Towing in the Mountains

[Dean Upson]

TC=Torque Converter



Dean

 

[Shooter]

YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY ENGINE BRAKING WITH AN AUTO !!!!!

unless you have a TC controler to keep the tc locked up while the throttle is at idle.



Even if you get a exhaust brake it will be usless unless you get a torque converter clutch controller to keep the tc clutch engaged while decellerating, the pcm is programed to disengage the tc clutch when the throttle is at idle while the trans is in gear.



Do your home work.



Stick guys have some compression braking but is a whole lot better with an exhaust brake.



Towing heavy ( over 8k ) desend one gear lower than what you assended the grade untill you get the feel of the rig. There are a lot of grades ( including interstates that will be an easy 65 till you get a few miles down the grade where they stick a 35 mph curve or 20 mph switch back. Be prepaired and don't waste the brakes.

They only put runaway ramps where it is convienient and easy for them: NOT necissaily where you might need them.



That PUC stripping truck is quite common as is the road crew clearing rock falls. So is the 2 semi's ( neather having a jake ) passing each other: one doing 30 mph and the other doing a blistering 32.



Do not get in a hurry and have fun.

 

[WyoJim]

"YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY ENGINE BRAKING WITH AN AUTO !!!!!"



I beg to differ with you, maybe your auto don't hold back more in a lower gear, but mine does.



Not as much as my 5 speed did, but enough to cut my brake use back considerable. The lower gear can be seen on the tach, felt and heard.

 

[KMeek]

I live in Montana and tow my 5th wheel in the mountains often. I also tow the 5th wheel to the Seattle area every year and go up and down several mountain passes on that trip. Total weight of truck and 5th wheel is over 14,000 pounds. I do not have an exhaust brake. Before buying a diesel I had the same exact truck except that the previous truck was a Dodge V-10--had the same transmission, differential, etc. I don't find that I drive the diesel any different than I did the V-10. I do not feel that I need an exhaust brake or driving techniques different than a gas motor. Maybe I am too light but my 5th wheel is a 26' Jayco. I have never had any problem towing using the same methods that I used when I had gas motors.

 

[KBennett]

You should have some engine braking with the auto but it will not be nearly as good as a manual unless the torque converter is locked up. Personally I don't think it's a good idea to use an auto behind a braking engine unless the TC is locked up. The trans fluid is going to get pretty hot.

 

[thejeepdude]

Originally posted by Shooter

Even if you get a exhaust brake it will be usless unless you get a torque converter clutch controller to keep the tc clutch engaged while decellerating, the pcm is programed to disengage the tc clutch when the throttle is at idle while the trans is in gear.

I thought this was changed for the latest 3G trucks? Or will be soon... once they finalize the software updates and gain warranty approval on 48RE with EB.