taking a steep grade downhill

[bigben]

Gotta say, never had an issue with too many engine rpms and subsequent damage to the transmission using the methods I described above. As I said we traveled some steep mountain slopes - the steepest complete with a number of hairpin curves - was Highway 16 into Ten Sleep. Slope warnings between 5%-7% were easily handled in our coach. Just need to take your time, let the V10 help and periodically depress the brakes sharply to slow the speed. No problems.

If you have a toad, a good supplementary brake system is a must. After that descent, we upgraded to the classic Brake Buddy. Now when I depress the brakes as mentioned above, I can feel the tug of the Brake Buddy. Reassuring.

[Bob Denman]

"I can't believe that Ford didn't design the transmission so you can't damage the engine. Every other manufacture does."


They did...

Originally Posted by Tfryman

If you are already at 5000 RPM hitting the brake will not downshift you to a lower gear, the ECM (computer) will not allow it.

In fact, most transmissions will automatically upshift if you crank the RPMs up with your foot, even if you forgot and left the shift lever in first or low.

RPM sensing setups have been around for years.
My last three motorcycles even had them.

[Larry]

Just traveled some steep grades in Oregon and N California (8% occasionally) that were 5 miles or longer. Used the tow/haul and never felt unsafe. Like a jet reversing the engines during landing.

[vkb]

Having tackled the grades in Yellowstone, Oregon, Washington and several in Tennessee...come to Colorado and experience what is offered.

[bigben]

Yep - I70 was gorgeous and is doable. Just take your time and think about what you're doing - enjoy the ride.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Laco

I can't believe that Ford didn't design the transmission so you can't damage the engine. Every other manufacture does.

That part is easy -- Ford could just upshift transmission to drop engine RPMs. Unfortunately, that also reduces engine braking which leads to faster vehicle speed; exactly what you don't want. For now it's up to driver to slow down enough using brakes to allow a downshift so engine can do more good.

By the way, most manufacturers don't have to deal with extreme weight of a motorhome -- engine braking is very different when only slowing a 3,000-pound car. Most cars have much higher engine-size/weight ratio.


Fortunately there will be solutions to all this before too long.

[C WITT]

Rule of thumb from old truck driver:
Always 1 gear lower downhill than it took you to go uphill...