driving down mountains in truck has no engine brake,how to handle that

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Hova28, Sep 25, 2018.

  1. Hova28

    Hova28 Bobtail Member

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    what gear to be in if I am 80,000 going down a 7% grade
     
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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  4. Hova28

    Hova28 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 4, 2018
    Baltimore,Maryland
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    ok thanks I will go down there in 3rd or 4th gear if need be
     
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  5. IluvCATS

    IluvCATS Road Train Member

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    For real? The same gear you went up in is the gear you descend in. Also learn “stab” braking, don’t keep the pedal down.
     
  6. fargonaz

    fargonaz Road Train Member

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    I prefer lock-up braking. I like going down in top gear; it's easier on the engine.
     
  7. homeskillet

    homeskillet Road Train Member

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    There's a Frequent Poster who knows all about mountain driving who should be along any minute.

    Just don't dare question his inconsistencies.
     
  8. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Need more info.

    How long is this 7%grade?
    How many lanes?
    What’s the posted recommended speed limit for trucks?
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  9. Hulld

    Hulld Road Train Member

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    This is excellent advice..
    although it is scary to me that you have give this to someone who is already driving a truck.
     
    Joetro, IluvCATS and KB3MMX Thank this.
  10. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    7 th sounds good - yep 7th
     
  11. Blackshack46

    Blackshack46 Road Train Member

    Its also not one size fits all.

    I routinely top hills in 8 9 10th hear, but i wont dare go down the other side in anything more than 7th. I also have a pretty good jake to hold me back.

    Come to think of it, i also ascend a hill for a mile or so in 6th or 7th gear, but the down side i can handle in 8th, 9th gear with stab braking. 7th gear is just too much.

    Had i not had an engine brake, i also would question the fact that i have to descend a hill at 15mph to hold me steady while joe schmoe can take the hill in 9th gear with a 3 stage brake.
     
    Dave_in_AZ, Hulld, magoo68 and 2 others Thank this.
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