Quote:
Originally Posted by dfandrews
General rule: use the same gear going down that you had to use going up.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BCnomad
... usually whatever you came up at is a good thumb rule.
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These are common recommendations, but they don't make much sense to me. Climbing speed is limited by control around the curves and power reliably available. Descending speed is limited by control around the curves and braking. Power and braking (even engine braking) are not necessarily related.
Some vehicles - especially with high-power turbocharged engines - may be able to climb faster than they should descend. There's no reason to use more engine speed than you need, in either direction.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dfandrews
There's nothing wrong with 1st or 2nd gear on a steep grade when you're keeping 4000 lbs. of tow and 4000 lbs. of trailer under control. Never hurry it.
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I agree.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008
I am amazed with the braking performed by the "Tow mode" in certain trucks with the factory brake controller install. Mine will start to downshift as soon as I hit the brakes and continues to brake until gas is reapplied.
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Tow mode is not restricted to trucks with factory-installed brake controllers - this engine braking behaviour is normal with tow mode, and tow mode is normal for trucks.
It's not even limited to vehicles with a "tow mode". Toyota calls it "Grade Logic", and it works well in our Sienna, which does not have any kind of towing/hauling mode.
This is a good thing to understand, and something that is likely in the owner's manual.