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paulsm87's avatar
paulsm87
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013

Down shifting the transmission for braking assist

I have a question about the proper use of down shifting my transmission in my motor home

I have a 2001 Jayco
With the V-10
The question is; when driving and towing my Escape I will down shift my transmission when stopping or slowing down for a stop or going down a long grade; I use my transmission as an engine brake to save my brakes and to avoid over heating them.
I was told yesterday that it is bad and could damage the transmission, a lot of us have been doing this for years so I thought I would ask RV NET for there opinion
Thank you
Paul
Class C
  • BruceMc's avatar
    BruceMc
    Explorer III
    Jun 06, 2013
    I always downshift, else, I'd have lost my brakes long ago. Down-shifting is safe and appropriate - sometimes you need to cut your speed even then, brake fairly hard the get off the brakes!

    Whoever told you not to downshift must be a flat-lander.... 'cause they don't know mountain driving.

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