Community Forums

firedad · 10-09-2005, 07:01 AM

We recently purchased a 36 ft 5th wheel Keystone Raptor toy hauler, we used to has a 30' TT.Our 5th wheel is quite a bit heavier, OK, my question is about towing and going downhill. I have had a couple of guys say shift down into second, but if I remember right I had a trans. guy say that is a good way to trash the trans. pump. I will eventually get some kind of exhaust brake, but for now is there any other suggestions?? I know there is a bunch of you guys that pull 12-15K trailers everyday and have a great deal of experience towing. Dont want to make any mistakes with the wife and two little girls onboard...Thanks in advance.

firedad · 10-09-2005, 07:01 AM

We recently purchased a 36 ft 5th wheel Keystone Raptor toy hauler, we used to has a 30' TT.Our 5th wheel is quite a bit heavier, OK, my question is about towing and going downhill. I have had a couple of guys say shift down into second, but if I remember right I had a trans. guy say that is a good way to trash the trans. pump. I will eventually get some kind of exhaust brake, but for now is there any other suggestions?? I know there is a bunch of you guys that pull 12-15K trailers everyday and have a great deal of experience towing. Dont want to make any mistakes with the wife and two little girls onboard...Thanks in advance.

Frankie · 10-09-2005, 10:08 AM

I really dont have a knowledgeable answer to your question, although I never down shift with my auto tran.I sometimes put in tow/haul and it sorta act like a tranny brake. I wanted to welcome you and am interested in your Raptor. My wife and I looked at about 6 differant brands and we think we are gonna get the 3612. Keep us posted towing and quality of the raptor.Good Luck

firedad · 10-09-2005, 06:12 PM

Frankie...I'll let ya know , my girls and I are heading for the mountains in a couple of days for our first trip!!

melon · 10-11-2005, 09:56 PM

Firedad, Welcome to the site. We just got our LE3505 WW a few months ago. It was a huge step up from the SuperLite we had before as far as weight. Like another 6k lbs or so. I just took it down a hill in Anahiem Hills that was about a 12% grade. Scared the crap out or me. Just take it really slow and adjust your trailer brakes for the decline. I wouldn't down shift thought, high RMP's are murder on an auto tranny. Turn the overdrive off and the tranny acts as an engine brake and dont go over 30 MPH on anything more that a 6% grade.

Rod