Double clutch or Float. You decide.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Trucker_Matt, Jul 19, 2012.

Do you float, double clutch, or single clutch?

  1. *

    Float em baby!

    64 vote(s)
    84.2%
  2. *

    Double clutch all the way

    10 vote(s)
    13.2%
  3. *

    Single clutch

    4 vote(s)
    5.3%
  1. Trucker_Matt

    Trucker_Matt Light Load Member

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    Jul 14, 2012
    Downriver, MI
    0
    but it floats so smoothly...
     
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  3. CertifiedSweetie

    CertifiedSweetie Road Train Member

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    Nov 18, 2008
    Pittsburgh,Pa
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    My trainer from werner didn't show me because he said got into alot of trouble for showing a previous student how to do it. Even when I had my road test with super service they told us strictly no floating. The guy even made a joke about it saying something about floating = failing. The first guy that went out said he completly forgot and ended failing for floating. They also claimed that they could tell by the transmission who floats gears and if they see a transmission wore out due to floating they were taking the cost out of the drivers pay.I wasnt too worried because I couldn't due it anyway.
     
  4. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
    0
    Matt, It'll work fine until it doesn't anymore.
     
    Last edited: Jul 19, 2012
    123456 Thanks this.
  5. hawkjr

    hawkjr Road Train Member

    1,652
    638
    Feb 28, 2010
    Virginia
    0
    sometimes i try to shift with the clutch and it seems like i've never driven a truck before!! So i only use to clutch when starting/stopping
     
  6. bender

    bender Road Train Member

    2,105
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    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
    0
    They can't determine if you float or not by inspecting the transmission gears. All floating will do is shine the gear teeth a little if you don't time it just right. It won't tear up the gears like you have been led to believe.
     
  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Jul 6, 2009
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    yep, only time you need the clutch is when stopped.

    think about how many times your going to be shifting throughout the day. it'll take you a month to equal that in your car.
     
  8. Trucker_Matt

    Trucker_Matt Light Load Member

    148
    17
    Jul 14, 2012
    Downriver, MI
    0
    when floating, do you need to keep constant pressure on the accelerator, or do you release the accelerator, float gears, then accelerate some more?
     
  9. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
    0
    You do it the same way as you would when using the clutch but without depressing the clutch and much quicker on the stick. Start off by practicing timing your 1st to 2nd shift many times, then progress from there to higher gears.
     
  10. EagleEye509

    EagleEye509 Light Load Member

    107
    29
    Apr 7, 2012
    Spokane,WA
    0
    If your gentle and time it right it's less wear and tear on the transmission. The reason some companies say no floating is they usually have inexperienced drivers such as fresh graduates who don't have the timing just right and grind them in, and more importantly they don't realize if the gear isn't all the way in and they stomp the throttle snapping a gear.

    This I learned from a driver of 42+ years and a company trainer/tester
     
    road runner 9630 Thanks this.
  11. EagleEye509

    EagleEye509 Light Load Member

    107
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    Apr 7, 2012
    Spokane,WA
    0
    You pull on the stick before releasing the throttle, once released it'll pop out of gear...time it (ie 400 split etc) and it'll slide right in. Make sure your jake is off while up shifting or you'll never catch it
     
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