Community Forums

Digz · 04-11-2016, 06:35 PM

I'm new to the Diesel pusher world and looking for any tips you might give. I'm sure it will be alot better than my old gasser

I do mostly mountain traveling in Colorado and this summer will be my first trip in my new Excursion. Anything special i should know like RPM range,downshifting, etc...?

gemert · 04-11-2016, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digz

I'm new to the Diesel pusher world and looking for any tips you might give. I'm sure it will be alot better than my old gasser

I do mostly mountain traveling in Colorado and this summer will be my first trip in my new Excursion. Anything special i should know like RPM range,downshifting, etc...?

Have fun and enjoy the ride.

dnystrom · 04-11-2016, 06:40 PM

The Allison will do all the work for you. You may have to shift it yourself on a steep grade to avoid overheating. Mine works just fine with no manual shifting. Watch the temp gauge. Keep the radiator clean.

Bigd9 · 04-11-2016, 06:42 PM

Great advice here from the previous posters. Don't forget the exhaust brake for the down grades. Just have fun!

jondrew55 · 04-11-2016, 06:46 PM

Enjoy the trip. My ISB liked the 1800 rpm range. Yours is tuned up a it from my 2014 35C. Didn't do much mountain driving in Florida bus we did go thru the mountains near Chattanooga with some 6% grades that it handled fine pulling my Murano. I never did any manual shifting

Kiawah · 04-11-2016, 06:46 PM

Downshift if necessary, to keep the rpm's up so you don't overheat.

Digz · 04-11-2016, 06:48 PM

What about going down? the exhaust brake does just find with no downshifting?

jondrew55 · 04-11-2016, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digz

What about going down? the exhaust brake does just find with no downshifting?

My retarder worked great in the mountains. Of course I had limited experience.

dnystrom · 04-11-2016, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digz

What about going down? the exhaust brake does just find with no downshifting?

Yep it works fine on my rig. I still have to use the brake to get the exhaust brake to be working as it should slowing or holding the rig back on the steep one's.

mricet1005 · 04-11-2016, 06:56 PM

On mine, the Allison automatically downshifts when exhaust brake kicks in. Since I only have exhaust brake it will not hold speed completely by itself on steep downhills but only occasional brake application needed.

Bigd9 · 04-11-2016, 06:58 PM

Your coach is smart. It will down shift automatically to the proper gear when the exhaust brake is active. You may still have to use the service brakes depending on grade and speed limit but the exhaust brake will help a LOT.

windsorbill · 04-11-2016, 07:10 PM

digz

Going down hill, when you activate the exhaust brake, it will shift the transmission automatically for you. Its smart enough not to over-rev the engine so you don't have to worry about that. If you're going too fast for the exhaust brake to kick in, apply the brake to slow down and you'll feel the exhaust brake kick in when you've slowed enough. If you do need to slow down some more, use the brake firmly to get slowed down, then release it, don't ride the brake. I try to go down the hill at the same speed if I were going up the same hill.

I have a 2 speed exhaust brake and if I use the 2nd speed, I usually slow down too much and I seldom touch the brakes.

Skip426 · 04-11-2016, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by windsorbill

digz
I have a 2 speed exhaust brake and if I use the 2nd speed, I usually slow down too much and I seldom touch the brakes.

Bill , I believe your ISL is equipped with a two stage ENGINE brake as the engines with exhaust brakes only have the one setting.

Skip426 · 04-11-2016, 08:45 PM

Digz, as others have stated activating your exhaust brake will also set the transmission into a downshift program.
Important to remember at the summit of the hill , before you start down , slow to a control speed ; I like 45>50 mph ; remember it is way easier to start downhill at a lower speed and speed up slightly if you feel it's too slow that to slow down if your going too fast. Easier on the service brakes too.
Your ISB revs higher than my old Cat so these numbers will be different for your coach.
The downshift program will keep my RPM above 2000, shifting down another gear if RPM drops below , HOWEVER it is important to watch your RPM for a high limit, at 2800 RPM , my trans program will up-shift to avoid over reving the engine, the resulting jump in speed may be more than you want, so be aware and use the service brakes to slow you to 2100 RPM and then rely on the exhaust brake to hold the speed.
As others said , " don't ride the brakes " use them to slow you down then release them to let them cool.

Enjoy your new coach & Safe Travels.