Slick roads 101

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by TripleSix, Feb 21, 2015.

  1. Rocks

    Rocks Road Train Member

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    Only one thing I disagree here... I am not here for the money... :biggrin_25512: No, no, no... I am here for my passion for the road, for the challenge... I guess the challenge excites me... Only thing I don't do is to chain up.... So, I have been with companies that won't allow drivers to chain up... I have driven in all 48 states, hills, flat lands, country roads, untreated roads... many times under snow and sometimes at night... :biggrin_2552: And so far... so good... Thank GOD! :biggrin_25519:
     
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  3. RetiredUSN

    RetiredUSN Medium Load Member

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    I went through SNI aound 2002......pretty cool experience.
     
  4. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    I think the intent of this thread is to let folks know that it is OKAY to drive in icy conditions. Sometimes this job will require it, if you want to make a paycheck.

    Case in point tonight. I received a call from our dispatcher at a Walmart distribution center here in Dallas/Fort Worth. Seems that a number of their regular drivers decided to take the night off because of the ice storm. They asked if I'd be willing to run tonight.

    "Sure!" I said, "Beats not working".

    Made my run tonight with three stops. Not much traffic. Several very icy bridges and some sleet and snow starting to fall toward the morning. Had to take the rubber mallet out to knock the ice off the landing gear so I could lower them, and again to get the 5th wheel handle pulled. Parked for the morning to afternoon 10 and go at it again.

    When I left the truck stop after getting the call, as I went in to get my coffee there was a klatch of truckers gathered 'round, all talking about how there's no way they were going out in that stuff. I bobtailed 30 miles to the distribution center and drove the empty trailer 45 miles after the last drop. IMHO as long as you are very aware of the trailer, FEEL the road, and be very LIGHT with the throttle and brakes you'll be fine.

    Last thought is to hold the steering wheel like you are holding a wounded sparrow, with arms hanging limp. Helps to feel the road. A death grip on the steering wheel is a surefire way to be oblivious to when it's getting greasy and will help get you in trouble in a hurry.
     
  5. Dragon88

    Dragon88 Light Load Member

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    4. That freakin power divider!!!! Care to explain this one?
     
  6. EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member


    I never use mine on slick roads unless I'm going very slow and trying to get up a hill or backed into a dock.
    In my opinion having both drive axles locked in at speed on slick roads can make matters worse...
     
  7. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    I can't speak for the OP but will add that the OP'r might be referring to the fact some think the differential lock can be utilized anytime snow/ice is on the roadway, under any driving scenario. But sometimes they can cause a truck to not want to turn as it normally would when on icy roads, and making 90 degree turns. Sometimes, they can create as many problems as they solve in turning situations. They're fine in normal road "straight driving" scenario, and can help you get up a hill, but otherwise, one needs to be careful about when to leave them engaged and when to disengage them.

    Not to mention a lot of damage can be done if you hit dry road conditions and have forgotten to disengage the lock.
     
  8. texasbbqbest

    texasbbqbest Road Train Member

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    Yep, it's icy here, but too bad if you have to go somewhere.
     
  9. Dragon88

    Dragon88 Light Load Member

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    When you say power divider do you guys mean the axle-interlock or lockers?
     
  10. EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

    Yep! Same thing.
     
  11. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    That's it...that's the finesse you have to learn. They way I explain it is trying to type with your elbows instead of your fingers. The finger muscles are nowhere as strong as the arm muscles, but have much more dexterity and accuracy.

    I had a trainer tell me in front of his student about how he jumps down a students neck for driving with 1 hand. I told him that I'd rather see a driver relaxed behind the wheel. Being tensed up while driving will wear a driver out much quicker causing the brain to want to shut down (mind drifts, sleep at the wheel...etc). That's what I don't get about heavy traffic. You have these drivers trying to run nose to tails to prevent some 4 wheeler from getting in front of you. That's why newbies have manual transmissions. Stop. Go. Stop. Go. Don't let those 4s pile in front of you. I will stick the truck in gear and let her ease along. If a 4 gets in front of me, I don't care. Why get worked up and stressed out?

    If you're feeling pressure, drivers, you're doing something wrong.
     
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