Hi 1st or Low 2nd or a 3rd?

[JessPurviance]

I was thinking about a trip I took recently, driving rough fire roads in CO. Lots of steep assents and decents but nothing too technical. I stayed in 4hi and just kept it in 1st most of the time. By the end of the day the transmission was pretty hot. Would it have been better to run 4low in 2nd or is there a 3rd option I'm not considering? I'd like to hear some thoughts. Thanks.

 

[lugueto]

If it is steep enough you have to lock into a gear (first or second) for the complete ascent, it is better to do it in 4low. It will keep the transmission temperature lower if you let your transmission cycle through gears.

Descent wise, if it is really steep for really long it is better to use your low range, and lock in a gear for appropriate speed. This will keep your brakes from overheating.

 

[Live to Ski]

JessPurviance: How are you monitoring transmission temp?

 

[JessPurviance]

JessPurviance: How are you monitoring transmission temp?

Just feeling the heat radiating into the truck on my legs. Then touching the floor above the transmission.

 

[Ramathorn15]

How fast were you driving between the accents and descents in 1st and 4wheel high? If you're cruising on a fire road, you should stay in 4 hi and in Drive. When you get to a steep descent/accent, 4 low and 1st gear to crawl up/down it. Keep your RPMs low.

 

[JessPurviance]

How fast were you driving between the accents and descents in 1st and 4wheel high? If you're cruising on a fire road, you should stay in 4 hi and in Drive. When you get to a steep descent/accent, 4 low and 1st gear to crawl up/down it. Keep your RPMs low.

Not fast at all. the road was pretty rough. If I was going much above 2k RPM I'd shift into D.

 

[hoser]

I vote to keep it in 4LO unless travelling over 20-25mph for sustained periods of time.