Up rgw Ramp with Ease...at idle

[SeaKaye12]

I spend a lot of time around launch ramps...and notice the ease (or lack there-of) that some trucks pull boats up the ramp.

Even many of the newer rigs seem to strain.

Yesterday there was a fellow with a mid-80's Chevy diesel 2500 truck. He was pulling a 25' Captain-House style fishing boat up the steep ramp.

He never needed to come off of idle. He had a standard transmission...and he just eased up the clutch and the rig pulled right out. Now that's a truck!

I talked to him afterward...he was in two wheel drive and had an allison tranny with what I've always referred to as the "granny gear". He told me that if things really got difficult.....he could have gone into 4WD...and an even lower ration would have been available.

That thing might have been old and rusty.....but man...what power (torque) it had. No wonder those engines last so long.

Chuck

 

[DJ]

Re: Up rgw Ramp with Ease...at idle

Diesels have governors that take care of: over rev, idle and other functions.

If you look at diesel spec. sheets, the max torque is usually right at idle. That's just the nature of the beast.

If you rev a diesel on take off, you are:

1. inexperienced.

2. clueless as to the the nature of the beast.

"Allison" is a name that many put stock into. As stated, it's a NAME only. It has nothing to do with where it came from or what it is.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: Up rgw Ramp with Ease...at idle

I love my diesels, 2 Duramax trucks with Allison automatics. I don't know what in the world this fellow had or if he even knew. Maybe it was home build. A mid 80's Chevy would be a K-20, not a 2500, Allison, as far as I know, has never made a manual trans. Even if they did, I don't know that a Chevy has ever come from the factory with a manual made by them. Anyway, glad what ever it was got the job done for him.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Up rgw Ramp with Ease...at idle

Those older pickups indeed could have a "creeper" gear which wouldn't be unlike putting it in low range 4WD

 

[dan t.]

Re: Up rgw Ramp with Ease...at idle

Actualy the mid 80s 4 spd was made by Munci,low gear is around 6to 1 ratio, a 2500 would be a 3/4 ton GMC, a 2000 is a 3/4 ton Chev, the diesle would be a 6.2 or 6.5 depending on the year.

 

[Steve91T]

Re: Up rgw Ramp with Ease...at idle

Here's my truck. 1999 F-250 7.3 Powerstroke. Intake, Exhaust, and a tune. I'm making about 300 hp and 600 ft/lbs to the wheels. 6-speed manual.

Granny gear is awesome. I had an 01 19 ft Larson with a 4.3 Volvo. I could pull it out using granny at idle. The ramp I use is is very slick and I often need 4x4 to get traction.

My favorite is granny gear, in 4x4 low. It's insanely low. A couple of years ago, I was pulling a stump with my truck. I was in granny and 4x4 low. Granted, I was on grass, but I was spinning all 4 wheels at idle.

Turbo diesel are awesome. I get up to 20 MPG at 65 MPH, and about 15 MPG while towing a boat.

Anyway, I'm a fan.

Steve

 

[ufm82]

Re: Up rgw Ramp with Ease...at idle

It wasn't a diesel but my '75 CJ5 ran a 3 speed manual and in low range, I could drive the thing using just the starter. In fact, some rock crawlers are set-up just that way. They crank the starter to creep over stuff. That saves on clutches.
I could take off from a standing start in 3rd gear and never touch the gas- max speed was around 12 mph in 3rd @ idle. And it was easy to bark all 4 in low...