do gassers offer anything like the DP engine brake

The gasser grade brake does more than just downshift. It also locks the torque converter, so the engine speed is more directly coupled to the trans. They also completely shut off the fuel, which increase the engine load further. Is it as effective as a exhaust brake? No, but it is adequate.

rgatijnet1 wrote:
redguard just sent me this as a PM in reference to my post where I said that gasser RV's have no problems in the mountains with either the climb or the descent.

"you obviously have not driven a larger A gasser loaded in the rockies etc as this statement is pure bunk simply put UNTRUE "

I'll let those of you that have driven their gassers in the mountains respond. I have never had a problem with my Monaco gas coach in the Rockies, but I also never had a problem with the diesel coaches I've owned in the mountains.
Apparently he wanted to call me liar in private. Oh well! :B

As the above posts already seem to indicate, gas RV's do fine in the mountains.

If central Colorado counts we were there not long ago. No problem.

kgard1225 wrote:
Hi, looking for a class A but will be in mountainous areas a lot and want to see if there is any type of extra braking available on the gassers. I searched the diesel vs gas posts but see no mention of this big plus on the diesels. Thanks, Ken

I usually stick my hand out the window

redguard just sent me this as a PM in reference to my post where I said that gasser RV's have no problems in the mountains with either the climb or the descent.

"you obviously have not driven a larger A gasser loaded in the rockies etc as this statement is pure bunk simply put UNTRUE "

I'll let those of you that have driven their gassers in the mountains respond. I have never had a problem with my Monaco gas coach in the Rockies, but I also never had a problem with the diesel coaches I've owned in the mountains.
Apparently he wanted to call me liar in private. Oh well! :B

As the above posts already seem to indicate, gas RV's do fine in the mountains.

fla-gypsy wrote:
Use the tow haul feature to control descent speed. It works well

x2 - in essence the Ford v-10 has an engine brake. I go down grades 8% or better with a toad in the tow/haul mode and never touch my brakes. sometimes it works too well and I have to tap the gas to speed up. Love that feature.

The external engine braking mechanisms used on diesel engines are there to compensate for the lack of compression braking that gas engines inherently have by design. The basic difference is that gas engines restrict the inlet air flow when you lift the throttle, while diesel engines restrict the fuel flow. That air flow restriction and resulting "compression braking" is what the external "Jake" type braking systems on diesels duplicate. To get the full compression braking effectiveness on a gasser, just drop it out of overdrive and downshift as needed for the conditions.

Use the tow haul feature to control descent speed. It works well

You won't have any problem on grades with a gasser rig. Go down the same speed you went up, let the engine do the work, when you do brake use it very firm to slow 10 to 15 mph then release. Before the tow/haul everyone just down shifted. Tow/haul just makes it more convenient.

Allison calls it their grade brake and is available on the GM gas powered RV's built after 2005 with the Allison transmissions.
Ford transmissions also have a grade brake feature called the tow/haul mode that downshifts on descents to provide braking.
Gasser RV's have no problem in the mountains with either the climb or the descent.