skip shifting

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by byrdman2391, Dec 24, 2011.

  1. killer120

    killer120 Light Load Member

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    I was skip shifting at the age of 10 hahah, I grew up around semi's, its really not hard, you gotta get used to the truck not just know how to do it, it really depends on how much hp you have, how much torque you have, what kind of transmission and what kind of ratios, what you weigh, everything falls into line, for example I drive a 92' freightliner fld120 with a 300 cummins and a 10 speed eaton manual, I start in 4th empty then skip to 7th then go through the rest, when I got a trailer I start in 3rd, then go to 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, but when I got a full load, I start in 1st so I don't burn up the clutch, then I shift from 1st to 2nd then 3rd, 4th, skip 5th go to 6th then 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, and sometimes if im in the city and I just wanna get out of everyones way, ill start in 3rd, and the torque pushes me enough to skip 4th and 5th and go into 6th, without lugging the engine down then I go through the rest of the gears, like I said it really depends on the setup
     
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  3. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    I don't skip on the up shift but on the down side it's much easier. That's because we run the city all day long and it's just stupid (and inexperienced) to down shift every gear. You have to know the speed for all gears so when you slow or stop you can grab the right gear if needed. Like when coming to a red light you slow down then the light turns green. I usually go from tenth to sixth and stay in high range but it all depends on the speed limit and street. If you don't know how then it's the last item you need to learn on shifting. IOW learn all the other stuff first and skipping will come easy. You can skip on the up side if your empty but most trucks I've been in there was no need to.
     
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  4. killer120

    killer120 Light Load Member

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    its nice when you do it downshifting to because you get the rpms higher and you can drop speed quicker, but I skip shift a lot when I wanna get out of peoples ways, other times ill just bring the engine up to 1000-1200 rpms and it'll slide right into gear nice n easy
     
  5. full speed

    full speed Heavy Load Member

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    Apr 20, 2010
    Los angeles CA.
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    Its just a shift, like wise its just driving a truck. I'ts not rocket science. But it helps, it does help. It should be accumilated naturally and will with time.
    The OP makes me feel like he's thinking in four wheeler terms as speed shifting in cars.

    As the term you guys are using skip shiffting lol.
    Its just skipping gears. Let's not take it out of perspective it serves it porpose.

    We don't want skippy newbeis to feel like, oh hey man, I can't wait to get in the truck and start skip shifting around town and ####. LoL.:biggrin_25523:
     
    Last edited: Aug 29, 2013
  6. SteveBausch

    SteveBausch Light Load Member

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    Oct 15, 2014
    Indianapolis, Indiana
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    Mack used to offer a five speed tranny with an engine having broad powerband.

    If empty on level ground:
    Start off in 4th (can be done with Penske or Ryder trucks, doesn’t require a lot of power.

    OR

    Loaded, headed downhill:
    Start off in 2nd

    THEN

    Rev up to 1500 or so,
    Then idle RPMs in neutral.
    Should go right into next even-numbered gear

    Most likely you can skip 7th, then go to 8th.

    Then 9th, 10th, etc. as normal.
     
  7. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

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    Ha, ha, ha, 2013
     
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  8. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    If you are on a steep off road terrain you are not going to physically able to go to 1st gear, then second then third then.. forgetaboutit.

    What might happen with me if a hill is steep enough and there is nothing to force me to stop... I'll let the clutch off in 3rd and release the brake. The result should be about a 18 mph increase in speed relatively quickly.

    Im already out of that third gear when the tach is run out, flip it to 5th high, double clutch her into gear and while that is going on quicjkly flip the jacobs on full.

    SHE SHOULD SLIP right into 5th, clutch out, hammer back still increasing speed until the jacobs gives me a nice strong solid SNORT and if's it precise she will continue to hold that gear rolling that noise off that jake nosing down just a little touch. Nothing too drama.

    At that point I know I have her.

    If it's a mountain grade I'm already where I want to be. No more than 30.

    The big trick is barely using any power to start when the grade is steep enough to get you momentum. And boom you are already settled. easy peasy.

    It's MUCH harder to sit and type this carefully than it is to actually pick a hill and learn.
     
  9. Saddletramp1200

    Saddletramp1200 Road Train Member

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    Truckers like me know it as floating gears. Best done with a 13, 15, or 18 speed. And a motor that ain't cut back to lawn mower spec's.
     
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