Top 3 RVs Made to Nimbly Negotiate Mountain Roads
Traveling through the mountains in your RV can be a phenomenal experience. The combination of the majesty of the mountains, turquoise alpine lakes, and endless wildflower meadows can be utterly awe inspiring — offering arguably some of the most stunning scenery in the world. However, you may not notice the views at all if your RV is not cut out to handle more challenging terrain. Navigating mountain roads can be demanding on both drivers and their vehicles due to steep climbs, long descents, and winding roads.
The drive can be even more nerve-wracking if you’re behind the wheel of a fully-loaded RV that isn’t built to handle steep climbs with ease. For mountain-bound travelers venturing into less travelled territory, here are 3 RVs negotiate mountains effortlessly so you can enjoy the ride. Each model offers a robust powertrain, braking system and suspension, while offering a host of amenities that allow you to enjoy your journey.
2027 Tiffin Open Road Allegro 34PA
The luxurious 2027 Tiffin Open Road Allegro 34PA was built for refined adventures, including tackling high mountain passes without hesitation. Now, if you’re seeking a spacious, well-appointed RV for cross country adventures, this RV should be on your short list. This Class A gas motorhome is more than a pretty RV with full body paint; it has all the raw power you need to handle steep climbs with ease. The rig’s Ford F-53 Super Duty chassis is powered by a 7.3-liter V8 engine that generates 350 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. There’s a good reason this powerful engine is widely known as the Godzilla engine.
As if that weren’t enough in itself, the Allegro Open Road pairs the Godzilla engine with a TorqShift 6-speed automatic transmission which includes a Tow/Haul mode. That means it provides automatic engine braking to prevent brake fading during long, steep descents. As noted in our full review, it’s loaded with several features designed to make travel luxuriously comfortable and relaxing, wherever you’re headed.
Noteworthy Features
- Color Back-up Camera, Side-view Cameras, and collision mitigation
- Insulated, heated basement with 12-volt tank heaters
- Drop-down power bunk over the cab for guests or kids
- Dinette/breakfast bar with 50-inch smart TV, doubling as a workspace monitor
- Residential-size 12-volt refrigerator
- Spacious bathroom with two entry points
- 126-by-40-inch shower
- Onboard washer and dryer
Specifications
- Sleeping capacity: 4
- Hitch weight: 5,000 pounds
- UVW: 26,000 pounds
- CCC: 2,000 pounds
- Exterior length: 36 feet 1 inch
- Exterior height: 12 feet 10 inches
- Exterior width: 8 feet 5 inches
- Fresh/Gray/Black: 70/68/50 gallons
- Propane: 20.3 pounds
- MSRP: $306,684
Dynamax Isata 6 32KS Super C
If your family adventures involve light off-road travel or towing heavy gear, like a horse trailer or car trailer, you’ll need more power than most standard Class B or Class A motorhomes can offer. The Dynamax Isata 32KS Super C bridges the gap between stylish luxury and raw power that can tackle mountain roads effortlessly, even when you’re towing.
This luxurious RV sits on a powerful 4×4 Ford F600 chassis that offers a 6.7 litre Power Stroke engine that delivers 330 HP and 950-foot pounds of torque. This powerful engine configuration is paired with a smooth TorqShift 10 speed transmission for effortless climbing power and a towing capacity of up to 15,000 lbs.
However, driving in the mountains demands more than the ability to climb — you also need to be able to descend safely. The Dynamax Isata has this covered as well, with smart transmission grade-braking to help reduce the risk of brake fading when you’re descending. If you love to travel in comfort, you’ll appreciate all the amenities this Super C has to offer.
Noteworthy Features
- Insulated wet bay with dedicated 12V heater
- Drop-down dinette (adult-sized)
- Queen bunk over cab
- Residential French door refrigerator with pull-out freezer
- Microwave/air fryer/convection oven combo
- Cedar-lined wardrobe, washer/dryer prep
- Hidden storage behind 40″ living room TV
- Extensive interior and exterior storage
- Thetford Tecma porcelain toilet
- 72″ x 78″ king bed
- Kitchen, dinette, and bathroom accessible with slideout
Specifications
- Sleeping capacity: 4
- Towing Capacity: 15,000 pounds
- UVW: 22,000 pounds
- CCC: 6500 pounds
- Exterior length: 34 feet 8 inches
- Exterior height: 11 feet 11 inches
- Exterior width: 8 feet 5 inches
- Fresh/Gray/Black: 78/45/45 gallons
- Propane: 86 pounds
- Awning: 16 feet
- MSRP: Starting at: $318,192
Whether you’re looking for an RV that’s powerful enough to bring the horses with you for backcountry riding, or you just want to take the family glamping in the mountains, the Dynamax Isata 6 32KS is a fully capable RV with so many luxurious amenities, you might forget you’re camping.
Storyteller Overland Beast Mode XO
If you’re looking for a nimble and rugged overlanding RV that handles mountain climbing like a goat, the Storyteller Overland Beast Mode XO might stop you in your tracks. This 20-foot Class B has everything you need to get wherever your heart takes you, even if into remote mountain terrain Its dual piston Evictus™ Prerunner self-adjusting suspension is built to absorb any conditions the road throws at it, whether that’s a washboard or winding mountain road.
Additionally, it’s equipped with tough BF Goodrich All Terrain tires that take gripping the road to the next level, even in snowy conditions. Even with tough tires, mountain travel on back roads frequently means having to deal with punctures due to sharp rocks. Storyland gets you back on the road fast with an onboard air compressor if you need it.
The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz chassis makes driving confident and fun. The cockpit features power-adjustable heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a large backup camera/GPS monitor, and a collision mitigation system.There’s also a bank of KC HiLites™ 360º overcab lights for easier nighttime navigation. Inside and out, this 4-seatbelt camper van is loaded with standout features — let’s look at a few.
Features
- ElectricSlide loveseat, 2nd row seating
- Removable upper cabinetry
- Dreamweaver bed/convertible work surface
- Diesel-fired heating and hot water system
- Garage cargo area with L-track
- 16.8 kWh M-Power system
- High-output auxiliary alternator
- 3,000W inverter
- 100W expandable solar panel
- 10 110V outlets
- 10 USB ports
- Refrigerator/freezer
- Portable induction cooktop and microwave
- Boombox wet/dry bath
- 5-gallon cassette toilet with swivel seat
- Interior and exterior shower
Specifications
- Sleeps: 2
- Seatbelts: 4
- Length: 20 feet
- Width: 6.7 feet
- GVWR: 9,050 lbs
- Awning: 10 feet
- Height: 10 feet
- Towing capacity: 5000 lbs
- Fresh/Grey/Black: 37/24/4.75 gallons
- Fuel tank: 24.5 gallons
- Water heater: Tankless/on-demand
The Storyteller Overland Beast Mode is a 4-season RV built for active solos or couples who want to get into the mountains to explore 0ff-grid destinations.
The Right RV Makes All the Difference
Driving an RV in the mountains doesn’t necessarily have to mean painfully slow climbing and white-knuckle descents. Having an RV that’s up for the challenge lets you enjoy a sense of confidence as you enjoy spectacular mountain landscapes. Whether your destination is the mountains or beyond them, a powerful drivetrain, good braking system, and robust suspension will help make your journey enjoyable and safe.
Lynne Fedorick
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