What if it Snows?

I'm getting nervous about stepping into a manual again after not having driven one for 2.5 years since CDL school. Ugh. Starting to think I'm in over my head, thinking of the worst case scenarios. I really want to get into LTL but #### I do not want to drive a manual again and have something bad happen with not catching a gear.

Question: If I'm in a manual 10 speed Eaton, what's the lowest MPH that 7th gear can be in before the truck shuts down or something real bad happens? I understand it's best to get it into 6th gear by the time you hit 15 MPH, but:

I was thinking that if I can get the truck into 7th gear before the hills/upgrades begin, that would be a safe gear for most hills and I could (ideally) just put my 4 ways on before the climb begins should other drivers want to pass me. That way I could be in 7th from about 15 MPH - 40 MPH and I wouldn't have to shift at all on the hill/upgrade. I've been up Monteagle outside of Chattanooga at 79k plenty of times in an automatic and I don't think the truck ever got below 15 MPH on the climb up? I've definitely gone up at around 20 MPH before but I don't think I ever got below 15, unless my memory is failing me.

So, is this a viable strategy for big hills/upgrades or will the truck mess up/cut off if I get down to 15 MPH in 7th gear?

 

its like riding a bike, if you could do it then, you can do it again.
Within 5 min you will be right.

 

Well I'm on track to have a banner night... If all continues to work out I will get 712 miles... Dixon, IL to Big Springs, NE. I'm currently in the large trucks only rest area just west of Lincoln, NE on I-80... 268 miles to go with 4 hrs 8 mins 50 secs left on my clock.

If I had realized I could possibly make it to Big Springs, I would have done my 30 when I stopped for fuel in Avoca, IA... Doing so would have saved me like 5 mins on my clock. I would really lile to make Big Springs, then I could make it home by 0800 Saturday to start my vacation.

Speaking of vacation... It sounds like my son isnt going to enjoy Daddy being home as much as he normally would... He got bowled over by speeding Kitty Cat in the yard last night and took a tumble. During said tumble he somehow managed to break his foot. So he may be spending some time in a cast. The Doc at the Urgent Clinic said it is just a hair line fracture, but he is a very active 3 year old. So a cast may be required just so he doesn't worsen the injury. It really sucks being out on the road when crap like this happens.

 

Yeah, no time is a good time for that kind of stuff.

 

Hell, Ive been driving trucks on and off for over 20 years and I couldn't tell you which gear is correct for any given speed. It's just a feel thing for me I guess. I dont really think about gears and speeds, I just grab the hole that "feels" right.

If you over think it you will screw it up... Just remain calm, take it nice and slow, amd you will do just fine.

 

Aint that the truth... He's one tough little guy though. Wife said he didnt really cry, just refuses to walk on it and if you try to touch his foot he pushes your hand away and very firmly says "NO!" Sounds just like something I would do... LOL

 

When I was learning it was (10 speed) 10 mph per gear. Tho we could get more than that when we wound out thos two stroke diesels.

 

I get that, my son broke his leg when I was across the country it blew chunks. Was one of the reasons that I started my exit plan from being OTR. At least you will be there for the healing

 

$32 for an uncooked steak? For that kinda price it'd better have a hand forged tomahawk buried in it somewhere and an Indian to wield it.