Just pulled our 4500# trailer 2300 miles through the Rockies and some reasonably rough terrain and steep hills with 2017 minimax with gde tune and it was terrific
Can my 2017 truck back up a 4,550 lb trailer up a pretty steep driveway?
Greetings! I would REALLY appreciate some input with a question. I have a 2017 Colorado Diesel. I have pulled a trailer weighing approx 4,550 (with supplies) several times.
I have a new home with a steep driveway. The RV has been in storage as I'm unsure if it will cause any damage to my truck engine if I try and back the RV into my driveway.
Someone told me that trucks are much less powerful in reverse versus drive. This is my first truck.
Have any of you had experience with this? Also any recommendations on whether I should just let the truck engine handle it in tow mode or should I put the truck in Low?
If so would it be Low !? Thank you! M
I have a new home with a steep driveway. The RV has been in storage as I'm unsure if it will cause any damage to my truck engine if I try and back the RV into my driveway.
Someone told me that trucks are much less powerful in reverse versus drive. This is my first truck.
Have any of you had experience with this? Also any recommendations on whether I should just let the truck engine handle it in tow mode or should I put the truck in Low?
If so would it be Low !? Thank you! M
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Forgot about the gear question. At slow speed backing your yrailoup a steep slope, there won't be any difference between auto and manual (l)).
Hell Ya! I back my 5000# boat up my short but steep drive no sweat... no low needed, unless it makes you feel better
Thank you for responding- appreciate it!Forgot about the gear question. At slow speed backing your yrailoup a steep slope, there won't be any difference between auto and manual (l)).
Good to know! Thank you!Hell Ya! I back my 5000# boat up my short but steep drive no sweat... no low needed, unless it makes you feel better
Greetings! I would REALLY appreciate some input with a question. I have a 2017 Colorado Diesel. I have pulled a trailer weighing approx 4,550 (with supplies) several times.
I have a new home with a steep driveway. The RV has been in storage as I'm unsure if it will cause any damage to my truck engine if I try and back the RV into my driveway.
Someone told me that trucks are much less powerful in reverse versus drive. This is my first truck.
Have any of you had experience with this? Also any recommendations on whether I should just let the truck engine handle it in tow mode or should I put the truck in Low?
If so would it be Low !? Thank you! M
I've backed up a 2500 lb. Uhaul trailer with 100 cement blocks up a friends driveway in GA and power was not a problem. Traction in that case was due to the extreme grade, so I ended up in 4 wheel auto so as to not tear up his gravel driveway.
The statement of "less powerful in reverse" is false, don't worry about that.
Tow haul mode won't make a difference. It changes the RPM shift points when going forward. Because reverse is only one gear it will not have any effect.
Since you said it's your first truck and you mentioned "LOW" I will assume it's 4X4. Keep in mind if you put the truck in 4WD turning the steering wheel on a hard surface will cause drive-line binding. If you feel the need to use 4WD on a hard surface it should be in a straight line and for as short of a distance as necessary. Use 4-auto if traction is an issue as this will illiminate drive-line binding.
Good information- thank you!
You're welcome.
oh and just an FYI I have used reverse to pull tree stumps out for 30 years without issue. So lack of power in reverse is just false.
oh and just an FYI I have used reverse to pull tree stumps out for 30 years without issue. So lack of power in reverse is just false.
Done it with a fully loaded Escape 5.0TA, and with an overloaded Colorado. Total GCVR, over 10,500#, for sure. Yes, you will skid some if you are on pavement and 4wd lo. But not enough to hurt your drivetrain. If it takes long enough , your trans temp will go to ~220F. Don't do it every day/week, but otherwise, gofer it....
Thank you - good to know! Happy thanksgiving!Done it with a fully loaded Escape 5.0TA, and with an overloaded Colorado. Total GCVR, over 10,500#, for sure. Yes, you will skid some if you are on pavement and 4wd lo. But not enough to hurt your drivetrain. If it takes long enough , your trans temp will go to ~220F. Don't do it every day/week, but otherwise, gofer it....
Our place has a steep concrete driveway. I park our tandem axle flatbed in the lower part of the yard, and back the trailer up the driveway in low range 4wd because there's no space to maneuver the trailer at the top.
Great idea. Great Look. What brand? Is it a 2" receiver? I like my front scoop and want to keep it as clean looking as possible. Do you think you could take some more close in/underside pix of your install?Maybe put a front hitch on it. Makes Maneuvering trailers much easier in tight spaces.
View attachment 9325
My Escape trailer is a bed hitch, so I wouldn't make that use of it, but maybe for other uses. When we towed our 17' Casita behind our venerable "light" '95 K2500 X cab short bed, I installed one. We were able to land the trailer on the not that big concrete pad off the side of our garage, in our city lot.
Thanks again...
I've been investigating this option as well.Maybe put a front hitch on it. Makes Maneuvering trailers much easier in tight spaces. View attachment 9325
The ball is on a 6" aluminum drop by Uriah Products UT623410, The 2" Front receiver is Curt 31074, I think the description stated not for diesel Colorado but I had no difficulty installing it that I recall. Each part was about $130 ea on Amazon. I'll try and remember to take a few closer photos for you.Great idea. Great Look. What brand? Is it a 2" receiver? I like my front scoop and want to keep it as clean looking as possible. Do you think you could take some more close in/underside pix of your install?
My Escape trailer is a bed hitch, so I wouldn't make that use of it, but maybe for other uses. When we towed our 17' Casita behind our venerable "light" '95 K2500 X cab short bed, I installed one. We were able to land the trailer on the not that big concrete pad off the side of our garage, in our city lot.
Thanks again...
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