Forum Discussion

lap527's avatar
lap527
Explorer
May 08, 2022

Via 25T Mercedes Diesel

I am driving a friends motorhome to NC next week. I picked rv up today and brought it home and was looking at it and I don't see a 1st or 2nd gear to shift to when coming down a steep grade. I sure don't want the brakes to get hot going over the mountain. The mountain I speak of is going from Helen, GA to Hiawassee, GA. I have traveled it many times but not in an motorhome, usually in a dually so I shift down to 2nd coming down the mountain. She is too chicken to drive it up there so I volunteered..lol! Thanks in advance...
Class A
  • lap527's avatar
    lap527
    Explorer
    May 13, 2022
    Success!!! Update on my travels with the motorhome. As a first timer driving the coach it was so easy. I took my time going over the mountain and only dropped it down to 4 from D, rpms never over 3000. Heck, didn't even hold anyone up. Thanks for the advice as I will be doing it again at the end of the season.
  • lap527's avatar
    lap527
    Explorer
    May 08, 2022
    Hmmm....the mountain does have some 10MPH switch backs. I will take it easy and go just one gear down and watch the rpms. Our dodge dually has only 1 and 2 and that was the reason I go to 2. I will probably be getting a good cussing going slow but that's okay because I won't hear them...lol. Thanks all!
  • Oldtymeflyr's avatar
    Oldtymeflyr
    Explorer
    May 08, 2022
    Watch your rpm when down shifting. Take it one gear at a time. The Sprinter gear shift is very easy to control

    On our Sprinter with a 3500# trailer I doubt if we ever went into 2nd gear. Even on the steepest roads in Colorado.

    I stayed below 3500 rpm's, but that is the way I operated the vehicle.

    In the end keep your speed under control and watch the rpm.

    Best.
  • Horsedoc's avatar
    Horsedoc
    Explorer II
    May 08, 2022
    Are you sure you want to go low as 2? You are going to see some pretty high revs there.
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    May 08, 2022
    I have no idea if this applies to your vehicle, but worth a try. I have a Mercedes SUV with the 4 cylinder twin turbo diesel. It does have a very effective exhaust brake which cannot be manually activated. The only time it works is in cruise control. Try setting the cruise while on a grade and adjust the speed down using the stalk control. You will know immediately if it is working.

    Also, the transmission logic is very effective at selecting the right gear to keep the revs up.
  • lap527's avatar
    lap527
    Explorer
    May 08, 2022
    wildtoad wrote:
    Is this a floor shift? If so try tapping the shifter left or right.

    Thanks, just got back in and once the shifter is in D and then tap to the left and it goes throught 4-1 and back to right and can get it back to D. So I guess I will put it in 2nd going down the mountain. Thanks again for the responses...safe travels!
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    May 08, 2022
    Is this a floor shift? If so try tapping the shifter left or right.
  • lap527's avatar
    lap527
    Explorer
    May 08, 2022
    RetiredRealtorRick wrote:
    Ask your friend

    I wish my friend knew...she has never driven the coach out on the road. Long story short but her husband can no longer drive it. I did notice a plus by the D but not sure what that means or how to get to that. Guess will need to pull out the manuals...ugh... Thanks...

About Motorhome Group

38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 27, 2025