I haven't had a chance to tow yet with my new D/A. We tow to Colorado every August atv'ing in the mountains. I was wondering how the allison does coming down the long grades holding back a fifth wheel. My salesman wasn't up on how they work and downshifting when brake is applied,etc. Does it work better than a gas rig?

Pulling my 45' 5er from New York to Missouri, Grade braking only came into play a few times along my trip, although I didn't go through any huge mountans. That said, I had NO problems at all. I had perfect control at all times and the trailer weighed in at twice the trucks weight (only on the trip from NY to MO, from IN to NY it was empty @ about the same weight as the truck).

The A llison has great grade beaking performance, love mine.

I have pulled some large trailers down some pretty steep grades and the grade braking holds up wonderfully. No problems

Just made the trip from Denver to Las Vegas for the race with my 4000# Lance on my 03. Only needed to tap the brake a couple of times briefly on a couple of the very steepest grades. If anything it is too good with that load. Coming down the west side of the Eisenhower tunnel I had to pick up on the throttle to maintain traffic speed. I think it works much better than my friend's Dodge with a jake.

Just made the trip from Denver to Las Vegas for the race with my 4000# Lance on my 03. Only needed to tap the brake a couple of times briefly on a couple of the very steepest grades. If anything it is too good with that load. Coming down the west side of the Eisenhower tunnel I had to pick up on the throttle to maintain traffic speed. I think it works much better than my friend's Dodge with a jake.
Drhutch, Do I understand that you were towing a 4000# trailer? I have been concerned about running the Colorado passes without an exhaust brake, specifically a Banks. We live in PA where we have steep hills, but not as long and steep as CO. We have not had any problems controlling during descents either but am unwilling to run the hi RPMs and slow speeds required to save on the trailer brakes. It is a 39 foot 5th wheel which weighs around 14000#s. What would be your opinion on this setup without an exhaust brake?