Approaching a stop

15 MPH in 6th gear is to high of a gear for our truck. I have to be in about 4th for 15MPH.

 

That is just a ball park panic guide for new drivers who can't find the gear. As posted it will work for some trucks. Thing to do is write down the speed and shift and RPM of each gear then you will have the range. It will get to a point where you can feel the gear by the sound of the truck.

 

Joettanne came to my defense, and I appreciate it. Some of the criticism seems to be from drivers still in school. I refer to comments implying the truck will be out-of-control if it is not in gear at all times. I refer to comments that you may need to accelerate quickly. Really? With a truck? Another misconception is that a diesel engine actually provides more than a minimum amount of deceleration without a Jake Brake.

When exiting the Interstate, I typically skip from 10th to 8th, and presto, there is the stop sign. I don't try to hit every gear, showing off while creating smoke and noise. If a light turns from red to green as I am slowing down, I grab a gear and go. I don't have to be in the operating range all of the time. I bought a new COE in 1973 and put 920,000 miles on it in nine years. It still had the original brake shoes and drums when I sold it. The truck had two engine overhauls, and I replaced the clutch each time because the labor was part of the overhaul.

 

I should have added this earlier - the "speedulations" I posted were figured using the elderly Freightliners we trained on at CDL school. Your mileage may vary.

Its just an easy way to learn the general gear/speed for FL's without having to memorize them right off the bat.:smt023

 

Your welcome Heyns57! Imagine how much coasting would be going on if some of these drivers had to drive a 2 stick! :smt003

 

my usband told me that he floats through the gears and even showed me on our car is that actually good for the truck

 

I am going to guess this answer will defiantly change according to who you ask.

If done right with experience in doing it, the method is perfectly safe. (in my opinion) and possibly could extend clutch life.

Its where if it is done wrong that really bad things can happen and can be very costly.

 

what do you mean really bad things????? like he could crash from it b/c thats my worst fear is that hes going to crash!! or you got some little teenage 4 wheeler jerk off that cuts up him off then what does he do if he swerves then he takes the chance of losing control and flipping the truck (knock on wood that never happens) but if he hits him he takes the chance of killing him and have to go to jail for manslatter