Community Forums

stepside454 · 02-18-2018, 04:18 PM

We will soon be leaving Mesa for Colorado Springs, this we’ll be my first time climbing 6-7% grades.
When approaching the hill I’ll have to downshift , probably a couple times.
Should I back off the gas first before downshifting? Or keep my foot in it ?

vettenuts · 02-18-2018, 04:24 PM

I usually let it downshift and then find a speed that keeps the engine in what I consider a comfortable RPM range. I like to keep my 8.1 between 3,500 and 4,000 RPM while climbing. The Ford will spin a bit faster than the Workhorse or GM big block.

Shawn E · 02-18-2018, 04:30 PM

I do the same as vettenuts with my W24 and the 8.1 - 3500-4000 rpms seem to be the sweet spot over the Rocky Mountain passes

stepside454 · 02-18-2018, 04:58 PM

I said old [emoji4].
It’s a 96 with a Ford 460 & 4 speed.

Monacoach · 02-18-2018, 05:08 PM

What I did before hitting a steep grade was to trade the gasser for a diesel

stepside454 · 02-18-2018, 05:10 PM

Great idea , your welcome to contribute to the cause

Monacoach · 02-18-2018, 05:11 PM

Diesel joke aside I would keep your foot into it gaining all the speed you can before hitting the grade then let your coach slow to a comfortable gear/ rpm

stepside454 · 02-18-2018, 05:15 PM

Don’t manually downshift ?

keger · 02-18-2018, 05:22 PM

Ditto on my Ford V10, I don't like getting over 4K, I know it's okay any higher RPM the Ford sounds like she's screaming her lungs out 😀

twinboat · 02-18-2018, 05:31 PM

You can manually downshift but don't let off of the gas.

Letting off will blead off momentum and send a shock thru the drive train.

mikelcan · 02-18-2018, 06:05 PM

I used to have a 93 HR with the 460 with the E4OD. I live in the PNW and have climbed many grades even pulling a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would not manually downshift going up the grade just let the engine and transmission do what it needed to do. At the top I would turn off Overdrive and let off the gas to use the engine as a brake. If I found I was gaining too much speed or the transmission "up shifted on its on" I would brake hard to slow down to 10 under my desired speed and manually downshift.

Mike

stepside454 · 02-18-2018, 06:12 PM

Thanks mike

WinnieView · 02-18-2018, 06:23 PM

Don't forget that whichever gear was used to get up the hill should be the same one used to get down.

marjoa · 02-18-2018, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepside454

Should I back off the gas first before downshifting? Or keep my foot in it ?

Usually in this situation, I stomp on the warp drive, look at my wife and say, "I'm giving her all she's got Captain". She turns, touches my hand gently, smiles and says, "I know honey, I know", then faces forward with bold confidence knowing we're going to be ok.