Grade Braking Ability of the Torqueshift Transmission

[toolfan]

I am relatively new to the Ford diesel scene and I have a question about the Torqueshift transmission. How successful is it in the mountains on grades of 6% or so at braking in the tow/haul mode. I pull a 13,000 lb. plus fifthwheel with a 2005 F350 Powerstroke with the automatic transmission. I would be interested in any comments. Thanks.

[Diesel_Danny]

I tow a 9,800 pound (max) trailer with mine. If I'm running about 60 MPH at the crest of a 6% grade ... tap the brakes to kick it down a gear ... it will usually hold at 60-65 all the way down without touching the brakes.

[subdriver]

Here's something that I posted yesterday:

"Finally got my Equal-i-zer hitch adjusted properly and went on a short test tow from El Cajon to Buckmann springs and back. Elevation varied from 400' to over 4,000' with several 6% grades up and down. I set the cruise at 65 MPH and it held 65 going up and maxed out at 68 coming down. Didn't have to touch the brakes until I exited the freeway.

My trailer weighs in at around 10,000 pounds. The engine temperature gauge went up and down, but never anywhere near the red. The fan cycled on a few times, but the noise was nothing like it was in my suburban with the 8.1L gas engine. The transmission temperature gauge stayed right in the middle of the range.

The wind was blowing about 20 - 25 MPH in spots near the Pine Valley bridge and no sway or push.

I am impressed!"

I forgot to say that I was using "Tow/Haul" mode.