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Old 09-22-2019, 08:15 PM   #1
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Pulling a vehicle in Colorado

We are very new to RV life, we are making one of our first trips to Colorado. Knowing the elevation of Denver, how difficult is it to pull a vehicle behind our MOtor home, Thor Chateau, on Ford E450?

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Old 09-22-2019, 08:51 PM   #2
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You will be amble to exceed the recommended speed limits (20 to 40 mph) on most state and US highways in the Colorado mountains towing 5,000 lbs . Only on the Interstates will you notice you are traveling with the trucks. I been across Monarch Pass (11,312 ft) a couple times pulling my truck with my RV. Just be careful going down a 8% grade for 10 miles pr more
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Old 09-22-2019, 09:22 PM   #3
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We pull a Jeep Cherokee with our ACE 30.1 over all of the big passes (I-70 Tunnels, Vail, Monarch, Wolf Creek etc ) with relatively little trouble. It’s slow going up and you need to use Tow/Haul mode or aggressively downshift going down. Don’t try just using your brakes on the way down unless you want to stop multiple times to let them cool off or rapidly learn about runaway truck ramps. Take it slow and have patience.

Also pay attention to restrictions on some of the other passes as some have length restrictions. You can’t take an RV over Independence Pass (down into Aspen) for example.
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Old 09-22-2019, 10:01 PM   #4
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Welcome to the Forum!
Your rig will tow it with no problems...

But you might not be able to win any races while doing it...
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Old 09-23-2019, 01:10 AM   #5
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We traveled through Denver and Colorado springs earlier this year towing a Jeep. DenverTransplant pretty well described it. Learn to use tow/haul and don't expect to set speed records. Slow down before starting to descend steep grades and with T/H on you'll seldom need to touch the brakes. The V10 will rev pretty high but it's built to take it.
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Old 09-23-2019, 02:56 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Cypress_19 View Post
We are very new to RV life, we are making one of our first trips to Colorado. Knowing the elevation of Denver, how difficult is it to pull a vehicle behind our MOtor home, Thor Chateau, on Ford E450?
Thanks for all the replies. We are looking forward to RV'ing and to learning the necessities of travel. Again, Thanks.
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Old 09-23-2019, 04:31 PM   #7
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You didn't mention what you will be pulling...this will have everything to do with your end result.
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Old 09-23-2019, 04:37 PM   #8
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You didn't mention what you will be pulling...this will have everything to do with your end result.
We will pull a Jeep Wrangler, two door, with a soft top.

Additionally, I am trying to determine to use a trailer vs Tow Bar.

Any suggestions?
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Old 09-23-2019, 05:02 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Cypress_19 View Post
We will pull a Jeep Wrangler, two door, with a soft top.

Additionally, I am trying to determine to use a trailer vs Tow Bar.

Any suggestions?
We have many trips to CO … pulling an enclosed motorcycle trailer.
This year we bought our first Jeep Wrangler TJ 2 door with soft top...

Saturday, we returned from our trip to CO and NM …
we had no issues towing the Jeep, properly setup with Patriot Brake.
We use the tow/haul feature on the E450 when in the mountains.
We have been over multiple passes in CO … like Bob said...
you wont win any races...but you will get there with no problem.

We discussed trailer or tow too...since we have pulled trailers for years...there are pros and cons to both..what made our decision for us is..when you arrive at RV park towing vehicle it is simple..when pulling trailer you must make sure the RV park has room for your trailer.. some have long siites some have extra storeing space … towing 4 down which you do with a Jeep .. is simple hookup and disconnect...we have Patriot Brake with breakaway switch...many folks tow Jeeps and other vehicles...seems to be the most logical way to go unless you are doing rock crawling with your Jeep and anticipate breaking it !!
post a photo of your Jeep in tow !

Here is our little TJ !

Click image for larger version

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Click image for larger version

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at Salida CO
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Old 09-23-2019, 05:32 PM   #10
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Two door Jeep can be towed easily by most all configurations as they are light. I personally will tow on trailer. It will allow me to carry other things like ladder, dog fencing, portable generator(s), extra fuel, etc. Yes, there will be challenges at some CG's with a trailer but planning ahead will circumvent most of them. Pull-thorough sites are available most everywhere. We had a 1989 YJ. Sold it and will now tow an XT5 on trailer but shouldn't pose any issues.
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Old 09-23-2019, 05:48 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cypress_19 View Post
We will pull a Jeep Wrangler, two door, with a soft top.

Additionally, I am trying to determine to use a trailer vs Tow Bar.

Any suggestions?
We tow a 2010 Wrangler 2 door soft top... Four down (tow bar)is our choice. No right/wrong answer, just finding what works for you.
Lots of threads on setups whichever way you choose to go.
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Old 09-23-2019, 05:57 PM   #12
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Jeeps are easy to tow "four-down".
Put the transfer case in neutral, and you're more than halfway there!

I'm putting my Toad on a trailer...

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1569261431
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Old 09-24-2019, 12:51 AM   #13
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!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
Jeeps are easy to tow "four-down".
Put the transfer case in neutral, and you're more than halfway there!

I'm putting my Toad on a trailer...

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1569261431

Bob...you are putting your TOAD on a trailer because it is a tiny TOAD !

Name:  toad..jpg
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Size:  10.8 KB


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Old 09-24-2019, 01:25 AM   #14
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Here’s a pass that you definitely can’t take an RV on, but you might make it with a Jeep....or not. The wife’s commentary says it all.

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Old 09-24-2019, 02:07 AM   #15
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A little info about tow/haul and your V10.

Going up a pass is easer than going down, if you get a chance get your speed as high as you can before starting the climb and keep it up if you can.
Use your flashers when your speed drops to 45mph. I make sure we are going 75 on the New Mexico side of Raton Pass.

Now for the fun, going down, put it in tow/haul at the top and keep it on!
Before you feel the need to use your brakes.
Push the brake pedal firmly 2 times, this will cause the transmission to shift down and bring the RPM to about 4k don't worry it'll be at 5k before you get to the bottom.
The V10 is a high rpm motor and will not be hurt. Wish I could say the same about your ears.

Don't ride (i don't even use them on some passes) the brakes, use them firmly then get off of them!

Definitely watch the speed signs for curves, they are there for rv's.
If the sign says 45, 50 will make you nervous and 55 will make your knuckles turn white .
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Old 09-24-2019, 03:40 AM   #16
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.
Use your flashers when your speed drops to 45mph..

In quite a few states, it is illegal to use your hazard warning lights (flashers) unless you are stopped. In Colorado you may use the hazard warning lights if your speed is below 25 mph. <https://clark.com/cars/illegal-use-hazard-lights-in-rain/>
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Old 09-24-2019, 10:21 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by Beau388 View Post
In quite a few states, it is illegal to use your hazard warning lights (flashers) unless you are stopped. In Colorado you may use the hazard warning lights if your speed is below 25 mph. <https://clark.com/cars/illegal-use-hazard-lights-in-rain/>
There are also states where four way flasher use is required on interstates if traveling under 45mph...
Know where you are driving.
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Old 09-24-2019, 11:47 AM   #18
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Bob...you are putting your TOAD on a trailer because it is a tiny TOAD !lol:
Actually; it's more of a "Toad-let"... :coolshttp://www.thorforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20450&stc=1&d=15693257 77miley:
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Old 09-24-2019, 08:00 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by DenverTransplant View Post
Here’s a pass that you definitely can’t take an RV on, but you might make it with a Jeep....or not. The wife’s commentary says it all.

Black Bear in a Jeep ? !! wow I am impressed !! Ron and a couple friends did it on their Dual Sport Motorcycles and he was not a fan !!
A family member did it in his RZR ..
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Old 09-24-2019, 08:22 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
Actually; it's more of a "Toad-let"... :coolshttp://www.thorforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20450&stc=1&d=15693257 77miley:
that is so cute !!!
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