Need advice on travel in Colorado

[Quint-THOR]

I'm traveling thru Colorado from Great Sand Dunes to Ouray then down to Durango, RV Life directs me to Ouray on RT 50 thru Gunnison and from Ouray down the Million Dollar Highway to Durango. I'm worried about whether I'm going to have trouble negotiating these roads in my 32' class c towing a jeep. My class c is on the Ford 450 V10 and I feel like it might have trouble specifically on the inclines. What are peoples opinions and experiences on these routes. What are your suggestions.
I appreciate any incites.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Everything looks good except the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton.

Going southbound you'll be on the side of the road with 1000 ft dropoffs and no guardrails (a guardrail would interfere with snow removal in the winter). You can do it in a motorhome but it will be slow and unless you're experienced in mountain driving I'd advise against it.

Instead, I would backtrack to Ridgway and take 62 to 145, then follow 145 south to Cortez. That's the route the railroad took, a bit longer but a much easier drive along a river valley instead of hanging off the side of a mountain. Leave the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton for a day trip in your Jeep.

 

[8Muddypaws]

That’s good advice from Lou. Colorado grades are not to be taken lightly. Especially in a large vehicle with barely adequate braking.

I did it once while towing a tent trailer with an F150. It was terrifying and expensive because I had to replace the rotors and pads afterwards. Lesson learned.

 

[TonyL]

We towed our fifth wheel from The sand dunes on the 160 straight over to Durango. Mostly flat apart from a climb west of South Fork up Wolf creek.
Far more direct route. You can either go to Alamosa, or from Moska head north for about 5 miles then west through Center to Del Norte. The road had been resurfaced last year.
Good diversion in to Creede for some stunning scenery and the best cinnamon rolls! Good boondocking there as well.

 

[Kirk]

I'd advise against it.

Instead, I would backtrack to Ridgway and take 62 to 145, then follow 145 south to Cortez.

Listen to this advice. I have a lot of experience in mountain driving but would not do what you were advised.

 

[Alaskansnowbirds]

I have driven 160 from Walsenburg to Durango several times in a 38' motorhome pulling a Ford ranger. No problems.

 

[Big_John]

Lived in the area for the last 25 years.... I know stuff....

News forecast is snow for next Tue and Wed.... The high mountain passes can be an issue, depending upon which time of day you plan to transverse.

I have had serious snow/ice issues over the Continental Divide passes, even in July and August.... but rare.

Get over the passes before the storm... or wait for 2-3 days....... In the spring, conditions change quickly.

......

 

[8Muddypaws]

I have driven 160 from Walsenburg to Durango several times in a 38' motorhome pulling a Ford ranger. No problems.

I’m guessing you had an engine brake or a retarder.

 

[Alaskansnowbirds]

I’m guessing you had an engine brake or a retarder.

Didn't have an engine brake or a retarder. Had an exhaust brake but didn't need it until almost to the bottom.

Slow down to 25 to 30mph at the top before you start down and downshifted to 3rd. Start down slow and never let your speed go higher than 5mph over the speed you want to go. DON'T ride the brakes. Stab brake, get on them hard to get your speed below what you want to travel at, then stay off them until your speed builds back up.

 

[CharlesinGA]

I would backtrack to Ridgway and take 62 to 145, then follow 145 south to Cortez. That's the route the railroad took, a bit longer but a much easier drive along a river valley instead of hanging off the side of a mountain. Leave the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton for a day trip in your Jeep.

This is exactly what my travel buddy did when he and his wife took a month to travel that part of the country. '04 RAM 3500 DRW and a 30 ft Avion. He had a flat on the trailer just north of Ridgeway and that convinced him to take the route to Cortez and then over to Durango.

They had already done Mount Evans in the truck, and his wife was not keen on that at all, so after the flat tire it was a no brainer to take the easy route. After I encouraged him over the phone, they did ride the train to Silverton and back.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Going southbound you'll be on the side of the road with 1000 ft dropoffs and no guardrails (a guardrail would interfere with snow removal in the winter). You can do it in a motorhome but it will be slow and unless you're experienced in mountain driving I'd advise against it.

Definitely not for the faint of heart, especially for the person in the passenger seat.