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Topic: How does LD fare when driving in mountains? (Read 376 times) previous topic - next topic
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How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
I appreciate all responses to my other thread concerning safety and pros n cons to LD over our other desirable option of an Airstream.   We want to travel to the Smokeys at least annually and hike, camp w fam outside of FL (travel to savannah, St Augustine, and maybe one of the Keys), but mostly get out of state (and eventually head west).  That's a long way to tow and there's the mountains (we hope to hike out west) and not just 'travel.'

In your RVing experience, which fares better for longer get-out-of FL excursions and INTO driving some mountain grades?  Airstream in tow or the 26.5 LD?
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #1 –
I cannot do a personal comparison, as I have never towed an Airstream.  Still, I have some thoughts.  The experience of towing an Airstream will depend on the vehicle you use for towing.  There are some vehicles out there that could pull a medium weight trailer and you almost would not know it was there.  With some other vehicles, you will be challenged almost constantly.

Now, to traveling in a LD...  I have been full-time in my LD since November, 2008.  I spent early 2009 in Florida, and I traveled from there to Maine via roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I tow a car behind me.  From Maine, I traveled west to New Mexico and since the winter of '09-'10 I have been someplace west of the Great Plains.  My LD does not speed up or down mountain grades, but I treat it gently and it has handled everything I have encountered, though I use the low speed truck lanes a lot.

Ken F in OR
'08 MB
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #2 –
I would agree with Ken completely.  I've seen way too many trailers being towed by vehicles that are smaller than is deemed safe.  That set-up goes down the road with the "tail wagging the dog." 

I have owned a 27 RB and now a 30 IB and can say both have driven easily.  The key, in my mind, is to take it slowly and carefully always giving yourself plenty of time to think before you make a lane change, and giving yourself lots of distance from the car in front of you.  I also tow a CRV and find it very easy to tow.  Having a back-up camera does help a lot with lane changes. 

Having said all that, I do have friends who have an. Airstream, love it, and wouldn't have anything else.  It helps that they tow with the largest Toyota truck available.  Good luck with your decision.

Jules
'O6 IB Anniversary Model
Sue, My Copilot
Carlie, our canine princess
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #3 –
I have never pulled a airstream.  The one advantage a LD has over a trailer is there are lots more pull in camp sites as compared to pull through camp sites in the national parks (and older state parks too).  I live close to the Shenandoah NP.  I could not picture putting a trailer into this site that had great view of the valley, and snuggled up to the AT.  
As far as driving along the east coast in the mountains evidence indicates the two, ClassC vs trailer, are about the same for driving experience assuming both rigs are prepped properly and driven with in reason.  There are to many happy campers in trailers for me to bad mouth setup.  If you're new to pulling, be ware.  A neighbor children bought a trailer not long ago and the trailer was almost at the limit of what the new truck could pull.   Salesmen will tell you anything.  They are selling the trailer for a loss.
last fall:


Star trails, taken at the same site as above.

Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #4 –
There are plenty of choices we can make regarding RV's. While I truly love our 27' LD, I do enjoy checking out others RVing choices.

We used to tow a 27' Prowler TT and had really considered another TT before making the decision to go with LD. Best decision we ever made.

Where Air Stream is concerned, you may want to check out YouTube and locate the blog for LoLoHo otherwise known as The Long Long Honeymoon. The couple are die hard Air Stream enthusiasts. They have been full timers for many years and the videos are very informative for all RVers.

Go luck with your choice.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: John DaCrema  - 
The one advantage a LD has over a trailer is there are lots more pull in camp sites as compared to pull through camp sites in the national parks (and older state parks too).

Having a trailer (or a fifth wheel) does not preclude using a back-in site.  We did it all the time when we owned a fifth wheel.
Linda Hylton
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: John DaCrema  - 

I have never pulled a airstream.  The one advantage a LD has over a trailer is there are lots more pull in camp sites as compared to pull through camp sites in the national parks (and older state parks too).  I live close to the Shenandoah NP.  I could not picture putting a trailer into this site that had great view of the valley, and snuggled up to the AT. 


Well the pull thru sites are only an issue if you can't back a trailer...which with a fifth wheel is pretty easy..and with a bumper hitch not impossible at most sites.
Garry
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #7 –
Getting a little more specific, how is LD braking on mountain roads? Considering future purchase of a used 27', probably mid-2000's model and am concerned about the road we live on. There is an approx. 1,200 foot elevation change in 3 miles to get from our house to the valley below. No problem going up (go slow) but am concerned about going down as that is a lot of weight!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #8 –
Keep it in first gear all the way.  Use the brake only if the RPM's go above 5000.  Slow to around 3500 to 4000, then let it climb slowly as the brake rotors cool.  Repeat as needed.

That is a 7 1/2% grade, and I have driven MANY grades that steep and steeper, prolonged, towing my Subaru behind me.  I take my time and it is not a problem.

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #9 –
Old trucker saying "the gear you use going up is the gear you use going down".     Take her slow and easy.  Two types of tuckers - young and fast, old and slow.

personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #10 –
Just came out of the mountains and as stated above downshifting/engine braking is a driving skill you must use more than using your brakes.
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
 
Re: How does LD fare when driving in mountains?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Kenneth Fears  - 
Keep it in first gear all the way.  Use the brake only if the RPM's go above 5000.  Slow to around 3500 to 4000, then let it climb slowly as the brake rotors cool.  Repeat as needed.

That is a 7 1/2% grade, and I have driven MANY grades that steep and steeper, prolonged, towing my Subaru behind me.  I take my time and it is not a problem.

Ken F in WY


Thanks for all the responses so far! So, as long as I keep the RPM's down below 5,000, it won't cause damage to the transmission?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264