towing 5th wheel across country

[cobradude1965]

i live in las vegas and i am moving to mass. i am going to go through utah and colorado over the rockies. i am concerned that the truck will have a hard time with this and could damage it in some way. i have allready had the transmission fluid changed and will do a oil change before going. should i do anything else before going and how will the truck weather pulling a 8000lb. trailer across this country

 

[gonzo2]

You should have no problem whatsoever if your truck and trailer are in good condition. 8,000 lbs should not cause any more concern than driving empty.

Have a good trip.

 

[klenger]

Agreed, you should not have a problem. Do you know which highway you will be taking through Colorado? I-70 is probably quiicker, but US-160 has easier grades but is two lanes. Any way you go will be beautiful. Please fill in your sig with truck and RV info so that we know more about you. Have a great time.

 

[Grizzly]

i live in las vegas and i am moving to mass. i am going to go through utah and colorado over the rockies. i am concerned that the truck will have a hard time with this and could damage it in some way. i have allready had the transmission fluid changed and will do a oil change before going. should i do anything else before going and how will the truck weather pulling a 8000lb. trailer across this country

With a 2001 Dodge/Cummins 2500 should not be a problem for the truck. I'd worry more about the running gear and hitch on the trailer. Have that checked and repack the wheel bearings. Is this a 5er or a TT?

 

[cwsoules]

I pulled a 10. 4K 5er that way last summer with no problem. Around Denver you will see a little less power, but it should not be a problem. It is a nice trip and the views fantastic.

 

[LesStallings]

I've made seven cross-country trips in the last two months, pulling 12K to 15K on the loaded side of the runs. Las Vegas to Nashville and back. I'm setup pretty good and made some adjustments during and after the first two trips. Once the rig is "dialed in" it is just a question of routine maintenance.



Check carefully at every fuel stop - tires, wheel temperatures, suspension. Always check truck and trailer tire pressures every morning before heading out. Know what the recommneded tire pressures are for your load and be sure, absolutely sure, that is what you have.



I have been lucky and spotted nails in two different trailer tires before they caused a problem on the road. It is much better to change tires in a Flying J's than along side of an interstate with cars wizzing by at 75 MPH+.



Other than traffic, lane changes, and hitting the right exits, after the first day you may find that it is easy to "get in the zone" and reduce the stress. Get your truck and trailer in good shape, maybe sign up for the Good Sam's Club Emergency Roadside Assistance Program, and have fun!

 

[KBalzuweit]

Hook it and go. The views will be great. If you can build in a couple extras days to enjoy the sights!!. Been out that way and back many times in the last 2 years. Other than some rough roads its an easy trip. Karl



P. S. Since you are moving just make sure you are not tempted to overload the camper with all kinds of stuff. I am moving in a couple weeks myself and will be putting all kinds of stuff in the camper. Going to weigh to make sure I do not overload it before I hit the highway.

 

[jandtjil]

Have some compassion, and try not to run over slower traffic when climing.

I would be more worried about descending, adjust your brakes when leaving and keep your speed down when starting the descents. Enjoy the sights, its a great drive.





JJ

 

[LesStallings]

One thing I learned about driving on I-40 was to pay attention to the "Rough Road Ahead" signs. What the sign means is that you should go over to the left lane to avoid some major pot holes and rough areas.



Just be sure to check the traffic and don't go jerking the rig around. If you have a choice, drive around the rough section, not through it.