheelbase but you get to deal with this....
****edmunds.com****

Our principal beef concerns the shoddy interior design, materials and build quality. Chevy improved it gradually during its lifespan, but it was never quite up to snuff.

van isle · #6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YYCtundra

Hi Fraser - we just had the maiden voyage with a scale stop - same truck - with a 22ft Salem - 4000lbs on the trailer axles (3700 dry) we didn't attack any passes, but Hwy 1 near Calgary has some good foothills type climbs - I was able to maintain 75km/h on the steepest hills using gentle throttle. The handling was good up until 110 - it was most comfortable at about 90. You won't break any landspeed records but it's a good ride. On the scales I also noticed that with the fuel full up and 4 adult passengers we were 3700 lbs on the rear axle. The GCVW was 10,800 so we were pretty close to max.

I'm a little confused you say you have the same truck but he has a 2003 tundra yours aviator says 2008 . If you have a 2008 10,800 is no near the max for your GCVW .

YYCtundra · #7 (**permalink**) 05-08-2008, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by van isle

I'm a little confused you say you have the same truck but he has a 2003 tundra yours aviator says 2008 . If you have a 2008 10,800 is no near the max for your GCVW .

I noticed that 2008 error - I have no idea where to change the avatar - it should be in user CP I think..

I have the 2003.