Allison 6 speed

[Jocat54]

I think I have really confused myself--what does the "economy mode" really do? Do most of you drive in economy or normal mode.

Thanks,

John

[gmanatl]

The economy mode changes the shift points in the transmission so it shifts quicker to get in the higher gears faster enabling better fuel economy. You will not get great improvement in fuel mileage but any gain is better than none. I have used it on both my DPs except in hilly or mountainous areas. It will also keep you in the higher gears longer before shifting down. You manual should explain all of this.

[Hooligan]

I believe most find there is little or no noticeable difference in performance or economy.
There was a poll done recently on the IRV2 Allison Transmission forum. (scroll down to Power Train/ Allison) or go here Allison Tranny Mode - Normal / Economy

I leave my selector in Economy for most situations, the normal mode delays shift points and may benefit when climbing a grade.......

[76dc]

I run in economy mode when I remember. Somtmes I put several miles on before I realize the light is not on.

[RickO]

I tried using mine when I first got my coach but felt uncomfortable with the delayed shift points... I guess it felt like sluggish performace to me. having said that I had never driven a DP before and I should probably give it another try... especially since I'm not too happy with my 7.1mpg while towing.

Rick

[historyljc]

On flat ground it makes no difference between economy and power mode. Once you get to sixth gear the transmission won't be shifting up or down. Where economy can save you a little bit is going over regular old overpasses, up hills without too steep of grade. The economy mode will hold at the higher gear longer. You will be trading some speed for the "savings" in fuel mileage. How much fuel do you save in this situation, I have no idea.

[DutchStar38]

I use Econo mode mostly on open stretches. When in city traffic I switch back to Normal mode. Haven't really noticed any real savings.

[GaryKD]

I started out using the economy mode. I noticed no difference in fuel MPG. For the last several years I have not used it. I do not intend to use it in the future.

[MaverickBBD]

I would say I use it 80+% of the time. Which seems right in line with the poll results. It is only when I am wondering why I am not downshifting for a climb that I remember to take it off.

[Mike Canter]

I find the problem with the E-Mode is that I push my foot down further for more accelaration when needed so any MPG saving goes away. My motor hardly ever downshifts on most grades anyhow. It has to be pretty steep to start kicking down.

RickO don't feel to bad on the 7.1 MPG because thats what I get also. To make you feel better I talked to a camper pulling a 26' tag along camping trailer behind his Ford F-150 and he was only getting 7.0 mpg.

[deandec]

Yep, 7.47 nine year average here on the West Coast with lots of ups and downs and the generator use estimate removed.

I never use the economy mode since it is reputed to be a non factor on flat lands and an irritant in major upgrades which we do often.

We just completed a 4300 mile trip to and from the midwest with very few major inclines encounted. That trip, without using the economy mode, netted an 8.1 mpg average.