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01-09-2025, 11:08 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member 
2021 28' Flying Cloud
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 84
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First Time Driving on moderate to steep grades coming up
The background: My tow vehicle is a 2021 3/4 ton Ram 2500 with a 6.4L gas engine. Our airstream is a 2021 Flying Cloud 28RB. We have a propride hitch for weight distribution and sway control.
So far, we have only towed on relatively flat terrain using just the tow/haul button on the RAM and it pulls like a champ. Later this year we will be driving on some moderate to steep hills/mountains. I am curious as to how to set the gain, assuming I need to do so, and how to figure out what the gain setting should be. I have read the owner’s manual and it isn’t 100% clear to me, especially figuring out what the gain setting should be. Are there any other tips as far as RAM setups or driving habits are concerned for hilly or mountainous driving, both driving up and down the terrain? Thank you in advance for your feedback.
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01-09-2025, 11:50 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
1994 30' Excella
alexandria
, Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,420
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Brake gain - the trailer always leads the truck by a little bit. You should be able to feel if the trailer brakes are doing anything.
Down Grade - let the vehicles transmission control the load as much as possible (manually downshift). Use service brakes only as necessary. If they get too hot the trailer brakes will fade. Go moderate speeds. If you really have to use the service brakes pull over and let things cool off if needed.
Up hill - Look ahead, plan and think about what kind of hill/traffic you will be encountering. Watch the engine and transmission gauges. Don't let the transmission shift up/down too much as this creates extra heat.
You have a good tow vehicle and shouldn't have issues.
__________________
Steve, Christy, Anna and Phoebe (Border Collie)
1994 Classic 30'11" Excella - rear twin
2009 Dodge 2500, 6 Speed Auto, CTD, Quad Cab, Short Bed, ARE cap, Bed Rug
Propride 3P Hitch
WBCCI # 3072 Airstreaming since 2008
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01-09-2025, 02:13 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
2019 22' Sport
High River
, Alberta
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,360
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I'd agree to let the trailer brakes lead the truck brakes; the trailer should be holding the truck back a bit for stability and comfort.
You have the tow/haul mode. Try just using that on downgrades. It should downshift automatically, even under braking, to help maintain a steady speed.
You will need to experiment; you may find you prefer downshifting manually. I don't have tow haul; my tow vehicle has shift paddles and I think they're ideal for towing (with an automatic).
You will quickly learn what works for your combination. Gasoline engines have actual engine braking because the throttle closes when you release the accelerator, unlike diesels which need an exhaust brake or Jake brake. Don't be afraid to let the engine spin. There's nothing wrong with a steady 4000 rpm on a grade, whether going up or down.
One final comment: watch the signs, think ahead, slow down before the crest of a steep hill, and use the brakes sparingly. If you are on the brakes constantly, you are probably going too fast and not in a low enough gear.
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01-09-2025, 03:11 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master 
2022 25' Flying Cloud
NCR
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,533
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on downhill DO NOT use the TV brakes first
apply a bit on the AS brakes, using the brake controller, until you feel it pulling the TV, then use the TV brakes gently.
__________________
2023 25' FB FC, hatch, Queen,30A,1AC,Awning pkg, Convection uwave.Multiplus 12/3000-50,700A Lion,MPPT 100/30,Orion-TR 30,Cerbo GX,GX touch 50,Lynx distributor,dual BMV-712, smart shunt 500A&1000A, RUUVI temp/humidity sensors,2 Mopeka LP sensors
NCR,Ontario,VE3HIU since 1978
WBCCI# 21212
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01-09-2025, 09:05 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master 
2017 28' International
Jim Falls
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,447
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I would suggest you watch TFL truck videos as they descend an 8% grade. They test trucks and show how trucks descend hills. They pretty much let the engine brake, until the speed gets above 55mph (I think) then apply the truck brakes to slow down below 55mph. I really don’t think you will have any trouble at all based upon what I have seen in the videos.
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01-10-2025, 10:20 AM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member 
1999 28' Excella
Lake Mary
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 283
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Downhill is always the critical path, slow down, then go 10 mph slower than that. Do not ride the brake, apply then release for equal on/off brake time.
On long narrow mountain roads, look for a pullout halfway down for a rest. Google Wolf Creek Pass Truck crash for tips on how NOT to run downhill.
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01-10-2025, 10:32 AM
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#7
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Retired Navy Veteran
2018 30' International
1989 34' Excella
1964 26' Overlander
Warner Robins
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 273
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Personal Experience with hills/mountains
Pappy,
You are receiving great advice from other folks. I will add some personal experience. I live in GA, but travel out West alot. This past summer we co-led the Springtime in the Rockies caravan. I recommend you join some rallies and caravans and meet some of the greatest folks in our country!
I have an F250 with 6.2L gas engine with 2WD without lockers. Trailer is a 30' AS, that CAT scales provided a 9,000 lb weight when loaded for a trip.
On the big climbs and descents - I do not use the tow/haul option. I just turn on cruise control and set the speed that does not exceed 4,000 RPM's. It worked wonderfully for our truck and another caravaner with same engine.
Enjoy testing out this option and I strongly agree with Daquenzer that TFL truck youtube videos towing trailers on I-70, West of Eisenhower tunnel. I have traveled that route many times with and without a trailer and it is a great test of a vehicles ability to climb and descend mountain passes. Skip the diesel engine reviews since they have huge towing advantages over gas engines. When I am climbing a pass or descending, I usually just waive at those wonderful diesel tow vehicles and let them know I will see them in about 5 minutes at the summit or base of the mountain. Warning - don't get me started on diesels HUGE advantages at truck stops where they get to drive straight thru to their pumps with the over the road truck drivers and avoid the "dance" of trying to fit a 22' tow vehicle and a 30' AS at one of the gas pumps!
I look forward to meeting you at a future AS rally, or caravan in the future.
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01-10-2025, 10:42 AM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member 
1964 30' Sovereign
Ione
, CA
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 262
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Going uphill look way ahead and change lanes early so you don't lose momentum (once you slow on a steep grade is very difficult to re-accelerate).
Be careful downhill, steer smoothly (no sudden wheel movements), and keep speeds reasonable (trailer will tend to try and pass truck under sudden braking or rapid turns/changes). Is way too easy to let rig hit higher speeds by not paying attention to speed on straightaways (reach for your trail mix and suddenly you're coasting downhill at 70 MPH then momentum and gravity work against you and require greater braking).
Remember that your TV and trailer will take much longer to stop going downhill than on level ground. Maintaining a safety buffer ahead is critical as an accident, road work, lane narrowing or slowing traffic ahead can suddenly stop traffic flow. You will have a longer stopping distance than most other vehicles on a steep downhill - especially in damp conditions. Just take care.
Finally, don't forget your trailer brake controller in the cab should allow you to manually apply trailer brakes if fishtailing begins.
__________________
Mark & Melanie Trowbridge
1964 Airstream Sovereign 30' (Double)
2004 Dodge Ram QuadCab 4x4 Diesel
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01-10-2025, 10:50 AM
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#9
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Site Team

1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 6,365
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For the downhill runs do a little reading on 'stab braking' which is what they teach commercial drivers to do when descending in trucks. You stab the brake relatively hard to drop at least 5 mph from your speed, and then let the transmission hold things back for a bit. When the speed gets to the upper safe limit (not the speed limit - your safe limit) stab again and drop another 5 mph.
Those suggested speeds on the downhill runs are talking to truck drivers AND to people pulling trailers. If the speed limit is 65 but the yellow caution signs say 50, then go 50 or less. You can go down that hill as many times as you like too slowly, but you only get to go down them too fast once.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 'Gertie' Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8 'Bert'
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser 'The Bus' (Sold)
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01-10-2025, 11:23 AM
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#10
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Bompagene
1979 31' Sovereign
Pahrump
, Nevada
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 48
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Head for the hills!
Long haul trucker and long time RV'er here. Whith your rig uphill is no problem, just watch your gauges. Down hill dosen't have to be difficult. As others have said, go slow let everyone else worry about themselves they can go around! The braking method used to keep your brakes from overheating and fading is called 'snub braking'. Google that and you'll see what I'm talking about. Don't be afraid to pull over and 'let'um cool', you can enjoy the scenery or take the time to have lunch!!
Keep calm and RV on
Gene
__________________
Things are more like they are today than they ever have been.
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01-10-2025, 11:34 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master 
2019 27' Globetrotter
McHenry
, Illinois
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,604
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Have similar RAM + trailer setup
Hi Pappy, we have a 2019 RAM 2500 6.4 gas and a 27’ Globetrotter so close to your setup. We climbed Monarch Pass in Colorado (11, 315’, 6.4% grade) and descended without any trouble. I did not change the gain on my brake controller from level grade towing.
I believe mine is set at 5.5 but it’s easy to test and get yours set correctly. If it’s too high, you’ll feel a tug from the trailer when you gently apply the truck brakes. Adjust accordingly.
I used the adaptive cruise on our RAM while descending and the truck downshifted by itself to maintain speed. I believe I set the cruise at 45 MPH but you can go lower if necessary. The RAM also has a manual control for the transmission - buttons on the steering wheel. You can press the minus button to downshift into a lower gear. The 8 speed ZF trans did a great job and the trans temperatures stayed within normal range.
If the truck needed more than downshifting to maintain speed it will apply the brakes automatically - watch in your rear view mirror to see the reflection on the trailer.
You’ll be fine, enjoy the ride!
__________________
2019 27’ Globetrotter FBT Walnut/Dublin Slate
2018 FC23FB
2019 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi Laramie Blue Ox 1000#
WBCCI# 10258
RETIRED!
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01-10-2025, 01:11 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master 
2017 28' International
Jim Falls
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,447
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I posted earlier but here is a P.S. I have a 3.5 Ecoboost that pulls a 28' much like yours. I don't do much for elevation drives since I live in Wisconsin and there are generally no large hills. But we were traveling going into LaCrosse WI and it is a steep decline down into the river valley from Minnesota to Wisconsin. I'd say at least a 6 to 7% (maybe more) decline. I figured this would be a good time to see how the engine braking works. So I decided to set the speed at 55mph, pushed the brake gently to engage the engine brake, and simply let the engine brake work while in tow haul mode. I didn't touch the brakes once going down about a 1 to 2 mile decline.
Don't get psyched out by the high rpms on your engine. That's simply the engine brake.
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01-10-2025, 09:32 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master 

2021 30' Flying Cloud
Airstream - Other
Airstream - Other
Lady Lake
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,340
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The Ram
Set the gain in a parking lot and forget it. After the brakes have been warmed up several stops find a empty parking lot. Accelerate to 15 mph and apply the brake controller you should feel the trailer brakes grab” Not Slide “ and with your foot off the pedals coasting the Truck should slow down and stop with the trailer brakes alone. That is usually 4.5-5.5 with our 30 ft FC
In the Mts pace yourself and use slow and steady is better . If your transmission is hunting gears up down up down lock it in manual mode and pick a lower gear. You have a nice truck enjoy the trip.
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01-15-2025, 11:59 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master 
2016 30' International
redondo beach
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 805
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On the steep downhills we move to the right and follow the slowest truck.
We almost never use the brakes. Let the engine do it and save the brakes.
We had a brake failure once coming down the very steep Whitney Portal in a fully loaded class C. Was going real slow but was feeling the pressure from a tailgating tow truck. We pulled over and stopped to let him pass but after that when we eased back on the road we had no brakes.
Used the emergency brake to stop and just spent the night under the Eastern Sierra stars. The brake fluid had boiled over and once cool they worked again.
__________________
Randy and Beth 15 F250, 16 30' International, ProPride, Dexter 3" lift, Michelin 16, Dill TPMS, Centramatics, Battleborn x4, Victron BMV and 1.2KW inverter, Orion DC/DC, BlueSolar MPPT, 300W solar, Alpine iLX, Polk MM1, Samsung smart 42"
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01-15-2025, 01:38 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master 
2020 28' Flying Cloud
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Hiawassee
, Georgia
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,482
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One big thing to avoid is riding your brakes going downhill. You will overheat and possibly damage your brakes, truck & trailer.
As you approach the crest of a hill you want to be going no faster than the speed you think you need to go downhill. Then use engine braking to control your downhill speed, with only momentary applications of the brakes to slow down if necessary.
As far as setting up trailer brakes, I don’t change the setting any differently in the mountains as I have in flat terrain.
Good luck and be safe.
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01-15-2025, 04:40 PM
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#16
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"Cloudsplitter"

2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,136
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pappy3393
The background: My tow vehicle is a 2021 3/4 ton Ram 2500 with a 6.4L gas engine. Our airstream is a 2021 Flying Cloud 28RB. We have a propride hitch for weight distribution and sway control.
So far, we have only towed on relatively flat terrain using just the tow/haul button on the RAM and it pulls like a champ. Later this year we will be driving on some moderate to steep hills/mountains. I am curious as to how to set the gain, assuming I need to do so, and how to figure out what the gain setting should be. I have read the owner’s manual and it isn’t 100% clear to me, especially figuring out what the gain setting should be. Are there any other tips as far as RAM setups or driving habits are concerned for hilly or mountainous driving, both driving up and down the terrain? Thank you in advance for your feedback.
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IMHO
The trailer brake controller 'gain' should be set the same as when flat-landing.
We use a Hensley TruControl Gold.
I find a LARGE vacant lot, drive 15-20mph, and set the voltage to just before the trailer brakes lock up. No other adjustments are needed with the unit.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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01-16-2025, 08:57 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master 

2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 8,117
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I agree that going down is much more stressful than going up.
Going up is just slow.
Going down can be a runaway. IMO the secret of going down is to not let bad things start. I have a top speed in mind, maybe 50 mph, and I'm not going to let it go over that. My Tundra can shift manually and I'll do that, I also pump the brakes occasionally. (Never ride)
Before you know it, you're at the bottom and congratulating yourself for a safe crossing.
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01-16-2025, 09:54 AM
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#18
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Site Team

1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 6,365
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A good rule of thumb they teach in old-school truck driving classes is that you should descend the hill in the same, or lower, gear that you used to climb it. So if you had to downshift to 2nd to make it up a steep grade, you should be going down in 2nd as well.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 'Gertie' Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8 'Bert'
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser 'The Bus' (Sold)
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01-16-2025, 10:09 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master 
2019 22' Sport
High River
, Alberta
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,360
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Quote:
Originally Posted by richard5933
A good rule of thumb they teach in old-school truck driving classes is that you should descend the hill in the same, or lower, gear that you used to climb it. So if you had to downshift to 2nd to make it up a steep grade, you should be going down in 2nd as well.
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Great advice, except that our vehicles today have far more power than they had in the past! If you can climb in 3rd, 2nd is probably the right gear going down.
There was a time, not that long ago, when people were happy to climb 6% grades at 40-50 mph while towing. Today, most of us expect to climb at regular highway speed, and many vehicles can do it.
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01-16-2025, 10:17 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master 
1987 25' Sovereign
Fort Collins
, Colorado
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 590
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Something I haven't seen mentioned: on the downhill stretches, brake BEFORE the curves to a speed that will keep you from having to brake IN the curve. Always, but especially if there's any possibility of ice or wet.
__________________
Alumacoot
“We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities.”
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