HO on the go with its first Tow

[Happy Camper]

I hooked up the 3500 HO and took the 30' Alpenlite for a tow. First time for the dually and first time using the new B&W turnover hitch with the 5th wheel companion hitch.
Both did fine. The power was awesome! I took it up Canyon Grade which is steeper in places than 6% as Mitchel grade is 6%. Anyway 4th can more than handle it. Never got deep into the throttle or rpms. 18600 total weight. Was able to pick up speed in 5th but the curves demanded attention so I stayed in 4th. I never took it over 60 as I am running recap studded Toyo's and didn't feel lucky.

BAD TIMING! This time of the year ranchers move aprox 500 head of cattle down the highway on their big cattle drive of the year right thru down town John Day (big city with one stop light. ) Metalic Silver pickup and white trailer to start but both ended up green under and else where. Just finished washing both. I am ready to roll but the weather still says it is winter.


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Bert
2001. 5,3500 QC 4x4, HO/6spd,limited slip,BD brake,60 gal Aero tank.

 

[Pete Peterson]

I agree Bert, I've hooked to about 14,000lbs
and really like the power the ETH/DEE has. never a problem. Which gear do you have? I've got the 4:10's so the truck wasn't working very hard... . Pete

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01. 5 Loooaded up!!!!!

 

[Happy Camper]

I opted for the 3:54. Gave the 4:10 some consideration. The 1 ton was real steady on the road and no horsing around on curves or uneven roadway. Loved the sound of the BD brake also. The more you drive the more you want to drive.

 

[WCrovo]

I agree my HO was unbelieveable towing in the mountain pass's in Utah. I was able to keep up with cars. It wasn't a question of how to get up speed but how to tend not to speed. I was able to pass without white knuckles around semis's doing 65mph +. With the 3. 54's It feels like the top speed with trailer is way over what would be considered prudent. I eaisley passed 90mph without trying. I leave in one week for a one month roadtrip with all my gear and can't wait to really test the ETH/DEE combo. Hope I don't get any speeding tickets. I would like to live with 4. 10 gears to compare, my 3. 54s work excellent if the 4. 10s are 1/2 as good as the 3. 54's they would be great. I am very pleased with its ability to tow in the mouintains.

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH/DEE, 3. 54 Bright white,4 wheel discs.

 

[BCFAST]

Happy, please go throw some money at a US Gear exhaust brake! The curves wont be scarry anymore, and your brake pads will live almost forever! I prefer the US Gear brand over the others for 3 reasons: 1. quiet operation 2. very simple install 3. low rpm braking power! My unit saved my life many times over when grossing 23,000+lbs.

 

[Happy Camper]

BFAST, I have the BD exhaust brake on this one. On the 97 I had the cummins e-brake. I like to slow down without using brakes. I have been reading the post of US Gear but will have to stay with what I have for now. I had 83,000 on the 97 with original pads when I traded it. I do not think I would tow if I only had my brakes to rely on.

 

[JSchooley]

I like the route through John Day. We trek up to Washington Tri cities every year around the 1st of June. Last year I got a nice cleaning with rain and snow.

This year we head up to Vancouver about May 8th. Don't know the route yet. We may take the stoggy old freeway to save time, but I'll sure miss this pretty scenery if we do.

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John S. '99 QC 1T 4. 11 A/T Leather Driftwood, 50 Gal aux tank/tool box, gearvendors, BD brake/autolok, BD ISB comp, guages, BD Pressure Lock and Pract. Sol. Boost Elbow.

Just a Little BOMBed and liking it a lot.

 

[Happy Camper]

JSCHOOLEY! Glad to have you come thru the area. I never get tired of taking rides. Do not go by miles just hours as I take my time, sometimes. The cattle drive which used PU's and horse trailers, left on the roadway a foot or two over the white line. No tickets. Have to be on lookout for cattle herds being moved with no traffic guards. #ad
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