Results 11 to 17 of 17
- 07.11.2012 #11Bobtail Member
- Member Since
- Nov 2009
- Location
- Salt Lake City,Ut
- Trucker?
- 5 Years
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- 23
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This might be of some use, it's gotta happen pretty fast when you come outta 3rd you have to slide into 4th before eng rpms drop under a certain amount, I'm not going to mention numbers on the tach because I sometimes grind a little, and road speed is considered also for a smooth shift,and of course load weight. If empty the forward momentum of the light load can carry you right through 4th or any other gear with the right conditions. Also the lower gears are much closer in ratio or something like that,there are many out here who can explain it better, but even a slight down grade will mess you up ,dodn't be in a low gear and roll with clutch in and then let it out ,very bad on trans. High gears are spaced further apart and you windum up more to get up to hi-way speed,so if it dodn't wanna go in you might try skipping it. This has been my experience and thats what it takes so take it easy it'll come with wheel time, I like shifting under different conditions and every time you get out the gate it's different.
- 07.12.2012 #12Heavy Load Member
- Member Since
- Jun 2010
- Location
- Rochester NY
- Trucker?
- 6 Years
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Still being in school don't try floating and don't skip gears. I've done a few road tests on newbies and didn't care if they ground a few. I looked for safety! So just relax and keep working at it your going to grind em a little thats part of learning, just make sure you are getting it in gear and NOT by jamming it in.
Remember, NEVER coast out of gear, always in gear!
- 07.12.2012 #13"In Tune"
- Member Since
- Jan 2008
- Location
- I-70...Where else?
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- No Answer
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Ok....I have to go with my old standard on shifting.....
Ladies don't get offended either.....
Driving a rig is like making love to a woman....
Don't force anything......
If you have to manhandle the shifter...You are doing it all wrong.....
Use two fingers to shift and when it's ready to go in....or out...It's ready....
- 07.12.2012 #14Trucker Forum STAFF
- Member Since
- May 2009
- Location
- San Marcos, Ca.
- Trucker?
- 32 Years
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- 67
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You started school on Monday and are worried that you can't shift properly on Wednesday ? It's a 3 week school, right ? So, relax, and don't worry about downshifting just yet. I've never seen a newb climb in a truck on Monday and have it mastered by Wednesday. Otherwise, school would be 2 days, not 3 weeks (or 4).
- 07.12.2012 #15Bobtail Member
- Member Since
- Jul 2012
- Location
- Nashville, TN
- Trucker?
- 0-1 Year
- Posts
- 23
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Up Shift: Just rhythm. That's all it's about. If you're going from 5th to 6th go ahead and raise your valve before you even start the actual shift process. Then (Shift) to Neutral (Shift) to gear.
Down Shift: Once again it's all in the rhythm. (Shift) to Neutral (Push in the fuel, and let off after roughly 400rpm) (Shift) to Gear.
With downshifting it will take a little time (I'm still not great at it, cause I'm still a rookie) but it'll come to you.
- 07.12.2012 #16Bobtail Member
- Member Since
- Jun 2012
- Location
- shreveport, la
- Trucker?
- 23 Years
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- 41
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If you can't find them...grind them! hehe But seriously, I learned by watching the tach. Once you get on your own you will find that you use the clutch for 1st gear and reverse, else keep off the clutch. My last truck was an automatic..i never missed a gear hehe Good luck
- 07.12.2012 #17Light Load Member
- Member Since
- Apr 2012
- Location
- romeo,mi
- Trucker?
- 0-1 Year
- Age
- 45
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- My Truckers Blog
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Its all about the RPMS, you have time like everyone said more time behind the wheel the better you get. Good Luck to you.
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