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Old 11-06-2019, 08:04 PM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Outlaw 38RE
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THOR #17154
Transmission break?

The RV is a 2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE. Ford V10.
We’re driving home - Dallas TX to Maysville WV.
We notice that when we’re going downhill and press the brake it appears that the tranny downshifts on its own to assist the braking. It’s repeatable and consistent.

It doesn’t appear to do it on level grade.

I’m going to assume it’s ok. But we’ve never seen nothing like this. But the biggest thing I’ve driven prior is my Honda Ridgeline!

Is it designed to do this?

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Old 11-06-2019, 08:08 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WearyTraveler View Post
The RV is a 2017 Thor Outlaw 38RE. Ford V10.
We’re driving home - Dallas TX to Maysville WV.
We notice that when we’re going downhill and press the brake it appears that the tranny downshifts on its own to assist the braking. It’s repeatable and consistent.

It doesn’t appear to do it on level grade.

I’m going to assume it’s ok. But we’ve never seen nothing like this. But the biggest thing I’ve driven prior is my Honda Ridgeline!

Is it designed to do this?
Yes, even more so when you are in Tow/Haul mode.

Even in Cruise Control, if you go downhill and the coach overruns your set speed by 5 mph the transmission will downshift to slow you down without hitting the brake.
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Old 11-06-2019, 08:19 PM   #3
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If you are in Tow'Haul mode: yes; it is designed to do exactly what you are describing.
How do you like sitting that high up over the road?
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Old 11-06-2019, 08:56 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
If you are in Tow'Haul mode: yes; it is designed to do exactly what you are describing.
How do you like sitting that high up over the road?
It’s amazing sitting way up here!
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Old 11-06-2019, 08:59 PM   #5
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Thank you for the info!

Additionally, what would happen if this occurred while on ice? Say you’re heading downhill on ice / snow and you go into a skid and apply the brakes. Supposed to stop braking - is the tranny smart enough to allow the V to not brake?
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Old 11-06-2019, 09:23 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by WearyTraveler View Post
Thank you for the info!

Additionally, what would happen if this occurred while on ice? Say you’re heading downhill on ice / snow and you go into a skid and apply the brakes. Supposed to stop braking - is the tranny smart enough to allow the V to not brake?
Your coach has anti-lock disk brakes. They work the same if it is you or the transmission trying to slow the coach down. If you study the Ford F-53 owner's manual, you will find a lot of useful information.
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Old 11-06-2019, 10:53 PM   #7
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Yup! That's what ABS is for...
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Old 11-06-2019, 11:48 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Beau388 View Post
Your coach has anti-lock disk brakes. They work the same if it is you or the transmission trying to slow the coach down. If you study the Ford F-53 owner's manual, you will find a lot of useful information.
Well that's not accurate. ABS stops skidding due to pressure applied to the brakes: it reduces that pressure to keep the wheel turning.

A transmission downshift uses the engine compression to slow the spinning of the wheels: it will never lock them up but a sharp downshift on ice could start a skid. ABS can do nothing to prevent that.
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Old 11-07-2019, 12:29 AM   #9
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In snow and ice engine braking can be hazardous to your health. It isn't so much the braking as it is the downshift that can get you in trouble. I no longer drive slowly in slick conditions, I don't drive at all.
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