First. Don't race to the top of the grade. I see this all the time. BIG warning signs (like Cabbage, for example) and I'll see loaded trucks go 70mph until the downgrade and "throw themselves over the hill", meaning they could have started coasting and slowing in advance and let the jakes take them down the grade.

Find a gear that allows the jake to keep you at a steady and safe speed. Read the posted signs for grades and they sometimes have a speed limit for big rigs, which factor in your loaded weight.

Getting the feel for taking down grades didn't take me very long. The biggest challenge is to trust the signs and don't let yourself coast too fast. Use the jakes and avoid using your service brakes so you don't over heat them.

Excellent question. Keep an eye on your tach when you can. The idea is to be slowed before a serious downgrade to the advised speed.

I usually downshift at about 1100 rpm so I can get into the next lower gear at no higher than 1400, maybe less depending on how fast you are slowing down.

I don't know of a great way to explain this via text forums...

If the need to downshift should arise on a downgrade, use your service brakes and slow in your current gear to 1000-1200 RPM. This will allow plenty of headroom on your RPMs to get down without going above the green.

Also.... treat the shifter and throttle like a lady. Be gentle. You don't have to hit the throttle hard to get some RPM up. Remember, the newer trucks are drive-by-wire, so it's an electronic throttle. The point I'm trying to make is, don't mash on the pedal. Take some time in a controlled environment (parked or in a Swift yard) to get to feel how your throttle responds while keeping an eye on your tachometer.

Soon enough, you will either not really need the tach, or you will notice you have gained a more natural feel for how to respond and drive your truck. This includes cornering, backing, shifting, docking and coupling/uncoupling your trailer.

Take your time. No rush. Remember one important thing. Commercial vehicles don't drive or respond like a four wheeler or race car, so you have to treat the rig as such... a BIG rig.

This stuff was all VERY intimidating to me at first. I learned how to pace myself and not over-rev and the rest fell into place quickly.

Originally Posted by noexmarines

i just started with SWIFT and how do you down shift without over reving your RPMS?

practice. just repitition. You'll come to know how your truck runs in due time. Just pay attention to what you do and learn from the mistakes that WILL happen.