We recently purchased this 2013 Duramax CC/LB DRW to replace our 2001 Chevy 8.1 with Allisons.
We towed our trailer (5th wheel weighing 14,000# verified) this past week through Mountains in PA on Turnpike and Rt 79 from RT 70 in MD. Everything was great. Better towing than the 2001. Same trailer was towed by previous truck. My question is the shift patterns with this Allisons (Diesel) versus our Previous Allisons (Gas 8.1). Much better pulling up long climbs. Less down shifting which was pleasant! Couple of times I applied more pedal, during a climb, the down shift appeared a little more harsh than the previous vehicle. Both in Tow Haul mode. Is this normal? I know in Tow Haul mode the shifts are more pronounced to prevent slippage. Up mountains trans temp never went above 153 with Ambient temp 85. Level driving trans temp was around 140.
We towed our trailer (5th wheel weighing 14,000# verified) this past week through Mountains in PA on Turnpike and Rt 79 from RT 70 in MD. Everything was great. Better towing than the 2001. Same trailer was towed by previous truck. My question is the shift patterns with this Allisons (Diesel) versus our Previous Allisons (Gas 8.1). Much better pulling up long climbs. Less down shifting which was pleasant! Couple of times I applied more pedal, during a climb, the down shift appeared a little more harsh than the previous vehicle. Both in Tow Haul mode. Is this normal? I know in Tow Haul mode the shifts are more pronounced to prevent slippage. Up mountains trans temp never went above 153 with Ambient temp 85. Level driving trans temp was around 140.
