Loonngggg trip for a 6.5 to haul a trailer - advice?

[great white]

Did the fact that the Canadian Railway has to go through spirals to navigate the grade in the Rockies spook you?

Nope, been there, done that. A couple times in fact.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEe9d69NpyM

Been there. Pretty country and tough to pass up. Buy a Duramax and do the trip the right way.

Been there several times, styed at lake Louise, been on teh glacier tours, toured banf and area, done the gondola rides, been to whistler, etc. I'm not worried about missing it this time. I absolutely DO NOT have the cash to buy a D'Max at this time.....

It all boils down as to how quick you want to get there. If you take your time and watch the gauges you will be OK.

A lot of big loads were hauled with trucks with less than 300 hp, they just didn't climb hills very fast or buck winds well.

Fastest and easiest route as possible until I get to the east coast. Whatever time I can shave off will be used to visit with family I haven't seen in a couple years (my 8 year old daughter, mother alzhimers father, etc). I've got around 16 days to get to NFLD (If I do have to move). Of course, the ol' 6.5 will only be doing around 55-60 mph the whole way.

And I'm wondering how much that trailer weighs. I pull over 9000lbs toyhauler all the time with mine. Trip to Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and pull a grade here in the Sierras that is a 6-8% grade for almost 5 miles, at least once a month, sometimes 4 times a month. I have had Dodges pulling smaller trailers pulled over overheating, Fords on the side of the road with the hood up. And I thought I heard certain Dmax's have overheating issues towing also. Not saying the 6.5 is better than any of these trucks, and no I won't win any speed races, but on a cool day I can pull that grade at 55 no problem. I think you will be fine if you just watch temps and take your time.

dry weight - 6389 lbs
Max gross - 8597 lbs

My 6.5 will be taking her time, I won't be pushing it but I will be maintaining highway speeds in teh 55-60 mph range. That's why I am looking to minimize the grades. The wife is also going to be driving my 300M, so I guess that could be considered my "chase car"...

I wouldn't take I84, that's going south quite a ways just to go back north. I90 in the Idaho panhandle is good, there's a 4-6% grade for a couple miles climbing over the border to Montana that's a little slow due to curves. The Montana side isn't as curvy. From there to Butte you have relatively flat, straight, and good road. Butte you climb the continental divide. It's not bad as mountain passes go. There's definitely a lot worse out there. From there all the way across Montana to I94 across N. Dakota is pretty much flat and straight. Just make sure you fuel up at the big towns so you don't get soaked in prices. I've never been past the twin cities in MN so past that I'm no help.

Thanks, I've come through butte before. Seemed pretty flat compared to the canadian route. The other suggestion that was made is to get the topo maps and have a look. That is a good idea I may look into.

 

[vail426]

Ya Know, I love the venerable old 6.2/6.5 but after many many years of hogging these critters around, I would really have to think long and hard before pulling that size trailer across the continent with a 6.5

I fully understand the issues involved with getting a different truck and such, butttttttttt.

Missy

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[great white]

I was thinking the same thing.

No money for a D'Max ladies and gents.

No money.

Even if I have to replace an engine on the way with a rebuilt (VISA - cha-ching!), it's still far less than buying a newer DMax, cummins or powerstroke truck.

Besides, I like my GMT400 platform. Last decent truck GM ever made, IMO.

Don't get your panties in a bunch newer Gen guys, I said IMO...

 

[1999gmc]

I here you on the GMT400 thing. I own my own repair shop, and I don't know what GM did, but the 2001 and up trucks have dash cluster problems, climate control actuator problems, A/C compressor problems, and steering shaft problems. They are nice trucks, but seem to have more little problems. I've replaced more dash clusters in the those body styles in the last 6 months than I ever have the whole time in our body style. Same thing on the climate control actuators, which I really don't understand since they look the same as ours. But, every truck has it's problems.

 

[JiFaire]

Did this one a few years back with my '94, with a 30' high-front 5er @9800 lb...

From Calgary to Radium (#93) it was hell. Truck was scared of hills. I called Bill Heath and ordered a chip, he said to come on down.

Not bad until the Columbia gorge on I-90... more hell. Overheating, AC turned off, 25 mph on the shoulder, just WAITING for it to blow... lousy mileage the whole way, too.

Ellensberg. Tune-up, new fan clutch, chip, turbomaster, ACDelco Tstat, TCC Mod. Bill and Todd are great guys!

Yakima... Bill's truck-killer... far worse hill than Columbia... I passed people on the way up, going 55 moh.

Over to the coast, down Pacific 101 to Eureka, then inland to Redding over the Trinity Pass.. OMG - straight up/down, hairpin turns so you couldn't get a run at anything.

No problem, though. Down to LA, across to Vegas, up to Salt Lake City (no overheating there, with the air on!). Up to Yellowstone

Back to Calgary via Great Falls... only 5700 km. But through the Rockies in Alberta/BC, then through the Sierras, then back through SLC and Yellowstone. Big Friggin Hills.

I've never gone the way you're planning, BJ... I was hoping to this past summer, but fate intervened on me a little so that idea got shelved.

But your trip doesn't look to have the big hills mine did... If you have done the right mods, you should be OK.

 

[WarWagon]

No money for a D'Max ladies and gents.

No money.

Even if I have to replace an engine on the way with a rebuilt (VISA - cha-ching!), it's still far less than buying a newer DMax, cummins or powerstroke truck.

Besides, I like my GMT400 platform. Last decent truck GM ever made, IMO.

Don't get your panties in a bunch newer Gen guys, I said IMO...

@ 3.00 Gal USA Diesel. Trailer route with a 10% grade and other hard pulls.
3092 Miles getting 7.5 MPG is 412.6 Gal of diesel, USA. $1237.00
3092 Miles getting 11 MPG is 281 Gal of Diesel, USA. $843.27
Towing with a undersized 4.7L gas Dodge was only 6.5 MPG. $1284, at $2.70 Gal gas.

Towing the Duramax vs. the 6.5 is a 2 MPG advantage for the Duramax and 3 MPG without the DPF to waste fuel. (options and years come into play.)
The Duramax would maintain 65 MPH. (So would a diesel and gas Dodge. Although gasser 5000 RPM on a hill gets annoying)
The 6.5 would do 33 MPH then 43 MPH boost and fuel turned up at the same MPG for both factory and turned up 'settings'.

For cash spent on parts I could have made better than a $800 monthly payment plus insurance for a Duramax. That is not touching the fuel bill where 1 MPG is $500+ a month.

But I have the pink slip and parts are only needed when 'running'.

And replace a blown engine with a low mile military surplus 6.2 guaranteed running for an economic factor that can't be touched by anything else out there. $2K tops to have it in and out like that parts incl a high end starter, injectors, and glows. (More if you pay labor.) Call it your economic tax funded bailout that Ford or Dodge doesn't offer.

So what are you spending on parts? That is the factor for looking at a new truck. And with Gas being cheaper than diesel you see the small difference the extra expense of a diesel engine is worth in MPG and savings.

 

[BigBlueChevy]

nonsense. The ol' 6.5 will make it. Just don't go crazy expecting it to climb a 6% grade at 1000degree's and 20 psi of boost. The key here will be making sure that you just check everything before you go, and don't hesitate to be very thorough on checking your rig every morning before starting. If it looks like an item in in question, replace it.

Also, remember this. Your part of one of the best forums on the web with some of the most generous folks owning trucks across the U.S. If you have a problem, help is literally only a phone call away. Perhaps print out the emergency contact list in the 6.5 section and highlight all the members along your travel route so if something happens you are already on top of it.

Also, I noticed a discrepancy in your trip map. Not to worry, I've gone ahead and fixed it for you. Seems you missed the middle of the NJ:rof::rof:

 

[SCREAMINXL]

nonsense. The ol' 6.5 will make it. Just don't go crazy expecting it to climb a 6% grade at 1000degree's and 20 psi of boost.

Trying for 75 MPH. :hihi:

 

[great white]

Gents, I am NOT buying a Duramax.

Please stop bringing it up.

Even at 600 a month I cannot afford it.

I'm mainly looking for suggestions on routes to avoid steeper grades.

Fuel costs don't matter. Work is giving me a flat allowance of approx 5500-6000 just for fuel. I get to keep what I don't spend so that's the only consideration for fuel costs.

food and hotels are over and above that amount.

And please don't suggest buying a Duramax with the 5-6 grand and just pay for the fuel and eat cheap. It is NOT going to happen....the Duramax issue is dead.

The only way a Duramax is in my future is if the 6.5 makes the trip and I save enough to buy a wrecked LB7 truck to transplant into the 98.

 

[JiFaire]

food and hotels are over and above that amount.

Uh, you're PULLING your hotel, BJ ...

 

[SCREAMINXL]

Do you still have the stock tune on that 6.5?

 

[WarWagon]

I would not worry about big hills as long as your cooling system is up to par. In fact you will have more time to look at the scenery and majestic mountains that you are slowly climbing. Sometimes you just enjoy the trip. I would not go too far out of the way to avoid a climb. Find a good Semi to follow and make sure the flashers do not turn on the trailer brakes with each flash!

The TCC lockup override mod is a nice thing to have for pulling hills with the 6.5. Other than that you should make it even with extreme hills. The regular beating I give mine with a trailer... After all 4 Low is a hill climb gear and we have used it as such... :skep:

The MPG comment is the more you load the 6.5 with a hill the worse the MPG gets.

Some people comment that they liked the ole trucks and make conversation about it. Diesel, antique, rare, (still running) and towing...

 

[Paveltolz]

635 has finally got his internet back up but has lost his password. He sends the following....
"Any way he goes he will have to cross the Rockies unless he travels all the way south of San Diego and even then I-8 and I-10 have a few long hills!

I. I-5 south to I-405 to I-90. Snoqualmie Pass in Wa, Fourth of July Pass and Lookout Pass in Idaho, then Pipestone in Montana and the rest is mostly flat road across I-90 and take I-94 at Billings, Mt., the best route. Then he can take any east/north route he wants. In my opinion, and a few years of over the road experience, this is the route I would take. Definitely the shortest way.

2. Same as above except take I-90 to I-82 to I-84 up Cabbage and the Blue Mtn. Range past La Grande. The little hill before Ontario, Ore, then take I-86 to Pocatello, Id. and south on I-15 to McCammon across US-30 and come out just a little west of Little America, Wy., on I-80 but there are some long rolling hill across that area past Rawlins and the Lincoln grade east of Laramie. But once he gets past Cheyenne it is straight and downhill across Nebraska. Then he will have to put it in a north east direction.

3. All of above but take I-84 south into Utah and then take I-84 to I-80 and then the long up hill climb into Wyoming. Then again across Nebraska and to a north east direction.

If he just watches his boost pressure and temperatures, and takes it easy across #1 he will make it just fine."

 

[bison]

I pulled a 28" goosneck loaded with a 8000 lb skidsteer the other day, total trailer weight prob around 13000+ lb from grande prairie(250 km)home,i had to cross the smoky river, grade 7 to 7,5 a ml down and a ml and a half uphill steeper yet,curvy road to boot.I could maintain 45 uphill in third,egts just under 1000, boost a steady 9 lb,coolant temp steady at 85 c . I did not have TC lock in third or i would've done better,there was power to spare but the tranny temp rose to almost 200 by the time i got to the top.On flat land and slight hills i was cruising at 90 km/hr 1800 rpm egt's at 6-700, boost at 6 lb.No tranny temp showing

The downhill part was more a problem than uphill cause it was a bear to keep the thing from going into mexican overdrive without TC lock ,i had to shift in second but hit 100 km before the road leveled out,engine at 1500 rpm,foot off the go pedal, had to apply the brakes a few times too.

This was with the 98,no chip (and still with the offset steer wheel,yes i play with fire)

IMO man TC lock and a exhaust brake is almost a must with these heavy pulls.

 

[NVW]

Uh, you're PULLING your hotel, BJ ...

:hihi:

 

[great white]

Uh, you're PULLING your hotel, BJ ...

All part of the plan compadre....:agreed:

 

[great white]

So how does this sound:

I-5 south to I-405 to I-90. I'll deal with Snoqualmie Pass in Wa, Fourth of July Pass and Lookout Pass in Idaho, then Pipestone in Montana and the rest is mostly flat road across I-90 and take I-94 at Billings, Mt

Though the top of michigan through Hiawatha forest (#2?), into Ontario at the Soo, across the top on #17 and into Quebec. Back onto the Trans Canada and then down through NB into NS. Up the 104, across the causeway and on to Sidney. Sydney to Port-a-basque ferry and on to Gander.

I'm going through Ontario and Quebec. I have no interest in squirelling through places like Detroit, Buffalo, Vermont, etc with a 20 foot truck pulling a 35 foot trailer.


Sound like a plan?

 

[Veg_Out]

You can make it. No problem. If you have a problem, no biggie, hop in the trailer, sleep it off!

 

[88gmctruck]

View attachment 23089
Not bad until the Columbia gorge on I-90... more hell. Overheating, AC turned off, 25 mph on the shoulder, just WAITING for it to blow... lousy mileage the whole way, too.

The hill you are referring to is called Vantage. Every year I've seen countless vehicles on the side of the road there. It's 10 miles of continuously steep highway. With my truck and trailer I can only go up it at 45-50MPH or so. The wind is typically awful here too.

So how does this sound:
I-5 south to I-405 to I-90. I'll deal with Snoqualmie Pass in Wa, Fourth of July Pass and

Well, here is what advice I have to offer. I5/I405 won't give you much trouble if you hit it at the right times. Your only real window to get through the area without serious traffic is prior to 5am, 10am-1pm, after 7pm, or on a weekend. If you happen to drive down on an offpeak time, I'd suggest going down I5 to I90 instead of cutting over from I5 to I405 and to I90. I405 is a windy 2-lane and honestly is always crowded, people drive too fast and cut you off constantly. I seriously hate that freeway even in just the truck, I wouldn't enjoy taking a rig your size down it. Going south on I5 till you hit I90 is only 5 miles more overall and it's a much straighter shot with more lanes. Also, I wouldn't pull off anywhere south of Edmonds/Lynnwood to get fuel, trying to get Diesel (let alone having a trailer) in the Seattle and surrounding area is suicide.

Once you hit I90 past Issaquah your golden on traffic. Northbend would be the last place to fuel up before the pass. Snoqualmie pass isn't very bad IMO, it's kinda long (will take you about 20-30 mins to get from the base to the top), but it's not THAT steep till the very last leg of it. Once your on top of the pass, your pretty much on easy street. Next good fuel stop is Ellensburg, wa (also the home of Heath diesel). Shortly after is Vantage mentioned above, but you'll be going down the steep part of it to the Columbia river, the eastbound going up isn't nearly as steep. It is frequently very windy in this area. After that it's almost entirely flat. I also wouldn't get fuel in downtown Spokane, it's just asking for trouble. I'd wait till you hit Idaho as their fuel taxes are much cheaper than ours.

When are you planning to make the trip? if you run into any troubles, let me know and I'm sure I could drag Devin out with some tools to lend a hand.

 

[great white]

The hill you are referring to is called Vantage. Every year I've seen countless vehicles on the side of the road there. It's 10 miles of continuously steep highway. With my truck and trailer I can only go up it at 45-50MPH or so. The wind is typically awful here too.


Well, here is what advice I have to offer. I5/I405 won't give you much trouble if you hit it at the right times. Your only real window to get through the area without serious traffic is prior to 5am, 10am-1pm, after 7pm, or on a weekend. If you happen to drive down on an offpeak time, I'd suggest going down I5 to I90 instead of cutting over from I5 to I405 and to I90. I405 is a windy 2-lane and honestly is always crowded, people drive too fast and cut you off constantly. I seriously hate that freeway even in just the truck, I wouldn't enjoy taking a rig your size down it. Going south on I5 till you hit I90 is only 5 miles more overall and it's a much straighter shot with more lanes. Also, I wouldn't pull off anywhere south of Edmonds/Lynnwood to get fuel, trying to get Diesel (let alone having a trailer) in the Seattle and surrounding area is suicide.

Once you hit I90 past Issaquah your golden on traffic. Northbend would be the last place to fuel up before the pass. Snoqualmie pass isn't very bad IMO, it's kinda long (will take you about 20-30 mins to get from the base to the top), but it's not THAT steep till the very last leg of it. Once your on top of the pass, your pretty much on easy street. Next good fuel stop is Ellensburg, wa (also the home of Heath diesel). Shortly after is Vantage mentioned above, but you'll be going down the steep part of it to the Columbia river, the eastbound going up isn't nearly as steep. It is frequently very windy in this area. After that it's almost entirely flat. I also wouldn't get fuel in downtown Spokane, it's just asking for trouble. I'd wait till you hit Idaho as their fuel taxes are much cheaper than ours.

When are you planning to make the trip? if you run into any troubles, let me know and I'm sure I could drag Devin out with some tools to lend a hand.

Thanks David, that's good info.

I don't know IF I'm even going yet, they have yet to make a firm decision.

I'm just planning in case I do have to go.

I'm now thinking about buying a 2000+ (?) water pump (the highest flow one, the part number is around here somewhere) to replace my 98's pump and the fan clutch that goes with it.

I'd love to do a DMax coinversion or slip in a P400 before I go, but I just don't have the cash for that right now.

My 300,000 km 599 block will have to shoulder the load. That's where my main concerns lay....