2016 Melbourne doesn't like backing up inclines

[campaholix]

So I've only had this rig since October and the first few times in and out of my parking area, I pulled nose in so never noticed this. A couple weeks ago we had the rig out to pull our trailer to DMV and when we returned, it seemed the Melbourne was struggling to back the trailer into the parking spot. *Note: it's packed gravel with approximately an 6" rise in 35'.
I didn't think too much of it until this past weekend when I moved the MH to allow for parking both it and the trailer. When I went to back the rig into the spot...without the trailer attached...it was struggling to reverse up the slight incline. Like REALLY had to mash the accelerator to make it go struggling.

Anyone else experiencing any issues backing up a Melbourne on a slight incline? I can't imagine what I'd have to do to park in some of the places we go around Pennsylvania with the hills we have to face to get camped (definitely steeper than my piddly little driveway!)


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[Pfflyer]

Originally Posted by Dnbgould

So I've only had this rig since October and the first few times in and out of my parking area, I pulled nose in so never noticed this. A couple weeks ago we had the rig out to pull our trailer to DMV and when we returned, it seemed the Melbourne was struggling to back the trailer into the parking spot. *Note: it's packed gravel with approximately an 6" rise in 35'.
I didn't think too much of it until this past weekend when I moved the MH to allow for parking both it and the trailer. When I went to back the rig into the spot...without the trailer attached...it was struggling to reverse up the slight incline. Like REALLY had to mash the accelerator to make it go struggling.

Anyone else experiencing any issues backing up a Melbourne on a slight incline? I can't imagine what I'd have to do to park in some of the places we go around Pennsylvania with the hills we have to face to get camped (definitely steeper than my piddly little driveway!)


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I have but it only seems to happen when the engine is cold. I don't know if this was your problem but when traveling slow on gravel or similar situations like that I would suggest turning off the ASR (traction control).

[campaholix]

Originally Posted by Pfflyer

I have but it only seems to happen when the engine is cold. I don't know if this was your problem but when traveling slow on gravel or similar situations like that I would suggest turning off the ASR (traction control).

PF...thanks for the reply. Yes, it was pretty much a cold start. I didn't even realize the rig had traction control. I'll have to try to find it....


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[Pfflyer]

ASR button is in between the hazard flasher button and the door lock button.

[campaholix]

Originally Posted by Pfflyer

ASR button is in between the hazard flasher button and the door lock button.

Ok, now I'm really feeling like a doofus...didn't know I had a door lock button. I need to take a walk out in the rain to figure this out.


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[campaholix]

Originally Posted by Pfflyer

ASR button is in between the hazard flasher button and the door lock button.

Son of a gun! PFFlyer 2 - dnb 0

I was just pondering last weekend why the rig didn't have a door lock / unlock function...but I was looking on the door where they're typically located.

Thanks! I am humbled in your presence [emoji854]


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[TLC]

Some transmissions will slip especially in reverse and cold if trans fluid is low.
FWIW

[t18skyguy]

I don't know about Fords newer transmission's, but the 4R100's are not happy in reverse for very long. The reason is that in reverse, the fluid does not run through the cooler, so the longer it is moving in reverse the hotter it gets. Over in the Ford truck forum there are threads on this and many tranny failures with owner backing up long inclines and then making a 90 degree turn at the end is even worse. This probably is not relevant to you issue but thought I'd note it.

[campaholix]

Originally Posted by t18skyguy

I don't know about Fords newer transmission's, but the 4R100's are not happy in reverse for very long. The reason is that in reverse, the fluid does not run through the cooler, so the longer it is moving in reverse the hotter it gets. Over in the Ford truck forum there are threads on this and many tranny failures with owner backing up long inclines and then making a 90 degree turn at the end is even worse. This probably is not relevant to you issue but thought I'd note it.

I'm on a Mercedes chassis but any info is helpful. Thanks for sharing


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[stumpshot]

Yep! 2016 24K. We live on a very steep driveway, 1000 feet long. The traction control is never on and we had just driven 150 miles so I know the engine was warm and this rig does NOT back up worth squat. Any slight incline and the throttle is all the way to the floor before it moves. Also, I always throw it into low range before I start up the drive and it always runs out of power and then surges forward like it was in 2nd and didn't shift to low until it was almost at a stop. Makes it freaky to drive on steep roads like ours!

[campaholix]

Originally Posted by stumpshot

Yep! 2016 24K. We live on a very steep driveway, 1000 feet long. The traction control is never on and we had just driven 150 miles so I know the engine was warm and this rig does NOT back up worth squat. Any slight incline and the throttle is all the way to the floor before it moves. Also, I always throw it into low range before I start up the drive and it always runs out of power and then surges forward like it was in 2nd and didn't shift to low until it was almost at a stop. Makes it freaky to drive on steep roads like ours!

Stump...that's wild. Do you have any idea why it operates like that? I'm trying to figure out who to contact at Mercedes to ask some questions.


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