floating gears

1800 is far to high to be shifting...especially trying to float...since you are just beginning, perhaps it would be better if you learned to double clutch correctly, when the experience level gets a bit better, then work on floating. the majority of the testing sites for your CDL don't allow floating...just do it the right way at first.

Learning the proper shifting points in relation to RPM's using the clutch will help you later when learning how to float the gears. and NO...big rig transmissions aren't synchronized...that is why you double clutch...TO GET THE GEAR/RPM'S/SPEED SYNCHRONIZED!

Your pickup is synchronized...try double clutching your pickup...you won't be so smooth in acceleration!

 

I don't know of any synchronized transmissions in class 8 CMV's but I do know that most DOT/DMV tests require double clutching. Once you get that down, float the gears all you want too. Everyone does, who drives.

All of us old timers wouldn't even think of using the clutch unless you really need to like on a major upgrade or something. You need to get the feel for floating gears at first. After a while its all automatic and you just do it without even thinking about it. One tractor will always shift differently then another, even if the drivetrain is identical.

"Remember Luke, use the Force, always"

 

I am almost too embarrassed to post this but....

I've been driving a truck for over 16 years now. While I understand a d k ow how to "float gears", I very rarely do!
I was taught that the clutch was there for a reason. If the manufacturer didn't think it was needed, they wouldn't have wasted time, weight, and money installing one! So someone explain to me, is that correct or wrong???

Btw, I have never tore up a clutch or transmission by using it for what it was designed to do.

 

What otherhalftw told you is right on the money. learn to shift the normal way first. After you learn how to turn Your Speed,Eng. RPM,& The Gear into a smooth shift every time floating gears will be like advance child's play. I believe you should drive your truck as smooth as possible. I remember my 79 year old teacher (50+ years driving) taught us how to use the clutch to smooth out your floats so it's doesn't go all cowboy. He used a clear plastic bottle with a level mark filled 1/2 with dyed water. I can still hear him say on our way out the yard: "You don't spill my water kid, and everything else will be all....right"

 

You are completely fine using the clutch. It's more of a PIA to me but I know a couple people that always use the clutch. Whatever is comfortable for you then do it. Your actually doing it the right way but floating will do no harm if it's done right also.

 

I used a tennis ball on a string. If you got the truck jerking, the ball would thump you in the forehead reminding you to ease into the throttle, don't gouge on it.

Using a clutch is kinda like using a friends car: It works pretty good until you over use the privilege. Students usually over do the clutch to the 3rd power...expecting it to save their fanny and all over using the clutch will do is get you lost.

 

you ever see those guys who walk with a bad limp? that's because they've been using the clutch their whole careers. now think about the guys who walk normal, they are floaters. now i highly recommend double clutching at first so you can get a feel of how your truck drives and also perfecting double clutching. i remember when i first started floating i was real heavy and had to go up a steep incline and had to stop and start of a couple time cause i wasnt perfect at it so i had to double up the steep hill. but now i float the whole hill. so my advice is to perfect doble clutching

 

I limp, therefore I clutch..and float and drink way too much coffee.

 

Start rolling backwards really quick don't they. Especially when running heavy. Been there done that. I agree, perfect double clutching before you start to float.