Does a 2003 Workhorse have a Grade Brake?

[jodan0586]

We are looking at purchasing our first Class A motorhome. We are very interested in a 2003 Allegro Bay, 34 foot. We took it for a test drive and noticed the transmission making a loud noise when exiting the interstate. After investigation, I found that it may be the Automatic Grade Brake. It sounded as thought this could definitely be it, as it would rev high and slow the coach down, it would then rev high again, slowing the coach more. It was like I was manually downshifting the coach.

My research indicates the this may be normal and that I need to adjust my braking technique a little. I do not have a problem with that. However, I wanted first to verify that the 2003 Workhorse (W-22 I believe) with allison transmission (1000 I believe) had this automatic grade brake. And, second, is there a switch available to turn it off/on like the newer models?

Thanks for any information on this.
Jodan0586

[golden]

My '04 doesn't nor was it offered as an option. What you MAY be hearing is the fan clutch although why you would hear it as you are exiting. Also, and what is more likely, is that you are hearing the normal gearing down of the transmission. I have an Itasca W-22 chassis. Hope this helps.

[Steve N Sal]

Is the overdrive switch in the "OFF"position? There is a definate difference in the way the transmission downshifts between it being ON and OFF. The grade brake was offered in 2005.

[jodan0586]

Thanks. The first time it happened, we were testing it on the Interstate at approximately 65 mph, with the overdrive switch on. We made a right hand exit where the exit ramp goes into a complete circle, so I had to brake fairly hard. The noise comming from the tranmission area was quite loud. The Tech, who was riding with us, said it had to do with fans and clutches or some such things. I did not fully understand what he was telling me.

So, what I am hearing is that in 2003, not only was the Grade Brade Switch not available, neither was the Grade Brake. Is this true?

[az bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodan0586 Thanks. The first time it happened, we were testing it on the Interstate at approximately 65 mph, with the overdrive switch on. We made a right hand exit where the exit ramp goes into a complete circle, so I had to brake fairly hard. The noise comming from the tranmission area was quite loud. The Tech, who was riding with us, said it had to do with fans and clutches or some such things. I did not fully understand what he was telling me. So, what I am hearing is that in 2003, not only was the Grade Brade Switch not available, neither was the Grade Brake. Is this true?

To the best of my knowledge the the grade brake was not avaliable until 2005.
I believe what you are hearing is the normal downshifting of the tranny.

[jodan0586]

Is it normally loud. I test drove a few others and it did not seem quite so loud.

[golden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodan0586 Is it normally loud. I test drove a few others and it did not seem quite so loud.

Yes it can be loud and please read post #2 for another possibility, although less likely.

[az bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodan0586 Is it normally loud. I test drove a few others and it did not seem quite so loud.

The noise level would be more dependent upon how well the coach builder soundproofed the engine compartment and can vary greatly from one to another.

[jodan0586]

Its an Allegro Bay

[WeatherTodd]

the earlier WH didnt come with them but you can purchase the Ultrapower kit with the grade brake as an option.
Brazel's RV Centralia Washington

[az bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodan0586 Its an Allegro Bay

I can't comment on that, never driven or rode in one.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jodan0586 And, second, is there a switch available to turn it off/on like the newer models?

Jodan0586, Absent an after market Transmission Grade Brake (TGB) a 2003 W22 does not have a Workhorse TGB as standard equipment. TGB only became available in 2005.

I installed an Ultrapower Allison Grade Brake from Brazel's RV Performance. It does have a switch to turn it off but the brake does not work coming off the Interstate. It only works on grades. I have not turned the switch off under normal operations however I did toggle it a few tiomes to see if the light went off. My Ultrapower Allison 1000 Grade Brake works great!

[jfran304]

We had a 2003 Allegro Open Road 261A on the Workhorse chassis and it did not have the grade brake. Our 2006 Allegro Open Road 35TSA does have the grade brake. I can't say if the Bay would be the same though.

Good Luck,
Jon

[jodan0586]

Thanks for all the information. I guess the coach just down-shifted hard. How much does an UltraPower Kit cost and is it something that can be done without special tools by someone who is pretty handy? I would be getting such a deal on this coach, that it might be worth it to add this feature later. Thanks.