Downshifting help

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by sage92886, Aug 23, 2007.

  1. brinkj23

    brinkj23 "Asphalt Cowboy"

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    Minnesota
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    I fell out of the top bunk once while we were parked, guess I was having a crazy dream. Because I woke up with my trainer saying why the hell did you turn the radio on? Im like umm I didnt and why the heck am I laying on the floor and why does my ankle hurt. We had a good laugh about that for about three days.
     
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  3. cplmac2

    cplmac2 Heavy Load Member

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    Nov 10, 2008
    Watford City, ND
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    Like everyone else here said, sleep in the bottom bunk when the truck is moving. I couldn't sleep in the top bunk either when in motion, to much movement for me. The bottom bunk though, I had no trouble sleeping in when in motion.
     
  4. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    WY
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    I don't suppose you have a lot of proof of that do you? Like a scientific study?


    Starting the truck up in the morning to go to work cuts into the fuel. Every thing you do cuts into the fuel, jaking for slowing down will use such a minuscule amount of fuel that you won't notice it. In a couple yrs of not jaking you MIGHT see a small gain, versus the way I do it. But seriously it won't be enough to make a big difference.

    I had a 96 T600 that I got 6.5 to 7.5 running all over the country, east/west and mountains and used the jakes all the time except in the parking lots and city driving. The way you drive in between using the jakes to slow down effects your MPGs FAR FAR FAR more than using your jakes to slow down for an exit, or slowing traffic.

    I'm not trying to be a smart axx. Obviously you've been driving longer than I probably ever will, but seriously my BS detector is going off.
     
  5. otherhalftw

    otherhalftw R.I.P.

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    Nov 18, 2008
    CA...gold discovery foothills
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    Mr. Brick I agree with your BS meter on this one. As for the finding the right gear to continue thru the turn, I found it fairly simple.

    First, never coast out of gear, if something happens, you will be cited for not having control of your vehicle, you will be at fault no matter what. If you clutch coast into the turn, (managing your speed with brake if necessary) and at the mid point of the turn atempt 6th gear (assuming a 10 speed) for a 9, the gear would be 5, a little engive rev with dbl clutch will fall right into gear, if you are lugging in 6, immediately go for the next lower, dbl clutch with engine rev. should drop in the slot.

    Of course if you are having trouble down shifting with an automatic, better start thinking about McD's or Burger King for your retirement.
     
  6. roadie32

    roadie32 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 9, 2009
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    great info. I had the same issues when I first started
     
  7. Darkschneidr

    Darkschneidr Light Load Member

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    Jan 31, 2009
    Phoenix, AZ
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    I guess I should have specified in my post, it really depends on how tight the turn is and how much weight you are hauling. Otherhalftw is spot on for turns that are pretty normal with average weight.
     
  8. prancerdog

    prancerdog Bobtail Member

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    Mar 8, 2009
    roseville ca
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    the down shift is 3 steps, clutch out of gear rev rpm,s dont push the clutch as the rpm.s fall slightly push in the clutch grab the next gear if you push in the clutch to far it engages the clutch break and you will never shift :biggrin_25525: and of corse you cant grab a gear that is to low for your speed
     
  9. jhammer

    jhammer Bobtail Member

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    Mar 11, 2009
    Defiance, Ohio
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    It depends on how tight the turn is for me. I usually go for the highest gear in low range. In my 10, that would be 5th. If it's really tight I'll drop it in 4th.
     
  10. SupaTruka

    SupaTruka Light Load Member

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    Feb 8, 2009
    Rhode Island
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    In my situation, coming to a right turn on a green light. Start downshifting way before the turn, be at 20 mph on 6th gear, put button down, slow to 15 mph on 5th gear, then make the turn. Hope that helps. I didn't read anything else. I just read the first post and answered it. Maybe, someone else answered it already.
     
  11. ickeyiskewl

    ickeyiskewl Light Load Member

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    Mar 9, 2009
    Clyde Ohio
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    sounds about right to me lol ....
     
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