Wolf Creek Pass and 444 Gears

[dquaney]

We came home from the National High School Finals Rodeo in Farmington NM last weekend. Since diesel fuel is king I cut 200 miles off my trip by going over the Wolf Creek Pass. I got a little bit better understanding and appreciation for why Dodge set this drivetrain up the way they did. I grossed 29500 lbs and was able to maintain the 35 MPH speed limit for the entire 8 miles of 8% grade and never felt like I was overworking the drivetrain. Coming down the eastern slope in tow-haul mode the exhaust brake did a fine job of minimizing braking. I am gaining a new appreciation for what this pickup can do and the fuel mileage it gets doing it despite the emissions. My fuel mileage on my entire trip out there and back was 10. 6 MPG. I have an 03 that has a module and straight through exhaust that wouldn't get that mileage on the same trip. I have criticized Dodge in the other threads but in this one I am saying job well done.

 

[HBarlow]

DQuaney,



Well good. I'm glad to hear from you again and also glad to hear that you've learned a new respect for your Dodge. It probably takes some time to adjust to a little Dodge 4500 after pulling with a FL.



10. 6 mpg ain't bad at 30,000# when towing in the mountains. Thousands of Ferd/GM owners would lie bigtime to get fuel mileage that good.



I'm well satisfied with my "little" 3500 C&C also. I don't always love the programming that Dodge or Cummins engineers provided for the engine/Aisin combination but it gets the job done without any drama.

 

[TRLRTRSH]

Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado, between Pagosa Springs and South Fork?
That's quite a ride. My wife and I pulled that with our 95CTD and 5er a few years back. What a ride. 1st gear and 15 mph. But no over heating or other problems.
How many other members have pulled high passes???

 

[BarryG]

Wolf Creek is one of my favorites. I drive over it frequently(couple dozen times a year). It will definitely test your vehicle and let you know if anything is amiss in your setup at least if towing heavy. I particularily like going over it westbound for the ride down into the valley. What a view. The fall is definitely the best time when the aspen are turning colors on the west side. Winter can be downright scary at times. It snows more up there than anyplace in the state.

 

[TAbbott]

If you like Wolf Creek, try 550 between Durango and Ouray. Makes Wolf Creek look pretty tame... .

 

[Grizzly]

Wolf Creek Pass is tough and very scenic. It will challenge your tow vehicle. My two Dodge/Cummins have done well with a 5er in tow. The big block gasser F250 Furd I had before my 95 Dodge didn't fair as well. Even more challenging is Independence Pass going into Aspen, CO.

 

[msperos]

try 550 between Durango and Ouray. Makes Wolf Creek look pretty tame

I second that. A defnat pucker factor:-laf. But I do love Wolf Creek it is gorgous. This Saturday I'm taking the Harley over Independance, McClure, Kebler and Cottonwood passes with the wife. Should be a fun day

 

[SHobbs]

We go to Wolf Creek every for skiing. The road is real fun when its covered in snow which is something they get alot of. This September me and dad will be up there to do some fishing which will be the first time to see everything not covered in snow.

 

[JGilbert]

Try Slumgullion Pass on the way to Lake City. It is a definite pucker pass.



Joezilla

 

[SHobbs]

Try Slumgullion Pass on the way to Lake City. It is a definite pucker pass.



Joezilla

We will see it on the way to Lake San Cristobal.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

If you like Wolf Creek, try 550 between Durango and Ouray. Makes Wolf Creek look pretty tame... .

YUP! That and the road to Silverton...





Glad to hear your C&C is treating you right. I think all of the problems people are having with the 6. 7's is due to the fact that Cummins HAS to set the emissions up to run correctly at full load. And trucks that don't run at full load suffer for it

 

[Bob V]

Reminds me of a song

 

[Mhannink]

Reminds me of a song

rotflmao bob i was singing it while i was reading the thread



YouTube - Wolf Creek Pass - A Travelog

 

[Forrest Nearing]

horrible song, beautiful stretch of road

 

[Grizzly]

I thought It was a great song, I enjoyed it.



Another good challenge is the Continental Divide going into Butte, Montana on I 90 going north. That's where I blew the big block gasser engine on my F250 Furd pulling a 29' 5er in 93.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Try Slumgullion Pass on the way to Lake City. It is a definite pucker pass.



Joezilla

that one doesn't phase me at all... but we don't tow anything... but going from South Fork all the way to Silverton was a DRIVE... even empty!

 

[THoltz]

If you like Wolf Creek, try 550 between Durango and Ouray. Makes Wolf Creek look pretty tame... .

That would be Red Mountain pass at 11,018 ft. Red Mountain pass going downhill was mostly between 10-20 mph. I need that exhaust brake.



Also Molas Lake pass at 10,800 ft on US 550 south of Silverton.



My Lance camper weighs in loaded at about 3500 lbs, still got almost 14 mpg for the trip, 1300 miles from Buckeye, AZ to Silverton, Co.



The Edge Comp on level one made all the difference in the world in performance.

 

[Grizzly]

That would be Red Mountain pass at 11,018 ft. Red Mountain pass going downhill was mostly between 10-20 mph. I need that exhaust brake.

Also Molas Lake pass at 10,800 ft on US 550 south of Silverton.

My Lance camper weighs in loaded at about 3500 lbs, still got almost 14 mpg for the trip, 1300 miles from Buckeye, AZ to Silverton, Co.

The Edge Comp on level one made all the difference in the world in performance.

Wolf Creek Pass is still taller at 11,695 ft. Independence Pass is 12,095 ft. The highest pass in Colorado is Mosquito Pass at 13,185 ft. Mosquito Pass is near Leadville and is a dirt 4WD pass.

 

[CUMMINZ]

Monarch Pass in June 2008 with 26,440# GCVW



#ad

 

[ox1]

Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado, between Pagosa Springs and South Fork?

That's quite a ride. My wife and I pulled that with our 95CTD and 5er a few years back. What a ride. 1st gear and 15 mph. But no over heating or other problems.

How many other members have pulled high passes???

Is Wolf Creek any worse than Monarch? I have only Went up the east side and back down Wolf Creek. I know of its "Can of worms" and "Malraia germs" fame on the west side, but I don't recall the east side being all that steep, but then that has been almost 7 yrs ago now. (Good sleddin' in that area. :-laf )



I sled somewhat frequently on the west side of Monarch tho.

horrible song

Thems fightin' werds!



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