Panic situations/Downshifting - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

WahlbergCasket · **^ Top** #1 01.30.2007

to make a long story short, I am a new driver with my Class-B license. I will be hauling septic waste on a Mack 8 speed truck. My first time behind the wheel today I almost backed into a ditch, missed a couple turns, and could not downshift worth a ####. I really need all of you who know how to drive to help me in these situations:

- Approaching a stop sign in 8th gear. I will be using my clutch and double clutching, for now I do not want shortcuts since I am still training. So Im coming to the stop sign. How far back should I begin to slow down/shift? How many gears should I drop? What should I do when I try to downshift and I get panicked and get lost in Neutral? Please help with these situations dealing with downshifting and not grinding, etc. I want to impress my boss and not "scare" him like I did today, even though he hired me,....thanks guys/girls

WahlbergCasket · **^ Top** #2 01.30.2007

some additional worries!!

- approaching a turn with no stop or yield signs.
- approaching a stale green light
- approaching a hill

jamwadmag · **^ Top** #3 01.31.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by WahlbergCasket

t
- Approaching a stop sign in 8th gear. I will be using my clutch and double clutching, for now I do not want shortcuts since I am still training. So Im coming to the stop sign. How far back should I begin to slow down/shift? How many gears should I drop? What should I do when I try to downshift and I get panicked and get lost in Neutral? Please help with these situations dealing with downshifting and not grinding, etc. I want to impress my boss and not "scare" him like I did today, even though he hired me,....thanks guys/girls

You are going to have to get used to the feel of your truck and the amount of weight that you are carrying to figure this one out! Its JUST experience. On freeways, etc., you are NOT suppose to start hitting your brakes til you hit the exit ramp. However, let it float and slow slightly, so as not to impact traffic, then brake at onset of ramp, and downshift. All else depends on the exit ramp 'speed sign' as to how fast you 'get down' to safely arrive at the upcoming intersection.
Good luck!

possumbelly · **^ Top** #4 01.31.2007

I've olny been driving for a year and remember those (out of gear) times very well! But really it's not a tell me kinda thing. I fell timber for 20 yrs same deal you can be shown the basics, then it's all about feel. Just don't panic

Good luck

jamwadmag · **^ Top** #5 01.31.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by possumbelly

I've olny been driving for a year and remember those (out of gear) times very well! But really it's not a tell me kinda thing. I fell timber for 20 yrs same deal you can be shown the basics, then it's all about feel. Just don't panic

Good luck

Best advice that I can give you..!! You will freeze up and become unsafe in your actions.

MedicineMan · **^ Top** #6 01.31.2007

You should be at the speed you want to go through the turn BEFORE you enter the turn. WHat gear that is depends on your truck, the speed, the weight etc you just have to learn the vehicle.
The cdl inspectors will tell you to always be in gear, downshifting as you slow but in reality most just pop it out of gear and slow down if you don't need engine braking to assist.
As for double clutching, good luck it's just a matter of knowing your vehicle, how fast the motor accelerates/decellerates in relation to road speed etc. Once again it's more a a feeling and sense of rhythm than anything else. Personally I'v never been very good at double clutching, just try shifting without the clutch I feel it's easyer ayways

jamwadmag · **^ Top** #7 01.31.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

As for double clutching, good luck it's just a matter of knowing your vehicle, how fast the motor accelerates/decellerates in relation to road speed etc. Once again it's more a a feeling and sense of rhythm than anything else. Personally I'v never been very good at double clutching, just try shifting without the clutch I feel it's easyer ayways

Often I will double-clutch down to leave the engine brakes On. Almost never UP, unless heavy-load uphill from standstill to get the xmission to release!!

WahlbergCasket · **^ Top** #8 01.31.2007

What is the proper way to downshift? what if I only get down 2 gears and up approaching a turn in too high of a gear? what do i do then?

mikroos5 · **^ Top** #9 01.31.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by WahlbergCasket

What is the proper way to downshift? what if I only get down 2 gears and up approaching a turn in too high of a gear? what do i do then?

I hope you hit your brakes so you can stop in time.....LOL
If you us the Smith System you should never be in that situation

Cybergal · **^ Top** #10 01.31.2007

Keep your rpm's up to match your wheel speed.
Goose it in other words.

When they all match it will fall right in.

If you can't find them grind them....they will make them out of rubber next year!

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