absolutely, that's why you see so many idiot "professional" drivers going way too fast down steep downgrades and such, theyre in way too high of a gear or in some cases out of gear like OP. A handful of cents per mile isnt worth my life but many drivers in the mountains drive like it is. please pass me at the appropriate times THX.
Your school should have taught you that coasting is illegal. It's in the driver handbook that you have to read to get your license in the first place. Unless it depends on the state, I know Florida has that info in their handbook. I never knew being in neutral while driving over rail road tracks is illegal in Florida even if you're in a car or pickup. The things you learn from reading about laws is amazing
I'm going to die soon, Good look dust mites. Trucking, is Trucking, Wake up. Slap you Get Yourself a do nut.
Don't EVER keep the truck out of gear, especially when you're loaded! I'm a brand new driver, but even I can't imagine how anyone who has pulled a loaded trailer before would ever think that is in any way a good idea. Have you tried seeing what your brakes do for you at 80k lbs on a downgrade? Better yet, have you smelled what you do to them? You're asking for trouble... Sorry, I'm not trying to be an #####, I'm just really shocked that you weren't told about this in training. It's very dangerous.
READ THE FMCSA if you're going to get behind the wheel of an 80,000 pound truck and YOU KNOW you dont have proper training. Getting on a forum and asking truck drivers about whats safe and legal is like asking Homer Simpson how to run a nuclear power plant.
The volvo system works on mild hills, not like those outside of Denver. It disconnects the engine, defuels it a bit at idle but it is carefully watched so not to let the truck gain speed. There is a gyro in the truck that determines the angle of the hill and uses that in conjunction with other data to determine what time to disconnect for.
to Hayabusa55... 1. if you didn't read the manual to learn coasting is illegal, go read the book. 2. if you think you can get back into gear and control when a deer or coyote jumps in front of you, you can't. 3. if you actually ride a bike and coast downhill, then I'm not going to say anything except I hope you have your life insurance paid up. Back up and listen. Save the racing for the track. and good luck Mary
Most everything in life is Illegal Anymore...So this does not hold water...next Sure you can.It all depends how your engine and gears are set up...next All paid up to ''live'' a little and enjoy...
