What to expect in the mountains?

[jtruan]

I am a first time diesel owner (2005--2500 quad cab, long wheel base) and we are planing an RV trip out west in the next few weeks. We will be pulling 17000 pounds gross combined vehicle weight through the mountains in Colorado and other western states.



I am wondering what to expect in the way of performance and response in these areas.



I love the truck, best I have ever owned, but have not had experience with a diesel in the western mountains.



Any information or help would be much appreciated.



Thanks much.

jtruan

 

[MamthTorq]

Well you will notice less power and highers egt's and more smoke, depending on your mods, and what elevation you go to. You will notice the turbo spooling alot slower at around 5,000'+. You will notice it more when you have alot of mods.

 

[Wiredawg]

Slow going uphill and hopefully not too fast going downhill.

 

[NIsaacs]

With 17,000 lbs total gross load, the mountains will be a piece of cake, especially if you are used to a gasser. You might even want an exhaust brake up hill





"NICK"

 

[SHobbs]

I thought the turbos spooled faster due to the thinner air, thus compensating for any loss. Been as high as 6000' with no changes pulling my 5er. Will be going to Wolf Creek CO next month w/out the 5er and this will be the first time my truck will see 10,000' wonder if I will notice anything funny on that trip.

 

[BarryG]

I have pulled Wolf Creek 100 times but not with that much weight. Wolf Creek is no problem. You will notice higher egt's and as mentioned above slower spooling, less power and more smoke. However if you are just going up and over you will have no problem and probably wont notice much at all. There are a few hairpins that will cause you to slow down to 10-15mph pulling a fiver and it may take a bit to get it back up to speed but just use the right gear and you will have no problem. Empty you will say, oh was that a hill we just went over?

By the way it is not uncommon to see a state trooper on Wolf Creek so just keep an eye open the speed limit is only 45 but it is very easy to do more than that and the truck will have no problem doing 70 up it or down for that matter (except for the few hairpins).