RV Mountain Driving 101: Gear, Weight, and Road Readiness

If you're dreaming of RVing through the majestic curves of Yellowstone or the rugged terrain of the Black Hills, it's important to understand what your vehicle can safely tow. Especially when climbing and descending steep grades.

If you’re thinking about renting a travel trailer or a fifth-wheel, or you own one, but you’ll be towing in serious mountains for the first time, it helps to understand some important terms and weight considerations.

You especially need to put in your due diligence if you're renting a truck or SUV to tow a travel trailer, pop-up or teardrop camper in the mountains.

Key Weight Terms for Towing a Travel Trailer in the Mountains

The stresses of towing a travel trailer in the mountains means you have to be extremely conscious about the weight of your rig and weight distribution.  Especially towing through areas like Yellowstone or South Dakota’s scenic highways.

Dry Weight (a.k.a. Curb Weight)

This is the weight of the trailer when completely empty. It includes the basic structure and appliances but doesn’t account for gear, water, or propane. A trailer with a dry weight under 6,000 pounds might exceed safe limits once fully loaded—so don’t stop your research here.

Payload Capacity

Sometimes called “cargo capacity,” this figure tells you how much additional weight your trailer can safely carry. Think of your clothes, camping gear, food, water, and outdoor equipment. Add this to the dry weight to calculate the actual towing weight you'll be dealing with.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

This is the maximum allowable weight of the trailer when fully loaded. This is the most important number to compare to your tow vehicle's Maximum Towing Capacity—and the one that matters most for safe braking and mountain control.

Hitch or Tongue Weight

This is the amount of force the trailer puts directly on the hitch of your tow vehicle—typically 10–15% of the trailer’s GVWR. Excessive tongue weight can affect handling, braking, and rear suspension wear, especially important when navigating steep grades.

Maximum Towing Capacity

This is the maximum weight your tow vehicle can handle as determined by the manufacturer. It’s based on factors like the engine, transmission, suspension, and chassis strength. Exceeding this limit can damage your vehicle, or worse, lead to a loss of trailer control at high speeds.

Why Weight Matters in the Mountains of Yellowstone & the Black Hills

Both Yellowstone and the Black Hills feature winding roads, elevation changes, and sometimes unpredictable weather. Towing on mountain roads introduces increased strain on brakes, transmissions, and engines. Knowing the real weight of your setup, and staying well under your vehicle’s limits, gives you better control and less stress, letting you focus on wildlife sightings and epic views.

How Much Can I Safely Tow?

The classic 80% Rule is that the GVWR of your trailer should be 80% or less than the Maximum Towing Capacity of your vehicle. This gives you power in reserve for doing things like towing uphill and merging into traffic. However, for major mountain passes like the Beartooth Pass near Yellowstone, I would keep the GVWR under 70%.

Best Practices for Towing a Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel in the Mountains

Towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel in the mountains requires more than just a powerful tow vehicle. You need to be prepared, use good judgment, and respect for the road. Whether you’re climbing steep grades or navigating sharp switchbacks, following these tips will help you travel safely and confidently through the mountains.

Prepare Your Tow Vehicle and Trailer

Before setting off check your brakes, transmission, cooling systems, and tires on both the truck and trailer. Mountain driving places significant stress on these components, so everything should be in top condition.

Install towing mirrors if you need them and consider adding a weight distribution hitch and sway control system to increase stability. Take the time to make sure your trailer brakes and brake controller are functioning properly. These are critical for safe downhill descents.

Believe me I was lax about this once and my butt cheeks were biting the seat through a stretch of the Black Hills outside of Lead, South Dakota!

Drive Slow, Steady, and Smart

Driving in the mountains is not the time to live out your fantasies of the movie Speed. Use low gears when ascending or descending to help your engine manage the load and reduce strain on your brakes.

Do your best not to ride your brakes, as overheating can lead to brake failure. Instead, use engine braking by shifting into a lower gear to control your speed. Always allow for longer stopping distances and take corners slowly and widely to accommodate the trailer’s length and turning radius.

Don’t be afraid to pull over and let faster traffic pass. No one wants to be stuck behind “That Guy.” And seeing traffic piling up behind you is only going to add to your stress. So, if you see a large parking blister at a scenic overlook, give yourself permission to pull over. You’re probably missing a lot of scenery while you’re behind the wheel as it is.

Plan Your Route and Monitor Weather Conditions

Not all mountain roads are created equal. Some have steep grades, tight curves, narrow shoulders, or limited turnaround spots. Take the time to plan your route in advance, using tools designed for RVs and trailers, which can help you avoid restricted roads or low clearances.

Check weather forecasts for your entire route, especially if traveling in colder months, when mountain passes can become treacherous with snow or ice. If possible, avoid driving in heavy rain, fog, or at night in mountainous areas. Visibility and traction are often reduced, making navigation more hazardous.

Final Thoughts on Mountain Towing

Towing an RV through the mountains can be one of the most rewarding parts of your road trip. The trick is to be well-prepared, practice good judgement, and be smart about the weight you’re towing.

Understanding your vehicle’s weight limits, properly distributing cargo, and respecting mountain driving conditions are all key to staying safe and in control. Take it slow, gear down when needed, and never underestimate the value of a scenic pull-off to give your brakes (and nerves) a breather. With the right prep and mindset, your journey through the high country can be as smooth as it is unforgettable. Happy towing—and don’t forget to enjoy the view!