DOWN Shifting

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by mascmo, Oct 25, 2006.

  1. mascmo

    mascmo Bobtail Member

    21
    2
    Oct 10, 2006
    Tampa, FL
    0
    I get the first ten gears shifting up but when i decide to downshift is there any tricks or anything i should know. Im confused as to what im reading. You cant just push the clutch in put it into the lower gear then slowly let the clutch out again?

    Need some clarity for this!
     
    DEEMO Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Cerberus101

    Cerberus101 Heavy Load Member

    986
    37
    Oct 25, 2006
    Georgia
    0
    You gotta tap the fuel pedal between 1300-1500 rpms to downshift. Let off gas pedal, shift to nuetral, tap gas, go into lower gear. It's a timing thing.
     
    DEEMO Thanks this.
  4. The_Rev

    The_Rev Light Load Member

    189
    19
    Aug 11, 2006
    Englewood, FL
    0
  5. mascmo

    mascmo Bobtail Member

    21
    2
    Oct 10, 2006
    Tampa, FL
    0
    so i know this is gonna take time for me to learn but im sure ill get it eventually. 10 speed is all new for me
     
  6. Cerberus101

    Cerberus101 Heavy Load Member

    986
    37
    Oct 25, 2006
    Georgia
    0
    Sounds like your used to the super 10 or worse yet automatics.
     
  7. mascmo

    mascmo Bobtail Member

    21
    2
    Oct 10, 2006
    Tampa, FL
    0
    well my company just purchased those stupid automated manual freightliners...THEY SUCK! Im switching companies so i gotta figure it all out...im sure ill get it though.
     
  8. Cerberus101

    Cerberus101 Heavy Load Member

    986
    37
    Oct 25, 2006
    Georgia
    0
    Which company was that? The 10 speed just takes some practice. You will get it.
     
  9. mascmo

    mascmo Bobtail Member

    21
    2
    Oct 10, 2006
    Tampa, FL
    0
    Well its a distribution warehouse owned by Bridgestone/Firestone called Tire Wholesale Warehouse.
     
  10. Cerberus101

    Cerberus101 Heavy Load Member

    986
    37
    Oct 25, 2006
    Georgia
    0
    Ok i was thinking somebody else. (us express) The 10 is like riding a bike. It's really easy after you get the hang of it.
     
  11. Rawlco

    Rawlco Medium Load Member

    384
    200
    Aug 13, 2006
    Central Maine
    0
    The thing that confuses some people is that there are two different types of downshifting

    In the following example some generic numbers are used. The proper shift points for your truck depend on engine type and transmission type.

    First is when you are loaded going up a big hill. Gravity will slow you down to 1000 rpm (generic example, your engine may be different). If you keep slowing down your engine will stall, so you need a lower gear. You need to get the engine turning faster.
    1) Push in the clutch, slide shifter to neutral, release clutch pedal.
    2) Press the throttle to increase the engine RPM to around 1400.
    3) Push in the clutch, slide the shifter to a lower gear, release clutch pedal.
    4) Press throttle to the floor to go up the hill.
    You have now sucesfully downshifted going up a hill to maintain speed.

    Second is downshifting to slow down. When you apply the brakes you will eventually stall the engine if you don't change gears.
    1) Apply brakes to slow down until engine RPM reaches 900 to 1000.
    2) Push in the clutch, slide shifter to neutral, release clutch pedal. Continue gentle braking.
    3) Press the throttle to increase the engine RPM to around 1200 to 1300.
    4) Push in the clutch, slide the shifter to a lower gear, release clutch pedal.
    5) Apply brakes and repeat.
    You have now sucessfully downshifted to slow down.
     
    cchardel, DEEMO, HD_Renegade and 4 others Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.