6 speed transmission questions.
So I came out of the ice age and got a Suburban with the new 6 speed transmission (PRNDM_1). Reading the manual, it seems a little daunting. So how do you use it when towing? And what about steep...
Forum Discussion
ktosv wrote:
Do you have a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? If 3/4 ton, I am thinking you might be able to just drop it into Drive and be good with that size trailer. When approaching a steep downgrade and you think you will need to shift down, just drop it to M. It may automatically drop to the next lower gear than you are in (if cruising in 6th, it might drop to 5th when you go to M). Just shift up and down as needed when needed.
If you have the 1/2 ton with the 3.42, you may have to use M all the time and limit the truck to 5th gear.
Not really. The transmission does a very good job avoiding hunting or other issues. I've been quite impressed with it, even when towing near the max ratings as we do. It also does a good job downshifting to control speed. The only time I have really had to intervene is on steep mountain highways where we need to keep speeds down in the 25-35 mph range for curves and stuff. Overall, I am very happy with the transmission programming. Like others said, mine is just in D, t/h on for 95% of my towing.
