towing down steep hills

[rayw]

Diesel owners

Take a look at the Escapees forum re pre-6.0 engine stalling. I think some of you need to be careful..

[ParTheCourse]

Although they are not published in any manuals and it has been 25 years since I used them in their intended way, there are some old sayings that with slight modifications apply today.

Plan your trip and file it (let some one know your itinerary)

To go, push the accelerator down to come to a stop.... keep pushing it down.

Keep the shinny side up and the pointed end it front of you.

When all else fails, keep driving her until the last piece stops.

It's better to arrive with your RV in hand than an IV in your arm.

[jcarew]

If you are going to tow heavey in the mtns. get an exhaust brake, probably the best heavey towing accessory there is.

[Grandpaw]

The old saying is "go down in at least as low a gear as you went up in".........

The Allison 5 speed auto transmission behind the Duramax, when in tow/haul mode will downshift as needed to easily decend a grade undr full control. Just tap the brake to over ride it and it will manually downshift. I believe that the new Ford 5 sp auto also has a similiar feature. In my case, I see no need for an exhaust brake.

[mont1340]

First we always check ahead in the Mountain directory to make sure what kinds of grades are ahead of us.
Second I never allow myself to be surprised by grades or corners.
Next I keep the speed on the downhill to a point not to exceed the uphill speed.
Our ebraker allows me to simply flip a toggle and pretty much eliminate the need to touch the hydralics. We have a 6 speed manual and seldom have to drop a gear.
Downhills are nothing more than proper planning and having the right equipment.
I picked this up after scaring the crap out of myself on a downhill outside Pahrump Nevada.

[melvonnar]

One thing I didn:t see mentioned is a tackometer; a must, if you do much mountian driveing; gearing down without knowing where your red line is could cause all kinds or problems.