Hypothetical question..

So you're coming off the interstate onto an exit.

You're currently going 65 mph and the exit is 25 mph..

Do you slow down and drop each gear until you get to 7th or do you just slow down to 25 and put it in 7th??

I was with a "trainer" on this seasonal gig I got, and he told me to drop each gear individually and not to skip shift down

 

I'll bet he doesn't do it that way though.

 

Ssshhhh.

 

I would use the brakes to slow down and drop it into 7th, as that is a big drop in speed and assume you would not have time to downshift thru the gears.

A lot of exits are just too short to jake brake down to the speed limit. If you have time and distance to use the jake, go for that........it all depends on the situation.

 

He's in the sleeper anyway.

 

Get on the brakes then get the gear you want for the speed you need. If you have to go from 65 to 25 in short order, down shifting each gear is taking a risk that you will miss one along the way. BTW, I double or triple down all the freaking time, 8 to 5 or 7 to 5 regularly on an 18 speed. FWIW, my truck has no jake brake.

 

In my opinion it don't really matter how you slow. The most important thing is to slow down BEFORE you get yourself in a bad situation that will result in either a rollover or leaving the road. Both can kill.

 

What's the big deal in using your brakes to slow down in a short distance. Brakes are cheap to repair and far less wear and tear on the clutch, pressure plate ,transmission, universal joints, and differentials.

 

Try that (each gear) with 4500 gallons of caustic in a smooth bore tank. Besides, with a tank you would have to go 5-10 under. With a 10 speed I like to drop to 8th and then 6th. But if necessary I would just smoothly bring my speed down with the brakes and continue braking as I come out of top gear and drop it into the gear for the slower speed.

 

You drop each gear if you have enough space and time like coming up to a red light. With that short ramp, stay in gear, brake and then shift to 7th.

I had to remind every students I train that when you need to slow down for a ramp, the main situation is to slow the truck down, not trying to get into the right gear. Almost all the students I train ALWAYS try to grab the right gear and their mind is only on that. Of course they miss and keep grinding while the truck is still doing 60mph