DP going up and down mountains
Hello. I have a 40' 1996 Monaco Dynasty. I am going to be a Snowbirds this year and I hear there are mountains whether one takes I- 75 or I-95. I would really like to hear all advice from those ...
Forum Discussion
For what it's worth.
I seldom if ever down shift my DP when going down a hill. I just turn the exhaust brake on and usually will hold the desire speed.
If needed you can select the "down" arrow and down shift. I believe the gear you have selected is displayed.
As others have mentioned, once at the bottom of the hill if you have down shifted just push the "D" button and you're transmission will be back to automatic.
Sometimes going up a hill, if the transmission keeps going back and forth between gears, usually 4th and 5th, I'll use the keypad and select a gear, usually 4th, but it depends. When at the top, just select "D" and you'll be set again, in automatic.
The exhaust brake is your best friend when descending. Just click it on when you start down a grade and you'll feel it kick in, might take a few seconds. Some people leave the exhaust brake on all the time. Personally, I turn it on when I need it. If you leave it on, every time you take your foot off the accelerator it will engage and start slowing you down.
I'll turn it on at the top of a grade, usually at the speed I want to maintain, and it seems to keep you in the vicinity, speed wise. If I'm in the flats, I'll turn it on as I'm approaching a stop sign or signal light to slow down. As mentioned in another posting, if planned right, you'll probably only need to use your brakes below about 15 mph or so to complete the stop.
With an exhaust brake, regular brakes use is minimized. Turn it on when driving in various conditions, and you'll feel how it works, and you'll end up loving it. I don't think you'll ever wear brakes out on a motor home if used properly.
One more item, if descending a grade, and you do need to use your regular brakes, press on them some what firmly for about 5 seconds and then ease off, this will typically slow you down 5-10 mph and will aid in avoiding over heating the brake. Don't use the brakes for long period of times, what is commonly called riding the brakes. Good Luck, and don't be overly concerned about the grades, your diesel pusher will do fine. Might slow down going up a hill, but you'll get there, and the exhaust brake will minimize the need for braking going down the other side. Enjoy your trip.
I seldom if ever down shift my DP when going down a hill. I just turn the exhaust brake on and usually will hold the desire speed.
If needed you can select the "down" arrow and down shift. I believe the gear you have selected is displayed.
As others have mentioned, once at the bottom of the hill if you have down shifted just push the "D" button and you're transmission will be back to automatic.
Sometimes going up a hill, if the transmission keeps going back and forth between gears, usually 4th and 5th, I'll use the keypad and select a gear, usually 4th, but it depends. When at the top, just select "D" and you'll be set again, in automatic.
The exhaust brake is your best friend when descending. Just click it on when you start down a grade and you'll feel it kick in, might take a few seconds. Some people leave the exhaust brake on all the time. Personally, I turn it on when I need it. If you leave it on, every time you take your foot off the accelerator it will engage and start slowing you down.
I'll turn it on at the top of a grade, usually at the speed I want to maintain, and it seems to keep you in the vicinity, speed wise. If I'm in the flats, I'll turn it on as I'm approaching a stop sign or signal light to slow down. As mentioned in another posting, if planned right, you'll probably only need to use your brakes below about 15 mph or so to complete the stop.
With an exhaust brake, regular brakes use is minimized. Turn it on when driving in various conditions, and you'll feel how it works, and you'll end up loving it. I don't think you'll ever wear brakes out on a motor home if used properly.
One more item, if descending a grade, and you do need to use your regular brakes, press on them some what firmly for about 5 seconds and then ease off, this will typically slow you down 5-10 mph and will aid in avoiding over heating the brake. Don't use the brakes for long period of times, what is commonly called riding the brakes. Good Luck, and don't be overly concerned about the grades, your diesel pusher will do fine. Might slow down going up a hill, but you'll get there, and the exhaust brake will minimize the need for braking going down the other side. Enjoy your trip.
