Need winter advice !!!

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by AustinC0397, Sep 30, 2022.

  1. AustinC0397

    AustinC0397 Bobtail Member

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    This will be my first time driving the northeast in the winter. I have an automatic 2019 freightliner cascadia. I was told do not use my jake brake when going down the steep icy mountains. So my question is what is the best way to go down without jake brake ?
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2022
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  3. MartinFromBC

    MartinFromBC Road Train Member

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    Oh this could be good...following :)
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    @Ridgeline can answer that.
    ~
    Lots of experienced drivers on this forum can give you proper advice.
     
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  5. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Well if the pavement is good it's best to use the jakes. The idea is to take your time if there is snow. I'll go down a grade at 15 mph if need be. If it's too much snow, go to the truck stop.
     
  6. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    @AustinC0397 --

    After you spend some time in the northeast in colder weather--I think you'll find that your biggest problem isn't really the slippery roads.

    It's actually finding safe, legal, respectable parking every night. :confused: :(

    --Lual
     
  7. AustinC0397

    AustinC0397 Bobtail Member

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    But how do I maintain that speed going down if it’s icy?
     
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  8. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    If it's too icy, as in a sheet of ice, you'll need to park. There's no counter for ice. Snow on the the other hand, you have to commit to a slow speed. If you can put your truck in manual mode, that'll help. It'll help hold your speed in place. You go down slow, and tap the break every so often, but don't ride it or mash it too hard. You'll jack knife. The slower the better.
     
  9. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    You were given bad advice.. Although it’s a really bad idea to go flying down a snow/ice covered mountain empty then applying full jakes :)

    I spent most of my life in the NE and I just don’t remember any mountains worth worrying about..

    Side note about winter driving, if you encounter fog and the temperature outside is at or near freezing you better be paying attention. Definitely don’t use cruise control. And yes, overpasses do freeze before roads do..
     
  10. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    “When on snow, go slow, When on ice, no dice”
    Remember this saying.
     
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