Towing in the mountains.

[Dryrot]

I am heading to Charleston SC in Feb. towing my 23 ft. sailboat along the West Virginia turnpike (Interstate 77). I have never towed in mountains before and am a little concerned. The turnpike has one large mountain that I understand the locals call Freefall mountain and suggest all drivers wear parachutes. I have a 4 wheel drive Tundra that is afraid of heights. Should I drive in 2 or 4 wheel drive going downhill and what gear do I choose. Any other feedback will be appreciated.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Towing in the mountains.

Don't desend a hill in a higher gear than you climbed it in. Use a gear that will hold you back without much braking. 4-WD won't be necessary unless pavement is slick. If its very slick, wait for it to thaw, then proceed. Have a safe trip.

 

[Dryrot]

Re: Towing in the mountains.

JRJ....thanks for the info.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Towing in the mountains.

Turn off the overdrive (you do this anyway, right?). You might want to slow down before you crest the hill so you don't start down at 65mph. If you have surge brakes they may engage while you are driving down the hill and overheat. You might want to pull over and check them part way down the hill.

 

[sheaston]

Re: Towing in the mountains.

i pulled a 17 bass boat from NC to Canton OH<br />with my S-10 4 cyl 5 speed man<br />the mountains about killed my truck<br />i had to climb the mountains in 3rd going about 60<br />the truck does just fine everywhere else <br />so if you have a v8 you should be fine