ratfink09
NYS
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Joined: 03/13/2009
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Was just wondering what % grade makes you take notice when towing? I have a 3500 GMC Duramax CC Dually towing a 3400RL Montana 5er at about 12,800 loaded and 21,300 for GCVW. Thanks!
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mikem1945
Illinois
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Joined: 10/30/2007
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I have found that anything over about 8 to 9% will make you take notice. What will get you is if there a sharp curves.
MMiller
2005 Starwood SL 29ft RKS FW
2004 GMC 2500HD Ext Cab Duramax
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2oldman
Indio CA
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Just about ANY grade in my Ford F450 7.3 pulling 14k. I'm usually in OD, and the darn thing wants to shift on even the slightest grades. Now, I do usually keep it under 60 which may account for that. My truck does much better on steeper grades like 4-6% (out of OD of course).
I don't recall ever being on anything more than 8% on a well-travelled road. And as the previous poster said, curves will make it worse.
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tomman58
Southeast Michigan
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You could be driving a roller state and anything over 7% is a concern. Over 8% better be aware. Over 9% you are on the wrong road and at 10% best have been going to church lately.
Really, as long as you are aware of your world you should be fine on all interstate and most state hwys.
2008 Silverado D/A,CC 4x4 ,3.73,IBC LTZ+
2008 322FKS Jayco
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grey`eagle
N31° 55’ W95° 30’ ----- ESE of One Tree, TX
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First off, you need to compare apples to apples. An 8% grade at sea level is one thing, it's entirely different in the Denver area and still again much different going up an 11,000 pass.
About the only thing that really gets my attention is when the blower (turbo-charger) goes into high mode due to excessively above average temps at the higher altitudes.
Dodge and GMC may be different, but Ford recommends not towing in OD mode. Doing so causes engine lug which reduces flow of the transmission fluid thru the cooler. The combination of these two will trash and engine and tranny in due time.
With these new computer driven tyranny's and the tow/haul modes, there shouldn't be any drastic attention getting events, provided you're within the limits of your TV and rig.
'04 F-250 PSD TV
'04 CF28CK Cruiser
Now enjoying mother earth at ground level and one mile per minute.
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ccxnola
Wherever the rig is - I'm there too!!
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If you want to check out your capability, the next time you are in Branson, just drive 376 (the Red Route) up the hill to 265 and the Branson View campground. Keep the cell phone handy and call the Good Sam Tow for an assist to make it to the top! Don't ask me how I know this - but I was not the first to call (driving my previous 'Gas' A). I think it is 17%!! 
1997 Rexhall Rolls Air - mid-entry DP w/cummins c8.3
Look for the Mardi Gras 'Gators
Laissez le bon temps roulez - Let the good times roll !!
Click to see the Best View of our rig - That's ME, Going Away!!
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dalehelman
Liberty Lake (Spokane) Wa.
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The % of grade is one thing, but the length of the hill is what will cook your brakes and kill you.
Dale & Sandi
2006 Jeep TJ 4.0 w/33s and 4" lift
Stay In Play Toad braking system
2005 32S Terra Workhorse 8.1
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Liberty Lake (Spokane) WA.
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OlderThanSand
Tollhouse, Ca
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My 500' long driveway (with curves) varies from 17%-20% .. my PSD pulls my TH up it like it's not even there and I'm sure I'm getting 14 mpg doing it. 
2002 4x4 Super Duty PSD
2006 22' Carson Titan
2009 Polaris RZR
2007 Suzuki LTZ 400
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1995 model dune crazed granddaughter
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F-TROUP
VISALIA, CALIF
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OlderThanSand wrote:My 500' long driveway (with curves) varies from 17%-20% .. my PSD pulls my TH up it like it's not even there and I'm sure I'm getting 14 mpg doing it.
LMAO...........It's not the % of the grade, it's the knowlege of how to get up or down safely.
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BobandPatB
Navarre, Florida
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Joined: 04/25/2009
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For me it's not going up that makes a difference as I have plenty of power, it's coming down. You need to start slowat the top and keep it slow. I have been on some very steep grades using mt tow haul mode withe engine in first gear
and after 4 or 5 miles of winding back and forth the transmission temperature gauge starts to approach very high - 250 degree - temperatures, because that's the link between the tires on the road and the engine. Now the temperature gauge may be off some, but Allison transmission told me that the computer is set to shut down the truck if the temperature reaches 248 degrees.
So down hill is my concern always on steep grades.
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