Allison Transmission Retarder

[George Lowry]

This subject is one that I see abused all the time. There is an old saying
among truckers; "You can go down a hill many time too slow but you can only
go down ONCE too fast". Those who don't pay attention to their speeds on
hills will have the opportunity to see if the superior construction of the
Blue Bird will allow them to survive.

George Lowry
"06 Alpine Apex - Formerly '95 WBDA 4203
Spearfish, SD Now in Stockton, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of rrob@...
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2006 12:33 AM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Allison Transmission Retarder


Twice in the two years that I have owned my DD 8V92 experienced owners have
praised my choice of engine and left me with a common singular
comment.......
DO NOT LET IT GET AWAY FROM YOU. OK they captured my interest and I am now
very careful where hills and mountains are considered. Personally I use the
retarder and brakes sparingly but make sure I never exceed 45mph on the
hills
I encounter because I believe what the old timers have to say. I have copies
of the East and West Mountain Guides and rely on them frequently. Personaly
there are grades advertised in the Mountain Guides that I won't take but
that
is a choice everyone has to make. IMHO leave the top of the hill in 2nd
(maybe
3rd) and do not worry about holding anybody up behind you. I am serious
here.
This is not a time to be wishy washy. This is the time to SLOW DOWN to your
comfort zone and NOT WORRY ABOUT THE AUTOS BEHIND YOU. Maintain the attitude
that "you are bigger" and they can "go around". I will go as far as to say
you
should develop a Down hill "Kiss my Ass" attitude and always travel at the
same speed as the trucks. I would never take my Bird down a grade greater
than
10% unless it was under a mile. This is where the Moutain Guide comes into
it's own. As Greg said, you should watch the Truck Drivers.