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Old 07-29-2018, 09:29 AM   #21
LarrySharon
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As mentioned there is some major road construction on 287 and it takes you thru Ft Collins. When I went thru a couple of weeks ago major back up just outside of Ft. Collins and heavy traffic and pedestrian traffic in Ft Collins itself. So on the return trip I stayed on I80. So much better. I personally would not use 287 but that is just me.
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Old 07-29-2018, 10:10 AM   #22
Zebra
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Done!

I did it!!!!!! I made it through Raton Pass! One spot I was going 25mph but it was one lane and so was everyone else. I didn’t ride the breaks, downshifted on the desent and watched my trans temp the whole way. I could NOT have done that without everyone’s help, advice and knowledge! Thank you all so much! Now time to explore Colorado!
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Old 07-29-2018, 11:47 AM   #23
Canonman
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Well Done!!
Enjoy your trip through some of the prettiest country in the west with your new towing confidence.
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Old 07-29-2018, 12:17 PM   #24
sourdough
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zebra View Post
I did it!!!!!! I made it through Raton Pass! One spot I was going 25mph but it was one lane and so was everyone else. I didn’t ride the breaks, downshifted on the desent and watched my trans temp the whole way. I could NOT have done that without everyone’s help, advice and knowledge! Thank you all so much! Now time to explore Colorado!
Super!! Sounds like you did it right! Now go have fun in CO; it is one my most favorite states and has so much to see and do - take your time and enjoy!
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Old 07-29-2018, 03:42 PM   #25
johnlewis
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The climb on I-25 north of Raton is much steeper than anything in the Texas Hill Country. We lived in Kerrville for 10 years, so I am familiar with most of the roads in the HC. We have also done the climb both northbound from Raton and southbound into Raton. There may be short climbs in the HC as steep, but the climb over the pass on I-25 is steep and long. You will struggle to get over it. Our 2012 Ram 3500 dually with Cummins worked hard going over the pass, towing a 13,950 lb 5th wheel, but we were able to stay at 50 to 60 mph.
I you want to sight see in CO (which I heartily recommend), that means lots of mountains, and lots of steep climbs. Going on I-70 eastbound through the Eisenhower tunnel required the TV to work as hard, but it was an even longer climb.
The climb from Durango to Silverton was the hardest climb we found. We did a lot of 45 to 50 mph on the straight stretches, and by the time we got to the pass at about 11,000 ft, the tranny temp was 236 degrees. The tranny temp really concerned me, even though I got no alarms on high temp.
Going downhill is the other issue, as you know. The great thing about our Ram is the exhaust brake, which saves a lot on the brakes, since using the brakes too much isn't a good idea, even with all wheel disc brakes on the Ram.
If you can get a diesel that is designed to handle your pin weight, the trip through the mountains won't be scary - it will be enjoyable.
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Old 07-29-2018, 04:39 PM   #26
hankaye
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Zebra, Howdy;

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zebra View Post
We are planning on taking I25 from Texas into Colorado (Trinidad, Raton, Colorado Springs) and up past Loveland. Then 287 Fort Collins to I80 through South Wyoming to Utah.

2015 Ram 2500 5.7 GAS (not diesel) pulling Keystone 30RLDS TT. I had a hard time towing in Texas Hill country. Lost 10-20 mph on the hills. Have only been traveling since January of this year on pretty flat areas. Never even been out west before.

I want to be safe, smart and capable. Before I thought RV drivers do this ALL the time! Currently I’m just petrified. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Gas engine...heavy trailer ...concerned driver.

Please don’t tell me to get a new truck ��
Ok, first of all I-25 starts at Las Cruces, N.M. Now from my own personal
experiences, the Organ mtns. are to the East of the interstate (I go to las
Cruces weekly), just North of Truth or Consequences there are 2 steep (but not
long), pulls that are needed to be done the rest of the way north so fairly
level. If you are looking for the flattest way to get to Salt Lake City (SLC), I
would, and have taken the following route North on I-25 to exit 203 for route 6,
top of the ramp turn Left (west), it's 2 lane but a decent road. Stay on it till you
find I-40 again you want to go West. You have now avoided Albuquerque and
All of the headaches that entails. Check your gas level next services are
really at Grants. If ya don't need to stop at Grants that ok, next turn is when
you get to Gallup. At Gallup you'll be looking for exit 20 where you want to go
North on US 491 (bottom of off ramp turn Right). Be sure to check the tv
out, gas, windshield washer fluid, kick the tires, stretch your legs etc. 2 lane
road (US Hiway), will take you up and slightly to the East of Ship rock to the
town of ... Shiprock, N.M. During this portion you'll be in the Navajo Nation.
From there it 's a short jump into Colorado while still on US 491. Stay on 491
OH! Before I forget you'll be very close to The Four Corners Monument and
just to the West an hours drive is the Monument Valley where John Wayne
and John Ford made some of the bestest Westerns ever made. Any way ...
you'll know you're in Co. because it will be green. Fuel stops, Not to far into
Co. is the town of Towaoc, it's on the Ute Indian Res. on the Left excellent
truck stop with plenty of room and generally decent pricing. Keep on going
through Montezuma, and Cortez you'll still be on US 491. After Dove Creek
you'll cross over into Utah, next stop is Monticello. Unless you went to visit
the four corners and Monument Valley then you would only need to take US
191 North to bring you to this same spot. Here in Monticello you need to turn
Right onto US 191 and that will take you up through Mohab and ALL the
National Parks in that area this will bring you to I-70 where you DO NOT
want to stop to fill up. That place is overcharging folks by a buck a gallon
then you can buy it at Green River just 20 miles West of there. Top off at Green
River. There will be some rolling hills with some grades to them. They are
long and there is a definite gain in elevation but not like you'll get in Wy.
or Co. Next you'll feel like Moses leading his flock out of Egypt then you'll
spot the sings for exit 56 Salina, Ut. Take it and hit the gas station again,
you will want to follow US-89 North. Beautiful country, Used to live there as
well OH, and Butch Cassidy grew up in that area. Follow 89 N up to Gunnison
there 89 will do like Yogi Berra once said "there's a fork in the road take it" actually
89 turns right at the north end of town and staying on 89 you'll then soon come to Manti
then Ephriam There's a Wally World there on the Left at the North end of town. Roughly
4 &1/4 miles North past the walmart you'll want to turn Left onto SR- 132
straight to Moroni turn Left at the stop sign careful with the slow speed turn
to the right follow this road through the canyon to I-15 at Nephi.

I have made this trip in 14 hours starting from the 59 exit on I-25 in
Southern N.M.
that was without any type of trailer and I was in a hurry. On the way back I
had an enclosed utility trailer behind me. I stopped at Green River that night
and comfortably made it home the next day.

I-80 through Wy. is windy all the time and there is a gnarley hill to go down
into SLC. The 287 route you mentioned is a nice road 2 lane but in excellent condition. The hills (grades), that you will find in Ut. are comparable to those
in both Wy. and Co, that you are considering. I'm just giving you an option
and one that comes from experience and you don't have the Denver traffic
to mess with with my Southern route.

It iS your decision ...

hank

Thought I'd catch ya before you went past me. Ok if it's windy when you get to
Laramie at the west end of town you can grab US 30W take it if it's windy and
forecast is for more wind. I was blown over in a big rig 30 miles west on 80 back in 2002. Was told after the fact that I shoulda taken 30 to avoid the winds.

Good Luck.
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Old 07-29-2018, 05:02 PM   #27
sourdough
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Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by hankaye View Post
Zebra, Howdy;



Ok, first of all I-25 starts at Las Cruces, N.M. Now from my own personal
experiences, the Organ mtns. are to the East of the interstate (I go to las
Cruces weekly), just North of Truth or Consequences there are 2 steep (but not
long), pulls that are needed to be done the rest of the way north so fairly
level. If you are looking for the flattest way to get to Salt Lake City (SLC), I
would, and have taken the following route North on I-25 to exit 203 for route 6,
top of the ramp turn Left (west), it's 2 lane but a decent road. Stay on it till you
find I-40 again you want to go West. You have now avoided Albuquerque and
All of the headaches that entails. Check your gas level next services are
really at Grants. If ya don't need to stop at Grants that ok, next turn is when
you get to Gallup. At Gallup you'll be looking for exit 20 where you want to go
North on US 491 (bottom of off ramp turn Right). Be sure to check the tv
out, gas, windshield washer fluid, kick the tires, stretch your legs etc. 2 lane
road (US Hiway), will take you up and slightly to the East of Ship rock to the
town of ... Shiprock, N.M. During this portion you'll be in the Navajo Nation.
From there it 's a short jump into Colorado while still on US 491. Stay on 491
OH! Before I forget you'll be very close to The Four Corners Monument and
just to the West an hours drive is the Monument Valley where John Wayne
and John Ford made some of the bestest Westerns ever made. Any way ...
you'll know you're in Co. because it will be green. Fuel stops, Not to far into
Co. is the town of Towaoc, it's on the Ute Indian Res. on the Left excellent
truck stop with plenty of room and generally decent pricing. Keep on going
through Montezuma, and Cortez you'll still be on US 491. After Dove Creek
you'll cross over into Utah, next stop is Monticello. Unless you went to visit
the four corners and Monument Valley then you would only need to take US
191 North to bring you to this same spot. Here in Monticello you need to turn
Right onto US 191 and that will take you up through Mohab and ALL the
National Parks in that area this will bring you to I-70 where you DO NOT
want to stop to fill up. That place is overcharging folks by a buck a gallon
then you can buy it at Green River just 20 miles West of there. Top off at Green
River. There will be some rolling hills with some grades to them. They are
long and there is a definite gain in elevation but not like you'll get in Wy.
or Co. Next you'll feel like Moses leading his flock out of Egypt then you'll
spot the sings for exit 56 Salina, Ut. Take it and hit the gas station again,
you will want to follow US-89 North. Beautiful country, Used to live there as
well OH, and Butch Cassidy grew up in that area. Follow 89 N up to Gunnison
there 89 will do like Yogi Berra once said "there's a fork in the road take it" actually
89 turns right at the north end of town and staying on 89 you'll then soon come to Manti
then Ephriam There's a Wally World there on the Left at the North end of town. Roughly
4 &1/4 miles North past the walmart you'll want to turn Left onto SR- 132
straight to Moroni turn Left at the stop sign careful with the slow speed turn
to the right follow this road through the canyon to I-15 at Nephi.

I have made this trip in 14 hours starting from the 59 exit on I-25 in
Southern N.M.
that was without any type of trailer and I was in a hurry. On the way back I
had an enclosed utility trailer behind me. I stopped at Green River that night
and comfortably made it home the next day.

I-80 through Wy. is windy all the time and there is a gnarley hill to go down
into SLC. The 287 route you mentioned is a nice road 2 lane but in excellent condition. The hills (grades), that you will find in Ut. are comparable to those
in both Wy. and Co, that you are considering. I'm just giving you an option
and one that comes from experience and you don't have the Denver traffic
to mess with with my Southern route.

It iS your decision ...

hank

Thought I'd catch ya before you went past me. Ok if it's windy when you get to
Laramie at the west end of town you can grab US 30W take it if it's windy and
forecast is for more wind. I was blown over in a big rig 30 miles west on 80 back in 2002. Was told after the fact that I shoulda taken 30 to avoid the winds.

Good Luck.

Hank,

I'm not making that trip....yet, but, I want to tell you that I REALLY appreciate the detailed info for that trip because, although we travel all over the SW, we haven't taken that route. I'm sure the OP appreciates it as well.
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2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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Old 07-30-2018, 04:23 PM   #28
hankaye
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Arrey,
Posts: 2,368
sourdough, Howdy;

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the travelogue. The one main thing I keep telling
friends from back East is to keep checking your gas/fuel level as this is truly
that part of the country where the signs for "Next Gas and Services 125 miles"
is a fact not a joke. The check before you turn onto a new road
is for safety as it's not always marked when to expect the next services.

It is better in parts of Co. and near the interstates in Wy. but the SE corner
of and across the bottom of Utah are desolate, empty areas. Green River is
the last place with reasonable gas/fuel prices before crossing into CO. and
getting to Grand Junction after putting Salina, Ut. in your rearview mirror,
then it's all the way to Moab and that tourist type pricey.

hank
__________________
Striving for a less complicated life since 1949 ...

Home: 2008 Cougar 278 RKS
T.V.: 2004 F-250 4X4, Level III BulletProofed , Detroit Tru-Track Differential (915A550)
Dog: 2006 Border Collie (Rascal) aka Maximum fur dispersal unit. (08/04/2006 - 12/16/2017) RIP.
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