Rte 322/Seven Mountains towing...

[vetteyog]

Kind of a specific question here, but has anyone on here ever towed a 6000+ trailer west on PA Rte 322 and gone up Seven Mountains between Lewistown & State College? I have a trip coming up and was considering going around this stretch of road. The go around route adds 30 minute to the trip, but has less steep hills. This stretch of road goes up 1,000 feet in elevation in 5 miles. I have a 2012 1500 towing a 6500lb camper and looking for advice.

 

[CamperMike]

I have no personal experience, but It looks like that is a 4-lane divided highway... Just watch your engine oil, coolant and trans temps going up the hill, and use engine braking to help on the way down. Drive slower and you should be fine. I've towed thru much longer grades out west, and if you take your time you will be fine. Especially on a 4 lane like that... some of the hardest towing is on 2 lane roads with much more frequent/tighter turns while going up and down a mountain.

 

[Curmudgeon]

I've never traveled that stretch at all, much less while towing.
I'm tempted to check it out though.

 

[62Blazer]

With it being a 4 lane highway I wouldn't even consider bypassing it, especially if it added 30 minutes to the trip. I'm much more concerned with turns, stops, and narrow secondary roads versus a couple mile long grade on a four lane highway.