We bought our new 2001 3500 8.1 gas engine to get another gear that our Ram did not have and wow did that new Allison work great going down mountains. Same for the duramax we have now. I would not want to have nothing but brakes going down what we tow on. 22,920 combined lbs. It we were a lot heavier I would then have an EB to help the trannie. No matter what truck the owner has to be informed how to drive up and down for their safety.
My friend with a 2002 ram and manual trannie felt he was in trouble going down mountains with no EB.
chevman