Just got back from the Canadian Rockies towing our TT and learned a few things:

1. I learned that the engine brakes on these trucks should be mandatory on all vehicles and people should be FORCED to learn how to use them. The hill going down into Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia is pretty good and not once did I have to use the service brakes. A few times I had to step on the gas cause I was slowing down too much.

2. I learned that the Escalades, Tundras, Titans (brother in laws) and any gas motor is HORRIBLE towing up the mountains!!! It was truly amazing how many of these guys I passed going up the hills, their motors are at 6 grand and they are slowing down, I'm at 1,900, accelerating (and getting 13 mpg) and walk by them. It was pretty cool. The wife asked "why is everyone going so slow?". We're going 55 mph.

3. I learned that titans need to fill up 3.5 times more than our diesel. It actually got pretty annoying having to stop every hour and 15 minutes.

4. I learned how much smoke can come off other peoples truck and trailer brakes!!!

5. I learned that drivers from BC love to play the game of going 15 mph slower than the posted speed limit where you can't pass, then do 80 mph where you can. I wished I had a plow on the front of my truck more than once.

6. I learned that fuel is $1.00 more a gallon in BC than in Alberta. (I'll be putting on a Titan fuel tank in the near future)

7. I learned I'm starting to get old, beer at 9:30 in the morning and then a steady die of alcohol all days is a little much.

All in all it was an awesome trip, but I think I'm more of a prairie boy. After a few days, the mountains started to make me feel crowded, I love to be able to see 15 miles in every direction. Will I go back? Yes!!! Will it be soon, probably not.

 

Ya I learnd that the hard way when I bought a Chevy crew cab 454 that got 4 mpg towing the same load my dodge gets 10-11 doing but only doing 29mph where the cummiins will do 80mph

 

good to hear you had fun.
Titans only get about 18 empty. I would imagine it gets fractional loaded to "capacity".

 

On my last Rocky Mtn. trip I learned.

1) The Monarch Pass has no guardrails to protect you from failing 10,000 feet

2) Semi brakes can really catch on fire.

3) Just because you have on shorts one day doesn't mean that there wont be 10 inches of snow the next.

4) Do not try and drive across the state of Kansas at night on a full tank. You will run out and every gas station closes at 9:00 PM

 

Ill add that when driving across Kansas at night on a full tank of fuel, at a 1/2 tank, when you spot the city lights off in the distance, it will take you a 1/4 tank to get there and it will be 6 miles long and one street wide... and closed.

 

Yep, I try to drive through the Rockies every chance I get, (in fact I am in Radium Hot Springs right now) and agree with all the points you made. Another point is that the only passing lanes out here are on the steep uphill runs, so you really don't get to use them when you tow with a gasser.

 

I know the hill! Wish I had gotten the brake on my truck. I still dont use my brakes very much but am in third and 4th most of the way down.

 

Been to Kansas, know the drill, sidewalks roll up, lights in the distance are actually stars on the horizon...or a mirage at night.

No kidding. Just like up here in the bald prairies.

Sounds like a good trip and very familiar with the rally driving speed fluctuations.

I had fun coming from Houston to Regina with my brother towing with his 76 half ton and me with my 98 Ram and 140 gallons of fuel on board. Stopped at least every hour for coolant and fuel...black Chebby with no AC, we drove at night. His yellow dim headlights helped too.