Community Forums

Lug_Nut · 11-17-2012, 08:47 PM

Both gas powered or diesel pushers could probably benefit from this. Like "Comfort Drive", this could be a first and cutting edge technology for Newmar or Spartan.

I would like to hear your input. Here's the link. An Innovative Idea For RV Transmission Control

Peter

"007" · 11-18-2012, 07:11 AM

Now thats interesting Peter I have a new Ford Taurus which has the paddles on steering wheel with a manual gear shift placement.
I have not use them wasn't sure what value they would have for me.
I'll have to follow this thread seems like Auto-matic has all the features I need thought it was going back wards to use them.
This old dog may have to try them, will have to read up on directions.
Applied to gas or DP coach may make for easier time of down & upshifting in hilly areas but what would it do for level drives.

Chickadee · 11-18-2012, 08:34 AM

Peter:

Yup, interesting. It'd be nice, however, if they designed a steering wheel mounted paddle to easily engage and/or disengage the engine brake rather than that Hi/Lo Toggle which ya sometimes have to take your eyes off the road to locate.

Steve

Lug_Nut · 11-18-2012, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by "007"

Now thats interesting Peter I have a new Ford Taurus which has the paddles on steering wheel with a manual gear shift placement.
I have not use them wasn't sure what value they would have for me.
I'll have to follow this thread seems like Auto-matic has all the features I need thought it was going back wards to use them.
This old dog may have to try them, will have to read up on directions.
Applied to gas or DP coach may make for easier time of down & upshifting in hilly areas but what would it do for level drives.

In answer to your question regarding levels, perhaps you missed this.

"Driving on Flat Terrain
Well it is hard to imagine that the manual shift would be of benefit while crossing the plains, but it can. How often are you travelling on a highway and because of traffic, or person comfort, are hovering around 55 MPH? At this speed, an Allison transmission will more than likely operate in 5th gear as a slightly higher speed will be needed to cause an upshift to 6th. In many cases drivers will briefly accelerate to the higher speed, get the upshift to 6th and slow again to 55 MPH. The high gear will hold generally down to about 50 MPH providing rolling resistance is minimal. But, with traffic and the odd raise in the road, the high gear running time will be short lived in most normal cases. Again, you will find it necessary to increase speed briefly to get the higher more fuel efficient gear.
The manual selected gear shifts via the paddles would prove very beneficial here. At 55 MPH, just flick it into high, done. Even with this forced shift, the Allison will monitor the engine speed to assure it stays within a specified operating range and will downshift, if needed, automatically."

Peter

PDR John · 11-18-2012, 08:51 AM

I would use them for sure. Right now I'd settle for stereo controls.

dennis45 · 11-18-2012, 09:41 AM

I have them on my Taurus also. If you are going to race your car, they are a great option to have.
Now, since I don't do a lot of that, I rarely use them.

I do use them driving down a hilly terrain to control my speed without having to use the brakes. Works real good for that and I have thought about the same senario for my MH. Interesting article.

Rmellen · 11-18-2012, 12:02 PM

Great Idea. Also, a dash display of what gear you are in would be good.

MJFZ · 11-18-2012, 04:58 PM

I agree it is a good idea. I do find it sometimes uncomfortable to have to look over to the Allison keypad and the engine brake switch. This should all be combined in the not so smart smart wheel

Mike

Deek · 11-19-2012, 07:48 PM

It is a very good idea. You have highlighted -- then proposed a solution to solve -- a thing I have long felt is a realistic liability worry -- having to physically turn your head and upper body to focus on the transmission control while the coach is moving at highway speed.

Your suggestion is not only an excellent solution to the distraction concern -- it is eminently practical. To be able to down shift or up shift this way is nothing short of intuitive. And we know it works well, as those of us who have used paddle shifters in auto applications fully understand.

It would seem to be a natural for Allison to develop a paddle shifter for Smart Wheel applications. Naturally, there is also the "cool" factor to be taken into account. Us motor heads would simply have to have it!

Of course there is still the question about what would be done as to the other functions on the current generation control -- reverse, neutral and Econ -- but the biggest issue by far -- the safety and ease of more intuitive up and down shifts in manual mode -- would be handled.

Great idea, Peter!

Will we begin to see it on '14 models???

Deek

RobRV · 11-19-2012, 11:40 PM

It seems to Me that the Alison Stick Shift feature found on Some higher End Coaches like Foretravel would be just as effective at controlling the shifts as Paddles.
A Heads up display would certainly be a welcome addition!

Lug_Nut · 11-20-2012, 04:37 AM

[QUOTE=RobRV;1375988]It seems to Me that the Alison Stick Shift feature found on Some higher End Coaches like Foretravel would be just as effective at controlling the shifts as Paddles.
A Heads up display would certainly be a welcome addition![/QUOTE

That stick shift in a Newell is not for an Allison, it is for a ZF transmission. The Allison uses a keypad and, although not quite as many built lately by Newell are Allisons, and the other stick shift looking thing controls the multi-speed jaje brake or grade retarder.

Peter

Route 66 · 11-20-2012, 05:06 AM

Spartan and Newmar will be at the Tampa show along with their management.

You could run it by them.

Allison usually displays, but I don't know if they have their brass there.

Lug_Nut · 11-20-2012, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66

Spartan and Newmar will be at the Tampa show along with their management.

You could run it by them.

Allison usually displays, but I don't know if they have their brass there.

I would love to be at the Tampa show, but instead stuck with travelling for business in the far north. I will not be to Florida until mid January at the very earliest, perhaps later.
But, if anyone can get me an e-mail contact, I would certainly send them the concept and some of the technical data.

Peter

Jetsmania · 11-20-2012, 07:07 PM

Hi Doc! Wow what a great article. You're writing it has nothing to do with the fact that you own one of those bad boys!

I have those paddles on my car also and keep hitting them by accident. I vote for stereo controls on the steering wheel also. I think it is more important to dial up the stereo, so that you can drown out the Nagavator, then worry about going downhill.

Still a great idea though to get the stuff off the armrest, and into a more managable place. Regards, Paul