Running a Smarty s67 in a 6 Speed Manual and was wondering what would be the best setting for towing through the mountains?

What would happen if I towed on different settings?

What are some of the main things to look out for?

If I am towing under 6000lbs do I need a trailer brake or will the exhaust brake work?

Thanks

 

I would run a trailer brake!

I think the best setting would probably be SW3, TM2, TQ2, RP1, VG2. If your clucth can't handle it do SW1, TM2, TQ2, RP1, VG1.

 

to keep it simple i just liked running sw3 default settings.. worked good for me

 

Which is pretty close to what I posted, just the rail pressure is different.

 

true i was just saying for the people new to smarty out there that dont wanna toy with the setting on the revo just go to sw3 default which is close enough

 

Good point.

 

Thanks Guys.

I have never really towed with this truck and I am fairly new to Smarty. I have not really tinkered with it.

If you towed on a higher setting is it hard on the truck or just hard on fuel?

 

Hard on the truck.

 

In a recent letter to the Editor of Diesel Power Magazine the same question was asked by a Duramax Owner. The Editor answered that 'Detuning' was best for towing but most don't care for the lack of power. Their logic was detuned uses less fuel and thus keeps lower EGT's even under load climbing a grade. Personally, I run the 67JR-ME, Tow setting, Timing 4. I average 13.5 MPG towing a 9,500lb 5er at 70 MPH.

 

As for the weight/electric brake question, I'd definitely be using the trailer brakes on a 6,000 lb. trailer. In straight line dry pavement stopping, you might get away w/o trailer brakes. Throw in wet/slippery pavement, rounding curves while trying to slow down...as in an multi-lane off ramp...and you've put yourself in a position for having the trailer push the truck around. But what about in an emergency situation, when you need to stop as fast as possible?
And beyond just being a responsible driver, would you be legal w/o using the trailer brakes? Here in Pa., trailers over 3,000lbs gvwr are required to having brakes.