Transmission paddle shifter question...

[craiggo]

I was just reading the thread Dodge-Ford-GM and there was a good conversation going on about using the paddle shifter (for lack of a better term) to control the transmission. I didn't want to hijack that thread but, I'm wondering how some of you experienced drivers/towers use it when towing in the hills. Although I'm not new to towing, I am new to Dodge and, more specifically, this transmission.



I'm towing a 9,000 conventional travel trailer and will be towing it in the San Cruz Mountains (Hwy 17/880 to be exact) and was wondering how best to set up my trans. I have a bone-stock '10 3500 Laramie Crew with 3. 73 Auto. In the other thread, some posts seemed to suggest leaving it in "D" while other said they move it to 5th. Some of the hills are steep and long while others aren't so bad. Regardless, they pale in comparison to some of the mountain ranges you all drive on a regular basis.



Thanks for your feedback!



Craig

 

[Powder Extreme]

Hi Craig, what I recomend is anticipating when the transmission will shift and shift it before hand. If I'm coming up on a series of dips and I know it will be a upshift diwnshift upshift situation I will put the transmission in 5th. You're not pulling that much weight, you should be able to leave the transmission in 6th or D when you're on level ground or very minor inclines. Shifting down before you start climbing a hill will allow you to maintain speed better.

If you decide at some point to modify your truck, manually shifting really becomes important. My old truck had the power to pull a load up a hill in 6th, but the egt would climb very quickly to the danger zone. Dropping a gear quickly lowers the egt but learning when to manually downshift prevents it from climbing in the first place.
Descending hills is a different story, this transmission has a mind of its own and downshifts when it feels like. The best I've found is to cancel cruise so the exhaust brake will kick in sooner. Rule of thumb when driving semi's is descend a hill n one gear lower than you went up it in.
Hope that helps! Have fun. =)

 

[HBarlow]

Does the new MOPAR six speed automatic still provide the Tow/Haul mode select feature in the end of the shifter?

On previous MOPAR automatics and on with my C&C truck's Aisin the tow/haul mode locks out sixth gear/2nd OD, increases the engine rpm/road speed at which upshifts will occur, and causes ECM/PCM directed downshifts to 4th then 3rd gear when slowing as it coordinates activation of the exhaust brake.

I strongly prefer use of Tow/Haul mode when towing unless I'm on an interstate highway, have a tailwind, and am in a hurry. If those conditions are present I will shift back to normal D mode which allows upshift to 6th gear and then kick the speed up to 65 or better.

 

[craiggo]

Does the new MOPAR six speed automatic still provide the Tow/Haul mode select feature in the end of the shifter?

On previous MOPAR automatics and on with my C&C truck's Aisin the tow/haul mode locks out sixth gear/2nd OD, increases the engine rpm/road speed at which upshifts will occur, and causes ECM/PCM directed downshifts to 4th then 3rd gear when slowing as it coordinates activation of the exhaust brake.

I strongly prefer use of Tow/Haul mode when towing unless I'm on an interstate highway, have a tailwind, and am in a hurry. If those conditions are present I will shift back to normal D mode which allows upshift to 6th gear and then kick the speed up to 65 or better.

It does (although they have now moved it to the dash next tot he exhaust brake). I didn't realize max torque stayed on from 1500-2700rpm but that makes sense.

By activating the T/H mode, does this mean it would be pointless to manually shift it to 5th? I've never had a problem towing with it, I'm just trying to educate myself before my trip this time so I can play with it.

 

[Powder Extreme]

Tow Haul mode DOES NOT lock out 6th gear, I guarantee that with absolute certainty. Yes, it does lock up the torque converter in lower gears as well.

 

[HBarlow]

Tow Haul mode DOES NOT lock out 6th gear, I guarantee that with absolute certainty. Yes, it does lock up the torque converter in lower gears as well.

If you read my post you should be able to observe that I inquired about, did not make any statements about, what the MOPAR six speed automatic does.

If you are saying that I am wrong about my own truck and sixth gear being locked out in Tow/Haul mode, well, lets just say you're mistaken.

 

[Powder Extreme]

I'm not saying your wrong about your truck. I am simply stating that the new 6spd automatic in the new 2010 Dodge does NOT lock out 6th gear when it is in Tow Haul mode. I am adding that this is FACT and not my personal opinion since you seem to be so concerned about what is fact and what is misinformation.

Cheers

*edit Perhaps I should have been more clear about which truck and transmission my first statement was regarding.

 

[HBarlow]

It does (although they have now moved it to the dash next tot he exhaust brake). I didn't realize max torque stayed on from 1500-2700rpm but that makes sense.

By activating the T/H mode, does this mean it would be pointless to manually shift it to 5th? I've never had a problem towing with it, I'm just trying to educate myself before my trip this time so I can play with it.

With the Tow/Haul mode and the paddle shifter features available to you I would use the Tow/Haul mode 100% of the time when towing and control gear range selection using the paddle to keep the engine rpm in the range of your choosing at whatever road speed you choose.

With a 14,000 lb. trailer hooked up I've found I prefer to loaf along at about 62 mph in fifth gear around 2100 rpm. If I"m in a 55 mph zone it still works great because 57-58 mph is approximately 1700 rpm in fifth, still in the torque band. Tow/Haul works perfect for my needs with sixth gear locked out.

My '08 C&C does not have a paddle shifter. I've heard the '10s do now.

 

[craiggo]

With the Tow/Haul mode and the paddle shifter features available to you I would use the Tow/Haul mode 100% of the time when towing and control gear range selection using the paddle to keep the engine rpm in the range of your choosing at whatever road speed you choose.



With a 14,000 lb. trailer hooked up I've found I prefer to loaf along at about 62 mph in fifth gear around 2100 rpm. If I"m in a 55 mph zone it still works great because 57-58 mph is approximately 1700 rpm in fifth, still in the torque band. Tow/Haul works perfect for my needs with sixth gear locked out.



My '08 C&C does not have a paddle shifter. I've heard the '10s do now.

I'm going to try doing this next weekend. 62, even 57 will be way too fast for these roads, especially towing but this is good advice.



Thanks



Craig