Going down long steep "DOWNGRADE"

Always better safe than Sorry......Downshift and go a little slower...

 

I've been down this hill .Fun.

 

This is the exact procedure the school I am in taught. From what I heard I get to practice that procedure Monday.

 

Good Post !!!!












signal corp 1968-1974

 

First, you determine YOUR safe speed. The highest possible speed I would suggest is the posted truck speed limit. You could decide on a lower speed.

Second, you determine the correct gear for your safe speed.
As a general guideline on a ten speed transmission, if your safe speed ends in a 5, like 25 mph, add the two digits together to determine the HIGHEST gear you should use. At 25 mph, 2 + 5 equals 7th gear which is the absolute highest gear you should consider using. 6th may be a better choice.

.NOTE: While you are descending the grade never attempt to downshift. You will be increasing speed and rpm's and will be unable to get into any gear thus descending in neutral.

Snub braking is applying your brakes hard enough to feel a distinct slowing of the vehicle. You want to reduce your speed 5 mph in about 3 seconds. It is like you see a traffic light up ahead change. You brake harder than light steady pressure but not as hard as a panic stop. This is not pumping the brakes. When you reach your safe speed you apply the brakes and release the brakes when you are 5 mph under your safe speed.

Example: the posted truck speed limit is 25 mph. At 25 mph you apply your brakes firmly until speed is reduced to 20mph. Release your brakes. When your speed builds to 25mph repeat.

The newest version of Snub braking, which is not in the CDL manual, is start by applying your brakes when you reach 1800 to 2000 rpm. Release the brakes when you reach 1200 to 1500 rpm. Repeat as necessary.

There are two emergency braking techniques.
.Stab braking is applying the brakes and locking them up. Release the brakes for 2seconds to allow the wheels to turn and repeat.
.Controlled braking is applying the brakes hard up to but not locking the brakes.
.With either of these emergency braking techniques, you can make small steering corrections while on the brakes. To execute large steering corrections, you must release the brakes then make the large steering correction and get back on the brakes.

I have found that if you balance the load between the trailer tandems and the drive tandems, you do not pick up speed quite as fast. This allows the brakes to cool for a longer period between braking applications.

The CDL written test will have a question on descending steep grades. The old method of light steady pressure is a wrong answer on the test. Use Snub braking or the definition of snub braking. Remember slow down 5 mph from your safe speed in about 3 seconds of firm braking.

 

>>>>.NOTE: While you are descending the grade never attempt to downshift. You will be increasing speed and rpm's and will be unable to get into any gear thus descending in neutral

Why can't you hit the brakes before shifting?...We braked to 900rpms and doubled down pretty easily......

 

Everything works perfectly in school !!!!!!

Try remembering some of that crap, when your seat cushion has been sucked up inside your cheeks..............