Greetings All,
My last trip from Medford to Bend was on hwy 138 north of Crater lake. Near the 5000 foot level snow began falling and accumulating on the windshield. The inside windshield started to fog, so I was searching for the defroster setting. As I crested the grade speed picked up, and the speedometer was 68 and climbing, as the road started winding down the mountain. I switched on the Jake brake and heard the throaty roar from the Aero turbo muffler. However, the transmission is programmed to seek 4th gear. It remained in 6th gear, because the RPMs were too high for a lower gear. After applying the foot brake, and reducing the speed somewhat, the transmission shifted to 5th gear, and then to 4th. I was delighted the on-board computers were smarter than I. I had enough to occupy my feeble mind without thinking where the down shift arrow on the dash was located, and try to punch it. Apparently, on my coach, the computers will not allow downshifts if it will create an unsafe condition for the CAT engine.
This experience may give some information to consider before deciding to reprogram your transmission to seek 6th gear when the Jake brake is engaged. In my opinion safety trumps convenience.
You may have noted, I said on my " last trip". This trip was to put our beloved Beaver Marquis for sale at Beaver Coach Sales in Bend, Oregon. It is in beautiful condition, and everything works. After 44 years of RVing and 18 years as a member of the Beaver family Carolyn and I are retiring from the RV life.
We wish you all great ventures.
Carolyn and Larry Shirk
