Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

[AlmostFamous]

I've been to the Ozarks several times, but it's been 10 years since my last trip and I've never pulled a boat down there. I cannot for the life of me remember how hilly it gets around the lake. I can't find any info online that talks about the terrian changes when driving down there.

I'll be pulling my new to me 1994 Bryant 20ft with either a 2002 Yukon XL or a 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser.

I'm trying to decide how much vehicle prep I need to do prior to the trip.

Oh, I'll be leaving from Central IL. So the trip to St. Louis is very flat, after that point I have no idea what to expect.

If anyone knows the route, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

about all I would do is go over the trailer hubs and tires and lights , and service the tow veh, including a transmission oil change

 

[AlmostFamous]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

Yep was planning on that. I don't think it will be to bad, but I've gotten a couple of conflicting reports from people at work. 2 people have stated the hills are moderate and on a hot day will test your rig. Another guys said it's almost as flat as IL.

I remember hills! And maybe a few big un's! My real conflict comes in with which truck to take. They will both tow the boat ok, but each truck has it's own strengths and weaknesses.

They Yukon has much more rated capacity than the Toyota and more room. BUT it's got 205k on it. I've installed a newer trans last year, so that part should be ok....The rest of it is getting up there in age and miles.

They Toy is older, but only has 110k on it. Better shape all around. BUT it's smaller on the inside and does not pull the trailer as well as the Yukon. Toy has a 235HP V8. I think the Yukon has about 280HP.

Decisions.....

 

[maproy99]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

Yep was planning on that. I don't think it will be to bad, but I've gotten a couple of conflicting reports from people at work. 2 people have stated the hills are moderate and on a hot day will test your rig. Another guys said it's almost as flat as IL.

I remember hills! And maybe a few big un's! My real conflict comes in with which truck to take. They will both tow the boat ok, but each truck has it's own strengths and weaknesses.

They Yukon has much more rated capacity than the Toyota and more room. BUT it's got 205k on it. I've installed a newer trans last year, so that part should be ok....The rest of it is getting up there in age and miles.

They Toy is older, but only has 110k on it. Better shape all around. BUT it's smaller on the inside and does not pull the trailer as well as the Yukon. Toy has a 235HP V8. I think the Yukon has about 280HP.

Decisions.....

Take which ever one you like driving the best. On the hills you will have the pedal all the way down........... But shouldn't be a problem.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

Take the Yukon--might as well put new brakes on it before you go--just to be safe.

 

[preskitaz]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

It's NOT as flat as IL.

 

[Shortcircuit]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

Just food for thought. The Ozarks are MOUNTAINS. The roads vary. Even the Interstates have some interesting grades.

 

[AlmostFamous]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

Just food for thought. The Ozarks are MOUNTAINS. The roads vary. Even the Interstates have some interesting grades.

That's my thought as well.

Take which ever one you like driving the best. On the hills you will have the pedal all the way down........... But shouldn't be a problem.

Toyota would def. be hammer down all the way. Yukon a little less so.

Take the Yukon--might as well put new brakes on it before you go--just to be safe. .

Yeah, my wife thinks the Yukon is the way to go too. More room and more power. We're not heading out until June so I've got some time to wrench on it before then. I think I did the brakes about a year ago. But I'll check them out.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[The_Kid]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

There are a couple of different routes to get to the lake depending on what part of the lake you'll be staying at. I-44 or I-70.

When I head to the lake house I go down I-44 to get there since it's the shortest way. There are three hills that are steep enough that they added an extra slow lane for the trucks. Other than those, the hills aren't to bad. I don't have any information on going out I-70 route.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

You guys are funny. Missouri's highest elevation is 1700 feet and I doubt a road goes right over it. I probably have a bigger hill just getting onto the freeway from my house compared what he is going to need getting to the lake.

 

[AlmostFamous]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

There are a couple of different routes to get to the lake depending on what part of the lake you'll be staying at. I-44 or I-70.

When I head to the lake house I go down I-44 to get there since it's the shortest way. There are three hills that are steep enough that they added an extra slow lane for the trucks. Other than those, the hills aren't to bad. I don't have any information on going out I-70 route. .

And that was the info I was looking for! Thanks. I do believe we are going I-44.

You guys are funny. Missouri's highest elevation is 1700 feet and I doubt a road goes right over it. I probably have a bigger hill just getting onto the freeway from my house compared what he is going to need getting to the lake. .

I know! Us flatlanders are an odd bunch. My concern is that the terrain would be constant rolling hills for 3 hours, like much of south central Missouri. That kind of terrain is hell to tow through IMO. Still nothing like what you have.

Also, I'm a bit of an overplanner. So the thought of pulling a 5k+ boat with a 10-12 y/o truck with 4-6 people plus gear, in the summer gives me reason to pause.

PPS. Like your sig. says. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

I tow the boat in my signature with a 1/2T 1999 Silverado which has the same engine as your Yukon XL(aka GMC's version of the Suburban). I tow it up to my house in Tahoe which is over a 7K foot climb. Trust me, you won't have a problem with your smaller boat.

Just make sure your vehicle has normal preventative maintenance and you will be fine.

 

[alilley]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

i hope this helps..... but keep in mind as will i am not 100% sure exactally where the lake you are going to is. Iam very fimualr with both i-70 and i-44 (i do drive a truck over the road). I too am from central IL. on to the terrian.... i 44 as stated does have 2 hills that does have the 3rd lane for slower traffic, and it does have some rolling hills as well but they are noting like what us drivers refer to as the goreville hill in southern IL on i 57 (its about a 2 mile long pull and no third lane). i 70 terrian wise does have rolling hills and one good pull over by that one river ( i think it is the missouri). now with that being siad i have a 1997 suburban with over 480xxx miles on it, trans was done prior to me getting it (5 yrs ago) and i would not have a problem taking either way. out of your 2 choices i would prob use the yokon due to more room and with it being longer it is going to ride better. I would just get it serviced at a regular shop that does more then just oil changes inform them that you are getting ready to go on a trip that you will be pulling a trailer as well and have them inspect the breaks, if they give it a clean bill then go. On the trailer fresch grease in the hubs MAKE SURE lights work properly and cary the spare with you..... now i dont know what kind of a trip you are having here but if you are the type for an adventure why not take one way out there and the other back (if there not to much differance in mileage)........ if you are worried about building to much speed going down the hills, you are better let it build a little speend then apply even steady force get it back down a little under where you want to be and let it build back up...... this gives the brakes a chance to cool back down........if you have any questions feel free to pm me

 

[lncoop]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

I tow the boat in my signature with a 1/2T 1999 Silverado which has the same engine as your Yukon XL(aka GMC's version of the Suburban). I tow it up to my house in Tahoe which is over a 7K foot climb. Trust me, you won't have a problem with your smaller boat.

Just make sure your vehicle has normal preventative maintenance and you will be fine.

Agreed. Those engines are as close to bulletproof as it gets, at least in my experience. I had an '01 Z71 and it was the best truck I've ever owned. Oh, and don't let Bruce get under your skin too much. He's just an altitude snob.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

(its about a 2 mile long pull and no third lane).

oooooooohhhhhh......2 miles! LOL

 

[AlmostFamous]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

oooooooohhhhhh......2 miles! LOL

LOL! Great advice from everyone. The boat trailer is in tip top shape. New tires last year, I did bearings and bearing buddies probably 2 years ago. All the lights work. I've got a spare for it as well. Oh and it has hydraulic surge brakes that work well.

I will say the 5.3 is impressive. I've got 205k and the engine runs great. Doesn't seem to burn any oil and only has a slight seep from the oil pan. My biggest beef is that darn 4l60e transmission. I fought with the old one for quite awhile before I gave up and bought one out of an 2005 with 60k on it. Put an HD servo and trans cooler on it and have had no problems since; shifts are much improved.

I think I'll check the brakes, do a coolant flush, through a new serp. belt on it, change the oil and put it in 3rd and hope for the best!

Alilley, thanks for the route info.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

From a TN guy who pulls a boat through hills every once in a while - It's probably not as much about elevation as it is about grade. I think Bruce is right (you don't have much to worry about), but be prepared that here and there on your route you might be "huffin' and puffin'" a bit to get done.

My boat is lighter than yours (under 3k#) and I tow with an E150 (5.4L), but only occasionally on the steeper stuff do I feel the van grumpin' at me, "you get out here and haul it yerself, tubby "

 

[AlmostFamous]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

From a TN guy who pulls a boat through hills every once in a while - It's probably not as much about elevation as it is about grade. I think Bruce is right (you don't have much to worry about), but be prepared that here and there on your route you might be "huffin' and puffin'" a bit to get done.

My boat is lighter than yours (under 3k#) and I tow with an E150 (5.4L), but only occasionally on the steeper stuff do I feel the van grumpin' at me, "you get out here and haul it yerself, tubby "

Yessir... I think grade says it all. Those TN rollers can be tough... It sounds like I'll see a little of that on the way to LOTO. I don't mind makin' the GMC work for a livin'. I just wanna know beforehand, just how hard that's going to be. I think I've got a pretty good idea what I'm in-store for.

 

[alilley]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

LOL! Great advice from everyone. The boat trailer is in tip top shape. New tires last year, I did bearings and bearing buddies probably 2 years ago. All the lights work. I've got a spare for it as well. Oh and it has hydraulic surge brakes that work well.

I will say the 5.3 is impressive. I've got 205k and the engine runs great. Doesn't seem to burn any oil and only has a slight seep from the oil pan. My biggest beef is that darn 4l60e transmission. I fought with the old one for quite awhile before I gave up and bought one out of an 2005 with 60k on it. Put an HD servo and trans cooler on it and have had no problems since; shifts are much improved.

I think I'll check the brakes, do a coolant flush, through a new serp. belt on it, change the oil and put it in 3rd and hope for the best!

Alilley, thanks for the route info.

if it was me..... i would not run that hole trip in drive (third gear) you will trash your fuel mileage and at $4.0 with a truck that might get 15-20 that will cost.... i would leave her in od untill you hit the good hills. it should kick herseld out of od and into drive as it needs it.... now with that being said if it starts to shift back and forth (od-d and back) very often then ya go ahead and use drive

 

[alilley]

Re: Big hills around Lake of the Ozarks?

oooooooohhhhhh......2 miles! LOL

i know 2 miles aint that much of a hill..... when you start talking about donner pass on i80 in cali that there be a good one... after crossing over the summit there be a sign that says down hill grades next 40 miles..... now try to keep 80xxx lbs below 55 mph with out smoking the brakes........enought talk about work stuff for me...