auto trans and a steep grade

[Tractorat]

Im planning on a trip from Seattle to Alaska in June. I understand that there are a couple of 9 or 10% grades along the way. (Ive never even seen a real 10% grade) My truck is all stock (except for an EZ), auto trans, 3. 54.



My question is:

1. In the past when going DOWN a relatively steep grade, Ive been know to drop the trans down into 2nd and let the engine help hold my speed down, with little or no braking required (no, I dont have an exhaust brake). With a 10% grade, can that cause any kind of damage to my transmission ? (I know, that might be a stupid question, but I wont know if I dont ask)



2. Going back UP the 10% grade. Am I smarter to go up in first gear, RPM's aournd 21 or 2200, or 2nd gear with the same RPM's ? Or is there any difference ? I will have a trans temp guage when I go, so I will be able to monitor that.



Thanks for you help,

TRat

 

[Joe G.]

As long as you don't lug it you should be fine. Keep your RPM up.

 

[jelag]

I've driven this route 3 times..... and I don't remember any 10% grades... . not to say there isn't any..... If your going to pull a trailer I'd suggest a transmission temp gauge... . and going by one of the local book stores and picking up a copy of the "milepost" this is a soft bound book... . that lists the highway by mile post..... tells about the road, diners, motels, fuel stops etc... . I'd suggest a current one... . it changes every year based on who opens and closes their business and lists major construction going on... .

We always drove up... and returned by ferry from Haines AK to Bremerton WA. The ferry is run by the Alaska Marine Highway..... and takes 3 1/2 days... if you book soon enough there are state rooms available...

I'm off topic... . but hope it helps...

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks Jim,

I actually saw the 6-9% grade in the Milepost (and in another book I bought called "The World Famous Alaska Highway, not sure how accurate this one is though) Its says it is near Sikanna Chief, about half way between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson. If you dont remember it, maybe its a pretty insignificant and short hill, which will make me relax a little. Its not mentioned on the trip tik I got from AAA.

 

[dcoffman]

Tractorat:

The 6%- 10% hills I went up were just hills,they were not long pulls at all. The one you're talking about is at Pink Mountian. I went up in 4th at about 50 mph and it is a short climb. You should have no problem. A friend was in a Frud and he had no problem ,so the old RAM will be just fine.

 

[ScottLewis]

I made the trip 3 years ago with my '98 towing a 11K 5th wheel. I do have an e brake and 4. 10 rear end but even so I'm sure you'll make it fine. Some good suggestions were offered here and I'll add one more. While it's important to keep RPM up and not lug too much going up, it's also important to watch your RPM going down hills so you don't over-rev.



Have a great trip and take lots of pictures.



Dan

 

[RottonRob]

Only real steep grade we found was going into Skagway. Have fun.

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks again for the reply. I know to keep the rpm in the normal range even going down hill. But I wasnt sure if harm could be done to the transmission by using it to hold the rig back, rather than powering forward



TRat

 

[Hitchhiker-01]

When you are going down a steep grade in 2nd gear you will be sheering the transmission fluid. IT WILL GET HOT. This is how I melted plastic connectors on the 1995 I had. Dodge endeded up replacing my truck due to transmission failure.



Jack

 

[CRuth]

Only time I've seen the temp climb high enough on mine to warrant worry, is going up steep "slow" grades. The 15-25mph kind. Never seen it get hot on a long downgrade.