New to pulling a large trailer-all I've done before is a 1/2 ton Suburban pulling a pair of Ski Doos or a lawn tractor on a trailer

Shopping for a used dually to pull a car and trailer through the Midwest to San Jose, California.

By all estimates, I'll have no more than #10,000 behind me

1) Is this a very dangerous run through those mountains?
These are prized automobiles and I want to visit family out there when I go, so that's why I'm not paying a shipper; plus, I'd like to do it myself.

2) Anyone have suggestions about gasoline vs. diesel? Sure, diesel is more expensive now, but will it get better MPG loaded? Probably going to get a 6-8 year old truck since I'm trying to keep the $$ outlay reasonable.

Thanks,
Pete

Yes indeed the mountains are a challenge, in an older diesel I'd get a manual transmission and an exhaust brake. And in an older diesel as in 2001 and older, a Dodge diesel with manual transmission would be a safer bet. GM Duramax first year was 2001, so wait for a 2002 there with either tranny. Ford could be good with a manual, avoid first year for Super Duty, 1999. That had some clutch problems 99-2001.

But going down hill threw the Rockies can be scary with 10,000#'s chasing you. This is where a manual tranny can hold a gear. The Allison auto tranny with the Duramax can also lock up in each gear as the Ford TorqShift in 2003 and newer. An exhaust brake will also slow down a diesel pickup like a Jac brake engine brake on a semi-truck does. I've towed threw I-70 many times and at night deer, big horn etc. hang on the edge of the road and stopping quickly can come in handy. I'd suggest going threw the Colorado Rockies in the daytime a few times before doing it at night. And then there is the winter, and Vail pass, (11,000 ft.) and chain laws. I wonder where my gray hair came from.

Sounds like quite a challenge
Looks like it would be wise to check with a few shippers to assess the costs. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I'm from the same area you are from. I shopped and shopped for a slightly used diesel but it made much more sense to buy new with all the discounts in place. Also, in the last 1 or 2 years there has been tremendous updates to all 3 truck brands. I went with a 2006 F250 Diesel Superduty, W/ "Towcommand". No other brand has any thing like it and would do wonders in the mountains.