I’m a new driver and I’m startled by the mountains

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Backendboyz, May 15, 2023.

  1. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    Ha ha my first year I had a good load I did on a regular bases. From Mo to Salt Lake City and learned to drive that truck through the mountains. Was a fun experience in all honestly. It really challenged me since it was something new to me. I honestly loved the experience and enjoyed it.
     
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  3. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    Arkansas
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    Mountains are bad.
    They should be outlawed.
    Examples to follow.
    8253AE87-26EB-4D34-9FC1-50807BEF3CC9.jpeg 2D0D4750-E916-4E69-87BD-2A2C324F7F65.jpeg C6219DB7-BA7B-4CFF-A4A8-89F764D43FC9.jpeg 8C47FED9-D615-40BF-9716-AC42A2971C43.jpeg 5DB249F7-DA2B-4923-8CE9-6430CC2515AF.jpeg C7D91FB3-15C9-42B8-B577-2C2E17662B47.jpeg
     
  4. Frank Speak

    Frank Speak Road Train Member

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    Oh my! I’m local in Arkansas so don’t see too many major grades anymore, but I loved running out west when I was OTR. I never witnessed anything like what’s in those pics, but I saw the occasional truck in the runaway ramp, or at the bottom of a grade with smoke billowing out of their wheels. You can smell the latter long before you see them. Lol
     
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  5. dave01282000

    dave01282000 Medium Load Member

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    Ohio
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    I actually saw a Monteagle casualty at the bottom that had apparently lost control and ran straight into the woods. It was the middle of the night and looked like it had just happened moments prior.

    I could only see the trailer...couldn't tell if it was a white Volvo.
     
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  6. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Baltimore, MD
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    A few weeks ago I had my first turn at dragging a set of heavy pups out that way with about 18K in each box. A good engine brake makes a huge difference.

    I’ve ran out that way before with about half that load on a truck without an engine brake as an alternate to those PA skinny roads you have to run when you have bulk hazmat on board. That was.... not pleasant.
     
  7. The Crossword Trucker

    The Crossword Trucker Road Train Member

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  8. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Another Arkansas fella here. Anything that keeps another driver off the mountain is fine with me. I like em all to myself.
    20230502_193110.jpg 20230112_152131.jpg 20230418_104644.jpg 20230315_113011.jpg
     
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  9. Frank Speak

    Frank Speak Road Train Member

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  10. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    Airlie Beach QLd
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    Yes by rights a sign that means trucks must use low gear actually means a gear that will hold the truck without using any other mechanical form to slow it down, many use their jakes however what it that failed? What then? The problem is the only gear that will hold a truck with around 80 000 lb is a very slow gear which is why most won't do it and continue to run that risk. Unfortunately, trucks are not like boats where you just throw an anchor out.
     
  11. dave01282000

    dave01282000 Medium Load Member

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    Jun 16, 2021
    Ohio
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    Pretty much all I've seen of Arkansas is from I-40.

    The above pictures and others I've seen recently are convincing me I need to change that, a lot more to see.
     
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