Skip shifting an 18 speed

I never split the bottom box even @ 140,000, won't hurt a thing, same as a 13.

M/T or loaded I always split the high range gears, just habit.

 

You can skip gears of the situation warrants it. If your rolling you just have to judge it about like a 13.

 

The only time I need to split low range gears is starting up a steep hill or off road.

Normally loaded: I start in the low hole with the splitter back. Go L, 1, 2, 3, 4, range selector up, then 5, 6, split to 6High, 7Low, 7H, 8L, 8H.

When empty: 1L, 2L, 3L, 4L, 5L, 6L, 7L, 8L, 8H.

The beauty of the 13 and 18 is you can keep the RPMs between 1200-1400 most of the time. So you keep a steadier average speed, put less strain on the engine and driveline, and save fuel.

Just don't abuse it, because it can break easier than a 10 speed if you do.

 

When I'm MT my 10 turns into a 6 speed.

4-6-7-8-9-10

 

When loaded heavy my 10 is a 7 speed...2,4,6,7,8,9,10
Loaded light 3,5,7,8,9,10

Just never on a hill...

 

3,5,7,8,9,10 90% of the time only seen 1 once last year real steep start at 79900 2 only crawling in traffic 4,6 crawling in traffic or long steep on ramps.
I hate this super 10 1500+ at highway speeds and have to wait till below 55 to downshift on hills.

 

If you dont ever want to move the little grey switch, it wont make a difference to the tranny.

 

a super 10 requires a touch on listening to the engine, tac and road speed, that comes with 10 yrs of feeling the beast! Once you master the personality of the beast, it will put hard, run easy, and allow you to stay in the sweet spot for max fuel mileage. But if you abuse the beast, it will eat you up and destroy your wallet and you dreams of financial freedom are longer in realizing. You can make a 13 or 18 do the job, yet they are more forgiving than a super 10. A super 10 beast is non forgiving until you master the touch, than you are a true pro.....however it takes touch....

 

It is fine to not split the low range. If you listen to engine, and it starts to "LUG", then it should be split. The engine will tell you if it is the right gear. When I'm empty, most often I even start out in 4th gear.