Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > POWER TRAIN GARAGE FORUMS > Allison Transmission Forum
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-04-2016, 02:00 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Triple E Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: STETTLER
Posts: 417
Devils Advocate re: Transyd

I was strategizing my next major maintenance job and thinking about the Allison transmission with it's current Dex 111, I know Transyd is written in the bible as the holly grail for replacement to upgrade-bear with me. GM (who owned Allison at one time) has upgraded GM transmissions to Dex V1(a synthetic that is listed to be backward compatible with Dex111). Many oil and lube companies have brought out some very good synthetic formulations that are listed as being Dex111 compatible. If compatible with Dex11 is the common link, is it a big stretch to say any or some of these new transmission fluids that are backward compatible with Dex111 would they also not also be compatible with our MH Allison transmissions. I am thinking in particular of Maxlife synthetic trans fluid. It has been given many thumbs up in many forums for doing a fluid change in automatic transmission. And no I'm not interested in some choir preaching that the manufacturer has "said" Transyd is the gift to all of us. Why is it better, different, why are there some many newer synthetic tranny fluids that list backward compatibility with Dex111, and yet are held to NOT be the equal to Transyd???
__________________
2000 Bounder. 2000 Vanguard 17' boat, 5 dogs, 2 cats, 1 miniature ponies, 1 horse, Massey MF65, 2013 Kia Sorrento, 2003 GMC Sierra Denali Quad Steer- 1 longtime patient wife(56 yrs)
POPPASMURF is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 06-04-2016, 05:48 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
palehorse89's Avatar
 
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10,309
Here is a list of "Approved Allison Fluids" On-Highway Fluids

It is your transmission and your money, you can put anything in it that you want to......Use what ever you think is best for your transmission.
__________________
2012 Essex 4544 2011 Jeep JK, M&G Braking, 2014 MTI 27' Hog Hauler, Wireless brake control, 2006 Ultra & 1989 Springer, 2003 Harley-Davidson
FLHR Road King Anniversary
palehorse89 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2016, 08:03 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Cat320's Avatar
 
Fleetwood Owners Club
American Coach Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,759
Quote:
Originally Posted by palehorse89 View Post
Here is a list of "Approved Allison Fluids" On-Highway Fluids

It is your transmission and your money, you can put anything in it that you want to......Use what ever you think is best for your transmission.
Yep, that's for sure. However, we know what works...that's what I'm going with, why take a chance.
__________________
2014 American Eagle 45T
DD 13, 500 HP
Pulling a Honda CRV
Cat320 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2016, 08:56 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Sky_Boss's Avatar
 
Newmar Owners Club
Freightliner Owners Club
Spartan Chassis
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: ON THE ROAD...SOMEWHERE
Posts: 6,973
Just a thought but given the extremely long life of TranSynd and other TES 295 certified brands, why wonder off the trail. It sounds like you have made up your mind on the subject so why ask the choir for a different tune?
__________________
Don, Sandee & GSD Zeus. Guardian GSDs Gunny (7/11/15) & Thor (5/5/15)
2006 2015 DSDP 4320 4369, FL Chassis, 2013 CR-V 2020 Jeep Overland, Blue Ox Avail, SMI AF1.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Sky_Boss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2016, 11:54 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
gemert's Avatar
 
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 916
Quote:
Originally Posted by POPPASMURF View Post
I was strategizing my next major maintenance job and thinking about the Allison transmission with it's current Dex 111, I know Transyd is written in the bible as the holly grail for replacement to upgrade-bear with me. GM (who owned Allison at one time) has upgraded GM transmissions to Dex V1(a synthetic that is listed to be backward compatible with Dex111). Many oil and lube companies have brought out some very good synthetic formulations that are listed as being Dex111 compatible. If compatible with Dex11 is the common link, is it a big stretch to say any or some of these new transmission fluids that are backward compatible with Dex111 would they also not also be compatible with our MH Allison transmissions. I am thinking in particular of Maxlife synthetic trans fluid. It has been given many thumbs up in many forums for doing a fluid change in automatic transmission. And no I'm not interested in some choir preaching that the manufacturer has "said" Transyd is the gift to all of us. Why is it better, different, why are there some many newer synthetic tranny fluids that list backward compatibility with Dex111, and yet are held to NOT be the equal to Transyd???
So are these new synthetics cheaper than Transynd?
__________________
Jerry, "EWC (SW)" USN Retired
2003 Beaver Patriot Thunder 505 HP C-12 1550 TQ
Allison 4000MH Ram 4X4 towed
gemert is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2016, 10:39 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Pusherpilot's Avatar
 
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: SD
Posts: 1,022
Quote:
Originally Posted by gemert View Post
So are these new synthetics cheaper than Transynd?

Must be. The local Alison shop in Springfield Mo told me they no longer carry Transynd due to its higher price. I was told that the "patents" (if that's what they really were) have run out and now several brands are sold that are identical product to Transynd. If there is different info out there feel free to let me know, I'm more interested in the truth than being right.
ron
__________________
2004 HR Imperial
Pusherpilot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2016, 11:38 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Triple E Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: STETTLER
Posts: 417
There is of course the standard refrain that because the manufacturer said so it must be true. This without any thought of the fact not one of the manufacturer's of motorhomes, automobiles or trucks-owns an oil/lube company. There must be an admission that when they specify a particular brand/standard for which they hold the rights- it is mainly a money grab from any lubricant manufacturer who wishes to say me too. Look at the likes of Allison, BMW, VAG- they all engage in this practice. Of course no one addressed the theme of my posting- all of these alternate lubricants are specified to be backward compatible with Dex111- including Transyd. That in itself indicates some commonality. The converse could then be asked- if Transyd is so good and high a standard- why could it not be retrofitted into other transmissions that spec Dex111. And stating the obvious that it is my choice is of little benefit of advancement to the question. What is Transyd that it is the only fluid specified by Allison as a replacement for Dex 111.
__________________
2000 Bounder. 2000 Vanguard 17' boat, 5 dogs, 2 cats, 1 miniature ponies, 1 horse, Massey MF65, 2013 Kia Sorrento, 2003 GMC Sierra Denali Quad Steer- 1 longtime patient wife(56 yrs)
POPPASMURF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2016, 11:53 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
Steve Ownby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cosby, Tn
Posts: 6,587
Quote:
Originally Posted by POPPASMURF View Post
There is of course the standard refrain that because the manufacturer said so it must be true. This without any thought of the fact not one of the manufacturer's of motorhomes, automobiles or trucks-owns an oil/lube company. There must be an admission that when they specify a particular brand/standard for which they hold the rights- it is mainly a money grab from any lubricant manufacturer who wishes to say me too. Look at the likes of Allison, BMW, VAG- they all engage in this practice. Of course no one addressed the theme of my posting- all of these alternate lubricants are specified to be backward compatible with Dex111- including Transyd. That in itself indicates some commonality. The converse could then be asked- if Transyd is so good and high a standard- why could it not be retrofitted into other transmissions that spec Dex111. And stating the obvious that it is my choice is of little benefit of advancement to the question. What is Transyd that it is the only fluid specified by Allison as a replacement for Dex 111.

Transynd is not the only fluid. The Allison web site (link in an earlier post) lists 9 fluids that have been approved as meeting the TES295 spec. Also, if you wish, there is a TES389 that you can use. The TES389 fluids are held to a different maintenance schedule. As has been stated, your transmission, your $$$, your call. My $$$ will be spent on TES295 fluid and an annual fluid analysis.
__________________
Steve Ownby
Full time since 2007
2003 Monaco Signature
Steve Ownby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2016, 12:05 PM   #9
Registered User
 
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Varies Depending on The Weather
Posts: 8,517
Quote:
Originally Posted by POPPASMURF View Post

I was strategizing my next major maintenance job and thinking about the Allison transmission with it's current Dex 111, I know TranSynd™is written in the bible as the holly grail for replacement to upgrade-bear with me. GM (who owned Allison at one time) has upgraded GM transmissions to Dex V1(a synthetic that is listed to be backward compatible with Dex111). Many oil and lube companies have brought out some very good synthetic formulations that are listed as being Dex111 compatible. If compatible with Dex11 is the common link, is it a big stretch to say any or some of these new transmission fluids that are backward compatible with Dex111 would they also not also be compatible with our MH Allison transmissions. I am thinking in particular of Maxlife synthetic trans fluid. It has been given many thumbs up in many forums for doing a fluid change in automatic transmission. And no I'm not interested in some choir preaching that the manufacturer has "said" TranSynd™is the gift to all of us. Why is it better, different, why are there some many newer synthetic tranny fluids that list backward compatibility with Dex111, and yet are held to NOT be the equal to TranSynd™???
Why not ask Mr TranSynd himself, Tom Johnson, who is a retired Allison Transmission Fluids Engineer. He is retired now and will give you the straight scoop on all of your questions and specific situation without the BS.

He is a member here and you can find his thread HERE.

Dr4Film ----- Richard
Dr4Film is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-08-2016, 06:42 AM   #10
Moderator Emeritus
 
barmcd's Avatar


 
Monaco Owners Club
Texas Boomers Club
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 13,426
Just because Transynd meets Dex 111 specs, doesn't mean the corollary is true. There is no guarantee that Dex 111 meets Transynd TES295 specs unless it says so on the label. I'm assuming that since you are asking the question, Dex 111 does not state it meets the specification that Allison says you should use. Why risk a potential $6000 repair bill?
__________________
Dennis and Katherine
2000 Monaco Dynasty
barmcd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-08-2016, 08:06 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
Steve Ownby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cosby, Tn
Posts: 6,587
Devils Advocate re: Transyd

Quote:
Originally Posted by POPPASMURF View Post
I was strategizing my next major maintenance job and thinking about the Allison transmission with it's current Dex 111, I know Transyd is written in the bible as the holly grail for replacement to upgrade-bear with me. GM (who owned Allison at one time) has upgraded GM transmissions to Dex V1(a synthetic that is listed to be backward compatible with Dex111). Many oil and lube companies have brought out some very good synthetic formulations that are listed as being Dex111 compatible. If compatible with Dex11 is the common link, is it a big stretch to say any or some of these new transmission fluids that are backward compatible with Dex111 would they also not also be compatible with our MH Allison transmissions. I am thinking in particular of Maxlife synthetic trans fluid. It has been given many thumbs up in many forums for doing a fluid change in automatic transmission. And no I'm not interested in some choir preaching that the manufacturer has "said" Transyd is the gift to all of us. Why is it better, different, why are there some many newer synthetic tranny fluids that list backward compatibility with Dex111, and yet are held to NOT be the equal to Transyd???

The major problem with Dexlll and all the clones that claim compatibility, is that GM pulled the license for Dexlll several years ago. There is no entity that looks at any of these products that claim to be DexIII compatible. DexVI in particular is specifically called out by Allison as not compatible with some older transmissions because it will damage some internals.

If you want to use something other than a TES295 (Transynd) then look for a product that meets the TES389 spec. That is Allison's current spec that most closely resembles the old DexIII spec. You call out Maxlife synthetic as a possibility. If you use Maxlife, what does it cost per gal vs a TES295 fluid.

For my money, these Allison's are close to bulletproof. Any fluid I put in will be one that has been analyzed and tested against the TES295 spec. I have to ask, why is Maxlife not on the approved list?
__________________
Steve Ownby
Full time since 2007
2003 Monaco Signature
Steve Ownby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-09-2016, 12:25 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Mr_D's Avatar
 
Country Coach Owners Club
Solo Rvers Club
iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
Transmission is too expensive NOT to use TranSynd or other TES-295 approved fluid.

And Dexron III is compatible with TranSynd, BUT if mixed in with a TES-295 approved fluid you lose the long term life and usually lower running temps that TranSynd provides. To get it back you need to do the two fluid exchanges per Cummins specs. No fluid flushing suffices for the two exchanges with run time in between.
__________________
2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
Mr_D is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-09-2016, 10:11 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Tha_Rooster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 8,638
Your not changing it every year like oil I would think this is one area not try to go cheaper on.
__________________
2007 Fleetwood Revolution LE 40V
Tha_Rooster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-13-2016, 02:34 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
38Chevy454's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 849
Dexron VI is a low-viscosity fluid. Transynd and approved other TES-295 are not low-viscosity. TES-295 is similar viscosity to Dexron III, the main difference being TES-295 are full synthetic. I am not sure, but believe Dexron VI is a synthetic blend. In the past, Dexron VI did create some Allison seal issues with internal parts as Steve suggested.

So what does it all mean? For me it means I would use the TES-295 approved fluid, you get the best of being a synthetic, none of the potential seal compatibility issues, and longer change intervals.

But just like at the casino, you pay your money and take your chances.

I do wish that TES-295 trans fluid was lower cost though.
__________________
2017 Renegade Verona 36 VSB
2005 Kenworth Showhauler truck conversion. sold.
I used to have a handle on life, but it broke
38Chevy454 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
cat



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Transyd??? Steve N Sal Allison Transmission Forum 7 05-17-2012 08:04 PM
Italys' Famous Dare Devils max49 Just Conversation 5 02-03-2012 08:56 PM
Bad service at Devils Tower KOA restaurant JimmyLeggett iRV2.com General Discussion 19 07-27-2011 06:42 AM
Devils Tower NP to Yellowstone oldpa Navigation, Routes & Roads 11 07-08-2007 02:34 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:38 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.