When driving an RV in the mountains, we need to be careful on steep or long inclines, to avoid problems and prevail over the hills, whether going up or down, we must know our RVs and what they can do. And, whether going up or down, it is necessary to downshift to a lower gear. When ascending, the lower gear will provide enough power to haul the RV up the hill. When going downhill, the lower gear will hold back the speed and increase the safety of the descent.
Uphill
When climbing a long or steep hill, it is necessary to operate an RV within its power band. What is a power band? It is a range of RPMs that maximize available horsepower for the extra work required when ascending an incline.
A diesel engine’s power band is a narrow span of RPMs, making the extra power more noticeable.
Operating your RV within its power band provides lots of pulling power. Below the power band, there will be no benefit to pushing harder on the gas. The only effect will be an increase in the black exhaust.
Staying within the power band requires downshifting to a lower gear. It may also be necessary to ease off of the throttle for the engine to work more efficiently. Pushing hard creates heat and increases the possibility of overheating.
When climbing long hills, lower the gear to keep the RV within its power band. Maintain a steady speed; the speed limit may be impossible, so use a lower gear, slow down, and be consistent.
Downhill
When descending a long or steep hill, use the engine and transmission, instead of the brakes, to hold a slow speed. We do this by downshifting. And we do it to preserve the brakes.
Downshifting to a lower gear will cause the RV to drive slower. To use the transmission to hold the RV to a slow speed, shift to a low gear before beginning the descent. Do not downshift after starting down the incline and increasing speed. It may not be possible to downshift, and if you try, you may not be able to get into any gear. You will lose all ability to use the engine and transmission for braking. Then you must use the brakes.
There is only one set of brakes. Don’t wear them out.
With experience, you will learn which gear is best for descending without using the brakes. A gear that is too high will not hold you back and, again, you will have to use the brakes.
Many diesel engines include retarders or jake brakes to hold the speed back. A retarder blocks some of the exhaust from the engine, so it does not rev too high on the descent when weight and gravity are pulling the RV down the hill. A jake brake causes cylinders to work as air compressors when the driver lets up on the throttle. A jake brake is an efficient way to control speed without constant braking.
If you gain too much speed and must use the brakes, short bursts are best. Hard braking for a short distance is better than riding the brakes for a long time. Riding the brakes will make them hot, and they may lose effectiveness. Overheating can cause permanent damage to the brake system and can even cause the brakes to fail.
Do you have a question about RV mountain driving? Click here to contact RV Shop today!
