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Old 12-04-2022, 08:21 PM   #1
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2023 30' Classic
2023 27' Globetrotter
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Zeeland , Michigan
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Chief Joseph Highway, WY

Advice regarding the feasibility of pulling a 2023 27’GT with a 2022 6.7 L diesel F250 in late May 2023. I’ve heard that you should not do this if the combined llength of your rig is over 40 feet, but is it feasible to drive the Chief Joseph Hwy with a combined rig length of 49’? Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done this with a rig of this approximate length & more importantly, would your wife ever ride with you again?! Thanks for any information.
Mark.
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Old 12-05-2022, 09:04 AM   #2
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Chief Joseph is fine. I have a 23 FC and nothing to worry about. Son has a SOB fifth wheel. No issues. HOWEVER, do not take the AS or any other trailer anywhere near the Beartooth highway. But do unhitch and drive the Beartooth; it is spectacular. Colter campground, near Cooke City is nice. This is grizzly bear country
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Old 12-05-2022, 09:46 AM   #3
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I can second the Beartooth Highway advice. Many years ago we had to be towed down the switchbacks to Red Lodge with a wrecker when our brakes got hot towing only a 22’, but heavy, travel trailer with an SUV. In retrospect it was probably more driver inexperience/error than terrain. But I still would not do it again. Driving only a pickup I have driven down the switchbacks without ever touching the brakes. 2nd or 3rd gear. As previously mentioned, it is a beautiful drive.
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Old 12-05-2022, 10:51 AM   #4
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Third on the Beartooth. Best on motorcycle, but, any way you can take it. Most beautiful highway in America, so far...
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Old 12-05-2022, 11:05 AM   #5
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Have pulled our 45' combined rig over the Chief Joseph several times. Wonderful road, well paved and maintained, and a good way to go.
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Old 12-05-2022, 11:11 AM   #6
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Have only towed a 16’ up and down Chief Joseph with no trouble, so I think you will do ok. I know you will be happy you have a diesel!
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Old 12-05-2022, 11:41 AM   #7
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I did the Chief Joseph back in July of this year with our 30' AS. Take your time it a great ride. Let your drivetrain and exhaust brake do the work not your brakes. You won't have any problems with the truck you have. The Beartooth Highway was closed from Red Lodge, MT to the top. (There are lots of mosquitoes so bring your Thermacell). We went up the south side of the Beartooth Hwy and camped at Top of the World store. There were delays for construction but no problems pulling a trailer. I know they have length restrictions at least on part of the highway.
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Old 12-05-2022, 04:18 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Acheron2010 View Post
Third on the Beartooth. Best on motorcycle, but, any way you can take it. Most beautiful highway in America, so far...
Former CBS newsman, Charles Kuralt said the Beartooth was the "most beautiful road in America". For me, it's in the top 5, but the "Going to the Sun Road" in Glacier Nat. Pk. is still #1 for me. I can't imagine the work that went into making it. I dare say it couldn't be done today. Workers in tents, freezing, remote, grizzlies, and it's a work of art.
I thought the Chief Joseph highway was beautiful, and not to gnarly, but I did it on a motorcycle. However, doesn't it drop you off in the middle of the Beartooth highway?
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Old 12-05-2022, 07:07 PM   #9
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Chief Joseph is a very scenic drive
It is rv friendly… beautiful drive
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Old 12-05-2022, 07:10 PM   #10
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Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by tusocks View Post
Advice regarding the feasibility of pulling a 2023 27’GT with a 2022 6.7 L diesel F250 in late May 2023. I’ve heard that you should not do this if the combined llength of your rig is over 40 feet, but is it feasible to drive the Chief Joseph Hwy with a combined rig length of 49’? Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done this with a rig of this approximate length & more importantly, would your wife ever ride with you again?! Thanks for any information.
Mark.
Yes you can many do. A very senic drive .. we do it every year..31’ classic 17 ram
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Old 12-06-2022, 09:17 AM   #11
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I am from Cody, WY. I can't tell you how many time I have driven that road with bigger rigs than you propose. You should have no problem with the rig you are using.
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Old 12-13-2022, 08:30 AM   #12
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If the Beartooth is open that time of year, you should be able to navigate your rig. I have traveled it a couple times in the fall. Last in 2019 with another AS and and SOB between Red Lodge and Yellowstone. All 45+ ft rigs. Have not enjoyed the Chief Joseph yet but doubt it would be more difficult than the BT.
Have fun, don’t worry, be happy and be prepared.
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Old 12-13-2022, 03:01 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidrrand View Post
If the Beartooth is open that time of year, you should be able to navigate your rig. I have traveled it a couple times in the fall. Last in 2019 with another AS and and SOB between Red Lodge and Yellowstone. All 45+ ft rigs. Have not enjoyed the Chief Joseph yet but doubt it would be more difficult than the BT.
Have fun, don’t worry, be happy and be prepared.
Ditto. We drove Beartooth in 2018 with our 25' Safari, no problems. Tight switchbacks, but very manageable. Beautiful road, gorgeous views.
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Old 12-14-2022, 04:09 PM   #14
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25' Flying Cloud w/mega cab 2500 RAM. no issues either Beartooth or Chief J.

I don't get telling someone to never drive a road because they don't like. Both roads are good pavement, solid roadway. tight turns, but nothing that can't be negotiated by competent drivers.

Joe
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Old 12-14-2022, 09:42 PM   #15
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We took Chief Joseph a couple of summers ago. F250 diesel, Hensley hitch, and 25’ flying cloud. My wife watched the navigation map and advised me on upcoming curves, grades, and vehicles. I kept my attention on the road and adjusted speed based on my wife’s feedback. I used no truck brakes but all gear…and a couple touches on trailer brakes to align everything.
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Old 12-15-2022, 05:39 AM   #16
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Have done both with our 25 GT twin. My wife got a little nervous on Beartooth but it wasn’t bad at all. I’ve done them both four previous trips on motorcycles. We went through with the AS later in the day on a week day. We weren’t breaking any speed records, and I didn’t want to hold up traffic. The only bikes we saw were way off the road and a helicopter was there to fly one out. That didn’t help my wife’s anxiety.
Pic is from the top of Beartooth.
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Old 12-15-2022, 08:55 AM   #17
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Here's the caution on the Beartooth.
We went in August, stayed in Red Lodge, loved it. (Real America!)
We left Red Lodge with the temp 80º and a cloudless sky.
By the time we crossed Beartooth pass it was sleeting and the wind blowing sideways.
Descending into Cooke City, the road was covered in hailstones and a deer watched us from the side of the road.
Another day, it's clear and sunny. You can't base the forecast on what you're seeing currently.
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Old 12-15-2022, 10:46 AM   #18
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Travelled Chief Joseph Hwy and the Beartooth many times. We have driven our 45 ft coach towing a 3/4 t GMC four door short box truck with nonissues
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