Engine/transmission braking in gas engines

rgatijnet1 wrote:
The Brazels Allison transmission grade brake can be added to a 2001-2004 Allison transmission. In 2005 Allison incorporated the grade brake into their transmission. Basically what it does is automatically downshift the transmission ONE gear when you touch the brakes on a decent. Touching the accelerator switches it off and you can drive normally.

Interesting. I wonder if mine already had that as that is what it seemed to do...

The Brazels Allison transmission grade brake can be added to a 2001-2004 Allison transmission. In 2005 Allison incorporated the grade brake into their transmission. Basically what it does is automatically downshift the transmission ONE gear when you touch the brakes on a decent. Touching the accelerator switches it off and you can drive normally.

Picking my 2002 coach up on Friday so take what I am saying with a grain of salt. I've heard that the workhorse / Allison transmission combo is a great setup to have for engine braking. When I took my coach down a long grade during the test drive the transmission did an amazing job of "braking." In fact I hardly had to use the brake. It will be interesting to see how it performs under full load but I am confident it will do well.

Not much need for that in Fla. Lived there for years. However I live in the high country and pull grades all the time. I have helped get friends rigs home many times for one reason or other. Have driven both Ford and Chevy based rigs of most all years. Do not really see a lot of difference on the miles long down grades. Just back off the run with the trucks. General rule is to use the gear going down that you used going up. Has worked for me for over 60 years.

Although you say you are limited to used 2000-08. don't rule out looking at newer. We are still in a recession. Some dealers are still hurting. If you see something you like make a offer. Their listing sales price is just a Santa Clause wish list. :B I am betting I could pick up a 2013 V10 for less than $65k. Maybe lower. True these are market entry models. Just don't rule out a newer MH.

To clear up any confusion in the post above, my budget is build yrs. 2000-08 or so.