I have a 2010 Bounder 33u on a Workhorse Chas is with Vortec 8.1 and Allison 5-speed (approx 26,000 miles). I've read that the 5-speed can be changed to a 6-speed but this is pretty strange. We've been on the road for several days and 2 days ago I noticed that the dash display is now showing 6 speeds. Also maybe my imagination but when it goes into the 6th speed, it's smoother and quieter (as if it's shifting into OD).

What does the tac say? Any drop in RPMs? berfle wrote:I have a 2010 Bounder 33u on a Workhorse Chas is with Vortec 8.1 and Allison 5-speed (approx 26,000 miles). I've read that the 5-speed can be changed to a 6-speed but this is pretty strange. We've been on the road for several days and 2 days ago I noticed that the dash display is now showing 6 speeds. Also maybe my imagination but when it goes into the 6th speed, it's smoother and quieter (as if it's shifting into OD).

I believe that in 2005 the Allison 1000MH transmissions ALL went to 6 speeds. By 2010, you already had a 6 speed transmission from the factory. If it was NOT shifting in to 6th gear, which is a double overdrive(5th and 6th are both overdrives), it is because of some problem with the transmission control module(TCM).

wallynm wrote:What does the tac say? Any drop in RPMs? berfle wrote:I have a 2010 Bounder 33u on a Workhorse Chas is with Vortec 8.1 and Allison 5-speed (approx 26,000 miles). I've read that the 5-speed can be changed to a 6-speed but this is pretty strange. We've been on the road for several days and 2 days ago I noticed that the dash display is now showing 6 speeds. Also maybe my imagination but when it goes into the 6th speed, it's smoother and quieter (as if it's shifting into OD).What actual Workhorse chassis do you have? If it's the "W" series I do believe all Allison transmissions that were installed from 2005 and up have the 6 speed transmission. Now if it's a "P" series chassis it may have something different.

If you search the medium duty GM trucks like Kodiak you will find info about the Allison having 6th locked out and a way to enable 6th. Many people with the truck based motorhomes have done it.

wallynm wrote:What does the tac say? Any drop in RPMs? berfle wrote:I have a 2010 Bounder 33u on a Workhorse Chas is with Vortec 8.1 and Allison 5-speed (approx 26,000 miles). I've read that the 5-speed can be changed to a 6-speed but this is pretty strange. We've been on the road for several days and 2 days ago I noticed that the dash display is now showing 6 speeds. Also maybe my imagination but when it goes into the 6th speed, it's smoother and quieter (as if it's shifting into OD).Yes the tach does drop a few 100 rpm' when going to 6th

Workhorse Allison Jumped from 5 to 6 Speed (on its own)

nevadanick
Explorer
Jan 13, 2017
If you search the medium duty GM trucks like Kodiak you will find info about the Allison having 6th locked out and a way to enable 6th. Many people with the truck based motorhomes have done it.
s_N_s
Explorer
Jan 13, 2017
wallynm wrote:
What does the tac say? Any drop in RPMs?

berfle wrote:
I have a 2010 Bounder 33u on a Workhorse Chas is with Vortec 8.1 and Allison 5-speed (approx 26,000 miles). I've read that the 5-speed can be changed to a 6-speed but this is pretty strange. We've been on the road for several days and 2 days ago I noticed that the dash display is now showing 6 speeds. Also maybe my imagination but when it goes into the 6th speed, it's smoother and quieter (as if it's shifting into OD).

What actual Workhorse chassis do you have? If it's the "W" series I do believe all Allison transmissions that were installed from 2005 and up have the 6 speed transmission. Now if it's a "P" series chassis it may have something different.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Jan 13, 2017
I believe that in 2005 the Allison 1000MH transmissions ALL went to 6 speeds. By 2010, you already had a 6 speed transmission from the factory. If it was NOT shifting in to 6th gear, which is a double overdrive(5th and 6th are both overdrives), it is because of some problem with the transmission control module(TCM).
wallynm
Explorer
Jan 13, 2017
What does the tac say? Any drop in RPMs?

berfle wrote:
I have a 2010 Bounder 33u on a Workhorse Chas is with Vortec 8.1 and Allison 5-speed (approx 26,000 miles). I've read that the 5-speed can be changed to a 6-speed but this is pretty strange. We've been on the road for several days and 2 days ago I noticed that the dash display is now showing 6 speeds. Also maybe my imagination but when it goes into the 6th speed, it's smoother and quieter (as if it's shifting into OD).

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Workhorse Allison Jumped from 5 to 6 Speed (on its own)

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