how to drive an 18 speed

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by kenwortht660, Jul 18, 2008.

  1. kenwortht660

    kenwortht660 Bobtail Member

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    May 8, 2008
    Oakland, CA
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    Hi all,

    I just bought a kenworth t660 18 speed, 500 hp cummins isx, 1850 torque, and 3.55 rear end ratio.

    Could you all chime in and give me some tips on how to drive an 18 speed the right way?

    some of the questions that i have are:

    1) with the above specs, what gears should I use for starting up (with a light load / with a heavy load).

    2) when I'm going up the mountains (with a light load / with a heavy load).


    I understand that the gears depend on the how much weigh you carry and if the truck have enough power to pull it, so it's hard to give a precise answer for this and I will have to get a feel for it when i'm driving. I just wanted to know what to expect. If you could generally say what gear range I should expect to be in in different situation that would be great.
     
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  3. Eric the Red

    Eric the Red Light Load Member

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    Jun 12, 2008
    Arizona
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    [YT="Video"]sM-kcFxsyCk[/YT]

    And apparently you need to be barefoot :biggrin_25525:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 18, 2008
    Cybergal Thanks this.
  4. SPIKE 64

    SPIKE 64 Light Load Member

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    Feb 26, 2008
    San Antonio tx.
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    AW HELL, I knew i was doing wrong,need to remove shoes next time! HAHAHA!!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 18, 2008
  5. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Kenworth if you've ever driven a 13 speed then not much has changed. I wouldn't bother splitting the low gears unless you really need them for starting out on a hill or going slow across rough terrain.
     
    Muleskinner Thanks this.
  6. SPIKE 64

    SPIKE 64 Light Load Member

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    Feb 26, 2008
    San Antonio tx.
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    Last edited: Jul 18, 2008
  7. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    WY
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    Its not Wise's fault. Some one removed the vid from YouTube.
     
  8. 2fuzy

    2fuzy Road Train Member

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    Jun 19, 2008
    Granite Canon,WY
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    can't tell you how could show you in 5min but now that you have one 10s will suck from now on
     
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