mountain roads and RPM's

[bwolfsohn]

2015 Roadtrek 190P. When traveling up steep mountain roads, using manual shifting and tow button engaged, what range should i be trying to keep RPM's in ?

[booster]

Originally Posted by bwolfsohn

2015 Roadtrek 190P. When traveling up steep mountain roads, using manual shifting and tow button engaged, what range should i be trying to keep RPM's in ?

You would have the 6 speed, so lots of gears that allow optimizing. The 6 speed locks the converter almost all the time so needs a bit more rpm than if it were unlocked, but also generates much less heat. I would guess you would get good pull at about 3200-3500 rpm unless it is really steep in very low gears. Under 3000 and a with a locked converter you could start to have lugging issues under some circumstances. Going higher in rpm is not going to hurt anything, either, and will give more power and speed if you need or want it.

[bwolfsohn]

Booster,

Thanks so much.. i've been holding RPM's in the 2000's, so i appreciate the info...

I have noticed a kick when it shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd... Normal ??

[booster]

Originally Posted by bwolfsohn

Booster,

Thanks so much.. i've been holding RPM's in the 2000's, so i appreciate the info...

I have noticed a kick when it shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd... Normal ??

By kick are you referring to a feeling after the shift where you get a little lurch or jerk, kind of like a minishift? If so that would be the converter locking and the rpm would drop also at that point. You might also get a slick jerk or rpm flare just before the shift as the converter unlocks.

[Peder_y2k]

Look up the enngine specs for the torque value. Then drive those steep mountain roads at or near the stated rpm for the maximum torque. Max torque in whatever gear gives best climbing/pulling power.

[Roadtrek Adventuous RS1]

Originally Posted by bwolfsohn

2015 Roadtrek 190P. When traveling up steep mountain roads, using manual shifting and tow button engaged, what range should i be trying to keep RPM's in ?

Mountain roads and high elevation...this is WHY I purchased a diesel engine....lower RPMs...

Gasoline vehicles need very high revs to make enough power to climb.... slow down and take it easy....it's not a race to the top... your engine will thank you.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by Peder_y2k

Look up the enngine specs for the torque value. Then drive those steep mountain roads at or near the stated rpm for the maximum torque. Max torque in whatever gear gives best climbing/pulling power.

Please define "best climbing/pulling power".

Thanks.

Bud

[Bud]

Originally Posted by Roadtrek Adventuous RS1

Mountain roads and high elevation...this is WHY I purchased a diesel engine....lower RPMs...

Gasoline vehicles need very high revs to make enough power to climb.... slow down and take it easy....it's not a race to the top... your engine will thank you.

"Gasoline vehicles need very high revs to make enough power to climb"

You might check out the hp/torque curve of the Ford Transit ecoboost vs your sprinter diesel.

Hey, even the Express Van makes more hp (power) at less than 3000 rpm than your sprinter diesel.

Bud

[teck13]

2,000 rpm on a steep mountain road/pass is likely too low for any power and even not good for the 6.0 L engine if it’s really struggling. That rpm is fine on level roads. I’d just leave it in automatic and let the transmission and engine choose the best rpm. Or on the hills shoot for 3,000-3500 rpm.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by Bud

"Gasoline vehicles need very high revs to make enough power to climb"

You might check out the hp/torque curve of the Ford Transit ecoboost vs your sprinter diesel.

Hey, even the Express Van makes more hp (power) at less than 3000 rpm than your sprinter diesel.

Bud

Yes, there is a strong tendency in some circles to compare 21st Century diesels with 20th Century petrol engines.

[Roadtrek Adventuous RS1]

Originally Posted by avanti

Yes, there is a strong tendency in some circles to compare 21st Century diesels with 20th Century petrol engines.

SO... what do you really think?

[Dave-Oh]

Quick check on the 2105 Roadtrek 190 P

EngineVortec / V8
Chassis Brand Chevrolet
Chassis Model Express 3500
Cylinders 8
Horsepower 323
Torque 373 ft-lbs. @ 4,000 RPM
Displacement 6.0 litres
Fuel Type Gas
Fuel Requirements Regular
Carburetion Type Fuel Injected

Looks like if it's a Chevy, 4K RPM is the max-torque.

best,

Dave