Teton Pass

[214skier]

Working on finalizing my itinerary for a trip to Yellowstone / Teton National Park this September. I am currently working on my route from Jackson Hole back to the greater Seattle area--we want to go through Boise. The map takes us over Teton pass --I understand there is a 10% grade on either side for a few miles.

I am pulling my 41' Montana with a 2018 F350... with engine breaking etc, does anyone see any issues with my going this route?

[PNW Fireguy]

It’s a step run for sure. We took that route into JacksonHole a couple of years ago. The engine brake was key for me. It’s a beautiful view from the top.

[dhuhn]

Just take your time and you should be ok use your engine brake and take it slow. If too nervous you can go south to hoback right to alpine then right to Idaho falls.it will add about 1/2 hour to your trip but is a nice scenic drive.

[traviswayne]

We were in the area last July, we camped at Palisades, just south Hwy 26 is very scenic and follows the snake river with only one slight grade that I can remember. Although it wouldn't be as scenic as the pass, it would definitely be flatter. We pulled Red mountain going from Durango to Ouray a couple of weeks ago and it was fine, tow-haul, engine braking and manual shift. Just had to touch the brakes every so often to keep around 2000 rpm. I think Red Mountain is 8%.
We're usually pushing 25k total weight FWIW. '18 MHC 365BH, '17 chevy 3500 dmax
HTH

[Patrickdoran]

Let me know what you decide, I have the same setup as you.

[R.S.O'Donnell]

The pass is no joke in either direction. The arrestor failed while we were there last year. Not even sure if it's back open to trailers as of yet.

https://buckrail.com/teton-pass-will...through-april/


Looks like it's back open to trucks:

http://www.dot.state.wy.us/news/wyo-...tem-now-active

[214skier]

Originally Posted by R.S.O'Donnell

The pass is no joke in either direction. The arrestor failed while we were there last year. Not even sure if it's back open to trailers as of yet.

https://buckrail.com/teton-pass-will...through-april/


Looks like it's back open to trucks:

http://www.dot.state.wy.us/news/wyo-...tem-now-active

thank you for the insight. We will only be using the pass to travel West-bound. Our arrival will be from the North / Bozeman.

[214skier]

Originally Posted by Patrickdoran

Let me know what you decide, I have the same setup as you.

Yes, of course. Leaning towards "going for it."

[Slow Hand]

I did that pass. 45 MPH all the way to the top. Thats the speed limit. Truck would have gone faster. Never had to put my foot in it. I was amazed at the power of the 6.7. It is a little curvy. I was going to take the short cut through Yellowstone but decided not to go that way

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by Slow Hand

I did that pass. 45 MPH all the way to the top. Thats the speed limit. Truck would have gone faster. Never had to put my foot in it. I was amazed at the power of the 6.7. It is a little curvy. I was going to take the short cut through Yellowstone but decided not to go that way

A couple years ago I followed a truck ,and fifth wheel going over , and into Jackson. He was a bit slow going up ,and over. Don't remember what truck, but he was on his brakes more then he probably should of, I could smell his brakes. They had to be a bit mushy at the bottom.

Would I tow it, not really. There is other routes. I have an engine brake on my 2014 Ram ,and that Cummins 6.7 has no issue with them ,it does great on those steep mountain grades, but if I don't have to tow those kind of routes why put the truck thru it.

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by PNW Fireguy

It’s a step run for sure. We took that route into JacksonHike a couple of years ago. The engine brake was key for me. It’s a beautiful view from the top.

I would not want to tow that route without an engine brake, yes that is key. But as said if I don't have to tow those kind of routes there is no benefit to the truck to do so.

Years ago with my old 99 Powerstroke , I towed from Ennis over to Virginia City, Mt. Pretty steep grade both sides, came down a little faster then needed, on my brakes more then I should have . Didn't have a whole lot of brake left at the bottom they were pretty hot. They cooled ,and were okay, but if that hill would of been longer I would of been in trouble , learned a lesson that day. That particular hill has a runaway ramp on it, so its a pretty good grade. My point is those grades are not necessary if they can be avoided, IMO there is no benefit to towing long mountain grades .

[214skier]

All sage advice.

As a note, the 2018 F350 has an engine brake system.

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by 214skier

All sage advice.

As a note, the 2018 F350 has an engine brake system.

You will definitely need it. As said I just don't enjoy the scenery when I have to tow those long steep grades. I don't see a benefit . You may enjoy it.

I camp ,and fish at a lake in Utah, Strawberry. Two routes one Parleys Canyon ,and the other Weber Canyon, Weber being the longer route for me ,but the easiest to tow, and the one I use. Some on here might be familiar with Parley's , a pretty long pull. Then I have Daniels Canyon on the way , and the steepest , but can't be avoided ,so I do tow that one .

[PSFORD99]

Will have to let us know how you liked the route if you take it. I was not that crazy about the drive when I went a couple years ago, and I wasn't towing. Just steep ,and slow

[Kimo]

Do yourself a favor and take 26 down the canyon to Alpine and then into Idaho Falls. It’s just a little longer in miles but shorter in time. The views are great along Palisades reservoir and you won’t have to white knuckle the trip. Even if you have the power in your pickup and engine brakes, I have been stuck many times behind slower moving traffic on the Teton Pass.

[Kimo]

Do yourself a favor and take 26 down the canyon to Alpine and then into Idaho Falls. It’s just a little longer in miles but shorter in time. The views are great along Palisades reservoir and you won’t have to white knuckle the trip. Even if you have the power in your pickup and engine brakes, I have been stuck many times behind slower moving traffic on the Teton Pass.

[Lucky23]

We took it going into Jackson last September if you have a engine brake you'll be fine.

[worleyjrtx5]

Ran it in 2015 with my 2012 F250 pulling my Montana Mountaineer. Not near as heavy as yours. It went up at 45 with no issue and down in tow haul with no issue at all, touched the brakes a couple of times. A beautiful drive.

[scattershot]

Did it a few years ago, eastbound, With no engine brake. It will get your attention, for Sure.. We stopped a few times in the pullouts to let the brakes cool off, no real problems. Glad to get down, though. With an engine brake you should be fine.

Be aware that there is a Wyoming trooper just inside the Wyoming/Idaho line, running radar. Don’t ask me how I know.

Just take it slow, and enjoy the scenery.

[Darrel]

Originally Posted by 214skier

Working on finalizing my itinerary for a trip to Yellowstone / Teton National Park this September. I am currently working on my route from Jackson Hole back to the greater Seattle area--we want to go through Boise. The map takes us over Teton pass --I understand there is a 10% grade on either side for a few miles.

I am pulling my 41' Montana with a 2018 F350... with engine breaking etc, does anyone see any issues with my going this route?

Hi 21skier,

I don’t any advice for but hoping I Can ask you a couple questions. I just purchased a 2018 Ford F-350 SD Crew Cab and I’m taking delivery of a 2020 Montana 3761 41’ 5th wheel at the end of the month. Since we have a similar configuration, I was wondering if you have any thoughts on how well your the truck will perform. I do not have dually. Also, I’m assuming I’ll need to get a CDL to drive legally.

I’m out in Mass. but Montana raised and if you haven’t already, I would highly recommend Glacier Park. And depending on the state of COVID, bring your passport so you can go up into Canada.

Regards,
Darrel