What gears for grapevine. 10spd

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by FresnoJoe, Aug 21, 2019.

  1. FresnoJoe

    FresnoJoe Bobtail Member

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    Hey so I'm a new driver. Got my CDL in June 2018, I start driving today. Being sent from Fresno, CA to Compton, CA loaded. Wanted to all some experienced drivers what gear should be used for the southbound uphill approach. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
     
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  3. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    You know your truck, we don't, use what ever gear holds your ruck back with the jake at 5 mph below posted speed limit your first time.
     
  4. FresnoJoe

    FresnoJoe Bobtail Member

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    I get what you're saying, but this is the first time I'm gonna drive this truck. So I really don't know this truck. I passed my DMV test with no errors, just not experienced at all going uphill loaded. I've got experience in straight trucks, but they were automatics.
     
  5. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    Iirc, the grapevine is something like 45 mph speed limit, but I am going by memory and it has been 15 years too. lol
    Use what ever gear you are running 1800 on the tach at 40 to be safe. It is hard to say, all engines have different jaking capabilities, so you may need to be a gear higher.
    Remember you can go down hill too slow all your life, too fast just once. lol
     
  6. Oor

    Oor Road Train Member

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    Ten speed, rule of fives.

    45 mph, 4+5=9. 9th gear.

    35 mph, 3+5=8. 8th gear.

    Etc.

    Down hill, if it has a 5-6% of grade sign, use 9th, jake, and stab brake where req'd. Or one under proper gear for posted speed limit. She'll want to run high in chosen gear with weight pushing, obviously.

    Any steeper or curvy, there should be a sign with weight and recommend speed.

    Steeper and no weight sign, be properly chicken and use 6th with flashers going first time down.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2019
  7. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    You see my picture that is grapevine upgrade from the scales about two miles back. It will be climing about 5 miles up then ride on the table across Tejon pass and then about what? 4 miles down?

    5% you can hold her on jake near redline at about 40 mph and that gear all the way down keeping your brakes cold in case you really need them.

    Grapevine is a nice little pass but a little common sense and so forth will serve you every time.
     
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  8. SteveScott

    SteveScott Road Train Member

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    So you're talking about uphill gear? If you're going to be fully loaded, then probably 8th. Maybe even 7th if your truck is gutless. Going downhill with a 10 speed, full jake brakes and 8th should allow you to maintain at or below the posted speed limit of 35. At least I think it's 35. Just don't go over the posted limit on that downhill. CHP just loves writing tickets on that stretch.
     
  9. FresnoJoe

    FresnoJoe Bobtail Member

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    Thank you everyone, eased my nerves a bit. Not scared, just anxious and nervous to get on the road. Kinda like getting butterflies before your first date with a crush and asking your buddy what cologne to wear and how much hahaha
     
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  10. are you kidding me? trainer didn't teach you anything at all or is he one of those six months people too allowed to train..
    you are about to get 5,000 different opinions from everybody everybody goes down the hill differently...
     
  11. FresnoJoe

    FresnoJoe Bobtail Member

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    No, took a course here in Fresno. I read v and watched as many videos as I could. Information from the instructors was like trying to get into Fort Knox or area 51.
     
    x1Heavy and Lepton1 Thank this.
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