Shifting An Automatic when towing.

Lwiddis wrote:
“I can do a hell of a better job of up and down shifting/down hill braking than the computer.“

Plus it’s more fun to do it manually.

6
I will use the manual shift switch on my F-350 6sp auto 6.2 gasohol V8 tow/hauling over rolling terrain because the response of the cruise control (droop) is very lazy compared to my other truck with a Cummins diesel.

The Edsel will drop 2-3 or more mph before the throttle is added. So following traffic closes up etc. The Fargo with Cummins adds fuel before speed has changed 1 mph and gets to pulling...

I also use manual mode or manually initiate a shift up or down to prevent the frantic 5000rpm downshift. The 6.2 has sufficient power lots of times at 3500-4000 rpm without having to go into race to the top of the hill mode.

I have driven fully grown trucks-140,000lbs - (and still can sorta) - it's hard to explain how driving a heavy vehicle differs from wee babies. But many of the inertia / gravity lessons can be applied to "heavier" rv rigs.

It's easier to show someone than write how so I should stop now :)

JustSomeOldDud wrote:
Really appreciate everyones contribution of knowledge. Lot of experienced minds here.
Ill be towing a Small RV 2500 to 3000 lbs . with a dodge 2wd truck with a (anemic ) 3.7 and 42RLE transmission with Proportional braking controller and weight distribution setup on the hitch
So the general consensuses is to basically.
turn off OD and just let the transmission work it.

The trailer i am getting dosn't actually have brakes, so i am going to have to add them before hitting the road.

Yes, with that small engine, and 4-speed transmission, it would be best to turn off overdrive (4th), and tow in third. The smaller engine also won't have a lot of engine braking ability, so trailer brakes would be needed in down hills, and maybe manual down shift to second on steep down hills.

Jerry

Generally, yes but if you find it upshifting then downshifting again soon after you’re be better off switching it into the lower gear manually. This is particularly true if the hill changes slope or you need to slow for corners.

In other words, learn when your transmission likes to shift, then intervene if it does it too often based upon the terrain and conditions.

Really appreciate everyones contribution of knowledge. Lot of experienced minds here.
Ill be towing a Small RV 2500 to 3000 lbs . with a dodge 2wd truck with a (anemic ) 3.7 and 42RLE transmission with Proportional braking controller and weight distribution setup on the hitch
So the general consensuses is to basically.
turn off OD and just let the transmission work it.

The trailer i am getting dosn't actually have brakes, so i am going to have to add them before hitting the road.

And then she told me,
"Just shut up and keep your eyes on the ruad...
CHORUS
And just drive, " she said
"Just drive, " she said

Stan Ridgway

"Cummins12V98 wrote: Now don't you think you're getting a bit picky asking for info to give an accurate answer??? Nope ;)"

I re read my posts before I hit post message and ask my self is there enough info to get an answer. Maybe we are too picky.......

ssthrd wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Transmissions can't see the big grade ahead. Best to drop a gear before hitting the grade.

X2. Just before going up or just before going down.

ZACTLY

I lock out 6th in my hemi and keep it in tow haul. Going down a steep incline I drop it to third,long before I need to and let the tranny do it's job.

we manually shift our ram hemi/8spd occasionally.
mostly on long hills, up or down. rarely on main highways but on back roads regularly.
mostly to limit speed on steep long down grades and to limit "hunting" on long uphills.

time2roll wrote:
I have an older transmission but will say the automatic shift is way smoother than just yanking the lever to anticipate an incline. I move the lever to hold the gear after the automatic shift.

We still don't know if the OP has a PowerGlide or a new 10-speed.

Gots to be a Powerglide, it only has D L, but maybe he'll come back and enlighten us.

Cummins12V98 wrote: Now don't you think you're getting a bit picky asking for info to give an accurate answer??? Nope :)

Jerry