shifting uphill from a stop with heavy load

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Wade73, Dec 19, 2014.

  1. Wade73

    Wade73 Light Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2014
    Springfield, IL
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    I've just started trucking a couple weeks ago, and i'm currently out with a trainer. I'm doing ok with pretty much everything except for shifting from a stop with a heavy load (40k plus) on an incline. Particularly I'm having trouble going from 1st to second. Does anyone have tips for me? I'm training in a 13 speed t680.
     
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  3. Darracq

    Darracq Light Load Member

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    Nov 10, 2011
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    Your just going to have to shift a little faster' rev it up a little higher will give you a little more time.
     
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  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Yeah that's a difficult situation. Because when you let off the throttle to shift, the truck almost comes to a dead stop, because of the incline, right ? So you have to remain in the gear and creep along until you level out enough to complete your shift.
     
    truckdad and Big Don Thank this.
  5. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    Yes, this can be difficult at times. Probably the one time I actually appreciated the semi-automatic I drove. But as said, start off in low gear and pretty much crawl along, making sure by the way, that you have your 4 way flashers on!
     
  6. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
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    You will get better over time...just take it easy...once you start floating gears it will make all the difference.
     
  7. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    Just a matter of how fast you can get into the next gear... if you're good it makes no difference if you float or not. Your shift points for flat ground are out the window, you'll need more RPM when you decide to shift.
     
  8. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    Shift faster. Seriously that's all it is. But in order to do that takes experience. For now you are probably better off just leaving it in first till you get the load up over the top of the grade. See the problem you are having is gravity. You can't fight gravity. The top speed in first is what? 3mph? On a sharp incline gravity has stopped your forward momentum before you even get the clutch in. With time you will be able to shift without thinking just on the feel of the truck.
     
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  9. Wade73

    Wade73 Light Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2014
    Springfield, IL
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    Do you think i could just start out in 2nd in most situations? I'm thinking floating instead of doubleclutching would help but i don't know how to do it yet. Trainer wants me to figure out doubleclutching before he teaches me to float.
     
  10. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    Got to be quick. Double clutching may help. Are you starting in L (1st) or 2nd. Usually, on a 13, I never used 1st. Trainer might frown on that, though. Otherwise, like Allow Me sez, you may have to crawl along, until you crest the hill. Remember, you have a lot of weight behind you.
     
  11. Wade73

    Wade73 Light Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2014
    Springfield, IL
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    Ok thanks guys. I will try shifting faster with higher rpms. This is very frustrating. Hope i eventually figure it out before my evaluation.
     
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