Going down the grades HEAVY

When I go down a hill,I take it real easy.Then as I go I allow for conditions to change depending on the grade.Many factors dictate what you do,(rain,snow fog,ect).Don`t get in a hurry going down a hill or mountain.Let your equipment do the work for you.I use lower gears,jake brake,and trailer brakes,before using my tractor brakes.It`s easier and cheaper for the company to change trailer brakes,than you on your tractor brakes.:smt025

 

In my last co truck (volvo w/ cummins ISX), going down grades was easy: It had a 3-stage jake, so I would either leave it in ninth or tenth, and cycle the jake from one setting to the next.
That being said, my trainer DID teach me how to go down a grade without a Jake. And, I am glad that he did, so that if my Jake ever quits I know what to do. It's really not that bad, its a nice slow ride down the hill, just ignore the superturkeys who are po'd at you for going slow in the right lane.

 

No Brickman, I have been down some very steep grades, I should have been clearer. Yes, on a 6% grade with an 80K rig, you're right, 9th or 10th gear will just get me to the morgue faster!

My trainer and I did some steep grades (out west) and while I was in the seat, he made me descend them without my jake. And I think the highest gear I was in was 5th.

 

They don't let trucks over the dam anymore? guess that shows how long since I'v been out there that much. Always loved that hairpin.

I'm headed out I80 to Oakland on monday so I'l be sure to revisit my friends the mountain passes