Down hill grade
Relatively new to RVing. My question is while driving down a steep grade road the engine will rev high. Should I gear down? And best way to do this while driving? Thanks for any help. Stay Safe......
Forum Discussion
wolfe10 wrote:rogerddd wrote:
valhalla360,
What is different about diesel vs. gas? "diesels are a different game"
Gasoline engines use VACUUM (pistons pulling against closed throttle) to generate braking HP.
Diesel engines-- no throttle restriction in intake. So they will have an exhaust brake, VGT turbo that closes and acts similar to an exhaust brake or on larger engines an engine compression brake.
Either gasoline or diesel engines ALONG WITH PROPER GEAR can be used to control speed of descent.
That assumes a newer diesel with exhaust brake or compression brake.
We had an old 7.3 with no exhaust or compression brake...Letting the engine rev helped a little but not nearly as much. You relied on the wheel brakes more and it was more critical to use them appropriately and not let it get away from you. If you let it get up to 75mph and there is a 45mph curve approaching...wheel brakes might not be enough...especially if you already heated up the brakes.
