Towing up grades with "M" and 1 gears
So I have several coaches, but this will be my first attempt pulling a TT up a steeper mountain grade. I'm towing with a 1 ton Chevy express 3500. I'm a bit "confused" on just how to use this tra...
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That 7% grade will frequently be in combination with a lot of twisties and turnies. To expect to maintain a certain speed, either up hill or down hill, is not realistic. Having to drop down to the 25-30MPH range (or maybe even slower) would be prudent.
In my set up with a 2007 "classic" Sierra 3500 with the Duramax/Allison combo, I almost always use both tow/haul and M. I prefer to select the gear I want to be in and know my truck well enough that I know the gear that will allow me to use the brake pedal at a minimum. Let the engine/tranny do the work.
Here in Colorado, that 7% grade will likely be for a lot more than 4 miles. Throw in the usual canyon curves, or hairpin curves and being more in control of your truck can be essential.
One of my favourite examples is going up the South St. Vrain between Lyons and Allenspark CO. A lot of steep (7-15%) grades, a lot of curves and a few downhills thrown in. I always use the M and T/H mode combo. For ME, that is the safest way to do this stretch of highway. Did the same with Wolf Creek Pass, Cameron Pass, Slumgullion Pass and a whole lot of canyons. Others may have a different opinion and that's OK. Pick what works best for YOU and your comfort level for safety.
In my set up with a 2007 "classic" Sierra 3500 with the Duramax/Allison combo, I almost always use both tow/haul and M. I prefer to select the gear I want to be in and know my truck well enough that I know the gear that will allow me to use the brake pedal at a minimum. Let the engine/tranny do the work.
Here in Colorado, that 7% grade will likely be for a lot more than 4 miles. Throw in the usual canyon curves, or hairpin curves and being more in control of your truck can be essential.
One of my favourite examples is going up the South St. Vrain between Lyons and Allenspark CO. A lot of steep (7-15%) grades, a lot of curves and a few downhills thrown in. I always use the M and T/H mode combo. For ME, that is the safest way to do this stretch of highway. Did the same with Wolf Creek Pass, Cameron Pass, Slumgullion Pass and a whole lot of canyons. Others may have a different opinion and that's OK. Pick what works best for YOU and your comfort level for safety.
