rockies or smokey's

[1biker1]

when pulling a fifth wheel though the rockies or smokey's should you use cruise control, or down shift manually

[time2roll]

I prefer to let the transmission do the downshift. I believe this is better for the transmission with less wear and tear for the driveline. If you just pull the lever sure it will just shift immediately and on my truck it can be a bit harsh at higher rpm and near full throttle. If I let the computer decide then the shift is much smoother.

However once the downshift is made I do tend to pull the lever and hold the gear to the top to avoid unneeded hunting up and down causing more wear.

For a fairly long and steady hill I will often set the cruise to a certain RPM (3500 maybe) and let it run to the top with transmission held.

Ok mine is an old 4 speed. For those with 6, 8, 10 speeds it might be just as easy to set the cruise and let it do its thing in automatic. Just let it run unless it starts to hunt then pull the lever at the next downshift. OK to reduce the CC speed a bit on a longer sustained climb. Don't make a race out of it and you will be fine.

[azdryheat]

I'm always in manual mode in the mountains.

[Lynnmor]

The information starts on page 9-59
It appears that you can use the cruise control to your benefit. If you don't want to go fast, and turn 8,000 RPM, (it won't do that anyway) just set it to the speed you want.

[valhalla360]

Depends on where you are crossing them. Some of the lower/flatter crossings, it doesn't really matter.

On the steeper/twistier crossings, I prefer to keep control

[Allworth]

Without the Allison tranny, it is a whole different game. Even the older GMs with Duramax/Allison (like mine) handle grades differently.

Your Owner's Manual is your friend.

[garyp4951]

I never use cruise towing in the mountains, and wonder why some do. I'm in no hurry, and its also hard on the power train.

[Dick_B]

The few times we have towed in the mountains we do not use cruise because the engine would be at 8000 rpm to keep the selected speed which I choose not to experience.
We bite the bullet and chug along at 45 mph going up hills but that's just my 6.1L Suburban.

[Lwiddis]

I second schlep’s advice. Read and follow the owner’s manual.

[schlep1967]

Read your trucks owners manual. It may tell you not to use cruise control when towing.

[1biker1]

2013 chevy 2500 6.0 gas

[1Wheeldrive]

Don't know what kind of a tow vehicle you have, but for my GMC Sierra/Duramax Allison when towing, I turn on the exhaust brake as soon as I start the engine and use the cruise control whenever I want to maintain a steady speed.
On down grades the speed may creep up to about 5 mph before the exhaust brake an downshift occur. On steep down grades I may have to touch the brakes occasionally.