Steepest grade (with or without turn) to tow 5th wheel

**RickLight** · 03-11-2023, 02:30 PM

A few hundred dollars to a civil engineer would likely answer this question, and maybe save thousands in repairs!

**Retiree19** · 03-11-2023, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by maddmaxx457

Hello all,
I've been trying to assess my odds of success of pulling our (new) 2022 GD Momentum 351 up a gravel drive. Beyond the basic clearance elements to be aware of and plan for, I'm now shifting my attention to the grade itself and a turn that requires to be navigated (both going up, and down). I'm fairly confident that the my truck setup will have the traction/power in 4wheel-low to do the towing, but at one part of the steepest grade (~12%) there is a ~75ft sweeping turn that takes you to the top.

I'm mostly concerned about getting too top heavy on the grade to where it causes the ultimate problem = flipping over. I've been reading up across everywhere I can get my hands on regarding driving in high wind situations, etc to get some better understanding of the limits of the maneuver before me, but haven't found it yet. I came across this thread that got close to my situation, but it did not sound like twists and turns were in their equation:
https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/show...Driveway-grade

Prior to this new 5th wheel, I have been able to pull a 33ft travel trailer up this same drive (with the same truck) without issue. But this new toy hauler is a completely different beast.

Anyone have experience with that type of tow?

This is an older pic looking down the part of the drive I'm trying to explain above:

Attachment 45168

One thing to keep in mind pulling a 5th wheel up irregular terrain is thinking in three dimensions. If there are steep changes in grade you will need to keep an eye on clearance between the truck bedrails and the front of the camper. As with most things, I found this out the hard way on a hairpin above Crested Butte. As far as a 12% grade is concerned, no problem at all unless there's a severe sidehill.

**LegacyFB38** · 03-11-2023, 04:24 PM

Our seasonal property has steep crushed stone driveway with a turn at the bottom and a gentler one at the top. It is steep enough that 2wd cars often spin their wheels somewhat going up.

We pull a 40', 18,000# 5th wheel with a Ford F450 long wheel base dually 4x4 with stock Continental road tires (not known for great mud/snow traction).

We get up and down no problem. Creep down, with my hand close to the brake controller, just in case. I try to approach as fast as possible going up. Use 4WD low.

The biggest problem is if the crushed stone is too deep.

From your picture, I'd guess you'll be ok,

**Jwalthall** · 03-11-2023, 05:00 PM

If you are like me...you probably won't sleep until you have actually tried it!!

**PhilandAmy** · 03-11-2023, 08:38 PM

I think the biggest challenge will be making that curve. The road doesn’t appear to be more than 7-10 feet wide. There’s no way I’d try it with a rig the size of yours. If you try it and see you can’t make it, it won’t be a lot of fun trying to back out of a real jam. I think flattening that curve would solve your problem, but I like the idea of getting a civil engineer out to assess it first.