downshifting when towing up a grade

[paulbrgr9999]

My c20 (350, turbohydramatic,410 rear end) is doing great towing my toyhauler (approx 5000lbs loaded) until I come upon a grade to climb. Then things are slowing way down. Petal to the metal and 45mph. The trans will down shift but then upshift almost immediately when a little more speed is attained.

So would it be best for me to just use the shifter and put the trans in a lower gear and climb the grade and then upshift at the top of the grade? Is this a stupid question? Like of course you should down shift manually you idiot!

Also, at what rpm would the 350 be making maximum torque? Shouldn't I keep the engine at that rpm?

I would appreciate your opinions and ideas. I dont have much experience towing except a couple of jet skiis. The toy hauler is much more of a challenge for me and the c20.

paul

[geezer#99]

Of course you down shift manually!
Do you have an auxillary tranny cooler installed in front of the rad?

[paulbrgr9999]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Of course you down shift manually!
Do you have an auxillary tranny cooler installed in front of the rad?

Yup, it has the tranny cooler.

[1968k10blue]

Yeah I would say do anything in your power to get up the hill shifting manually won't hurt anything any more than the extra stress of the trailer you are towing (unless of course you redline the engine for too long)

[imjeff]

Shifting = heat. Shift down and let the big dog eat!

[paulbrgr9999]

Thanks for the advise from all.

The truck has a tachometer so I can keep the rpm at a certain point. Where in the rpm range would be the max torque?

Paul

[geezer#99]

Just listen to your motor for the sweet spot. When it just starts to purr with no rumble will be perfect.

[imjeff]

Max torque doesn't usually matter in actual application. If you aren't WOT neither gaining or losing speed, you're not using your max power. Once you downshift and can speed up or are at part throttle, you are below the maximum potential. Your motor will function just fine at an RPM that most people aren't comfortable with as long as you keep sustained RPMs below the red line.

[paulbrgr9999]

Ok, sounds like the best thing is to just down shift, attain a freeway speed, and let it roar. When i reach the top of the grade then upshift. I just wanted to make sure I wasnt going to damage the engine or trans.



thanks for the info.