Altitude pulling hf trailer

[casabroker]

Just wondering anyone had any power issues while pulling a trailer in high altitude? I will be riding 2 up with the trailer some spots over 8k ft up to almost 10 k. 96 Royal Star has less hp than the newer ones. Thinking premium gas wouldn't hurt either., usually just run regular

 

Kregg

[Shamue]

Regular gas will be fine, actually recommended at high altitudes.

Sea level you may want a higher octane if you are spending a lot of time a below 2000-3000 feet.

Have pulled a trailer 60,000 miles and been al through the Rockies, Tetons as high as 11,000 feet. Usually in 3rd or 4th gear and able to keep the speed limit. Plenty of power in the lower gears, but have been caught in 5th a few times and it wouldn't pull it own weight. So I think you'll be fine with regular gas just be in the right gear. It doesn't hurt to run these Ventures in lower gears and higher rpms.

Shamue

[Freebird]

I agree. Eileen and I pulled the highest peak in Colorado with a heavily loaded Bushtec trailer and never nothing but regular gas. We've also done the Canadian Rockies, the Smokies and numerous other mountains and there has never been a need for more power.

[skydoc_17]

Hey Kregg,

Regular gas is just fine! The most Important thing to realize here is the instant your bike starts to lug, downshift a gear! Even if you run an hour in 4th gear while towing your trailer up a steep grade, (OK, that might be a bit over the top, No pun intended:rotf:) it's OK on the engine. These engines pull much better when they are in the 4000 RPM range in 4th instead of 1800 RPMs in 5th. Hook up your trailer and hop up on the freeway and run your bike in 4th gear at 60 to 65 MPH for an exit or two to get used to the sound of the motor at that speed and RPM. Then when you are out on the road on your trip, you will be able to HEAR the "sweet spot" of 60 to 65 MPH in 4th gear. The motor is your friend, don't be afraid to use it!

Earl