Friends,
I'm certainly not a transmission expert and I'm sure there is a learning curve for me on this truck from my previous one. The engine and transmission are completely different. My new 2017 5500 Cummins achieves max 325 HP at 2400 RPM whereas my 2009 4500 Cummins achieved max 305 HP at 2900 RPM, stock. The AS68RC locked out 6th gear in tow/haul, but the AS69C uses all 6 gears and has a Smart Exhaust Brake. In addition to the stock differences in the two trucks, I had a Smarty on my 4500 for eight years programmed at 390HP and 790 lb ft TQ and my 5500 is bone stock 325HP and 750 lb ft of TQ. I got So, I agree there is learning going on with driving this new truck.
The wording from my 2107 Ram service manual under description of the AS69RC has the following wording: "This transmission offers full electronic control of all automatic up and downshifts, and features real-time adaptive closed-loop shift and pressure control." I guess adaptive is not necessarily learning and not sure to what extent it "adapts." I do know the quicker it shifts to 2nd, the stronger the truck accelerates, so maybe that's where I'm at in getting the truck to shift to 2nd quicker. It may be my foot that's doing the learning, but the truck seems to be accelerating better from a stop.
Finally, it may be harder comparing the P/Us and my truck in acceleration. My truck weighs almost 12K lbs without any cargo on it and a crew cab 3500 dually 4x4 I'm guessing weighs somewhere around 8K lbs w/aux fuel tank and toolbox. And 4.88s on my truck compared to 3.42s, 3.73s, and 4.10s might make it a little slower accelerating too.
As always, I'm open to comments and opinions.
Ron