Stupid question. No, I mean really stupid

just lil me · Nov 24, 2010

otherhalftw said: ↑

You just negated the earlier post (and the easy learning tool) of add the digits to get the gear...15mph = 1+5 = 6...6th gear and so on.

Keep in mind this formula is for helping the driver learn the easy method to determine a gear primarily when down-shifting, or dropping gears.

Also, when approaching a corner in 8th gear, brake to the beginning of the turn, clutch coast at the beginning of the turn, then drop to 6th gear just before the apex of the turn, slight acceleration through the turn will negate the centrifugal force generated in the turn...this keeps the driver and passenger and freight stable through the turn. The "two gear drop" into 6th will give enough power to "pull" through the turn...if you need more power, drop another gear into 5.

Remember...never coast out of gear...when out of gear, technically by the phrasing of law, the driver is not in control...use the clutch to "coast" approaching the turn.

A new student needs to SEE AND FEEL AND HEAR the workings...so pay attention to the speed/Tach/Sounds as you learn...with experience the natural rhythm and sound and feel will come. Pay attention to the dash, you need to learn the positioning of the needle on the gauge showing the speed or RPM...once you have set the position of the needle at specific speeds or RPM's, just a glance will give the information you want.

I disagree...humbly...any drawings or extra distractions on the windshield is just that...a distraction...there is far to much happening in and around the vehicle to add any potential distraction. As for later when you are driving and delivering freight...your turn by turn directions can be put on the wing window (or for those that don't have a wing window) on the windshield close to the left side so as not to create a distraction and easily seen and followed as you drive.

I agree! Another different "grip" is to use just the palm of your hand...don't grip the shifter with a fist....it is just as easy to "push and pull" in the direction of gear change..."up and away" or "away and down" if you get my hint.

ABSOLUTELY...but think (you might not be old enough to remember Lawrence Welk)...the way he always started his orchestra...."1 and 2"...by thinking the "and" between 1 - 2, allows the necessary slowing to arrive at synchronization. Remember less is more...and more is less! To up-shift get off the throttle (less) and to down-shift give it some throttle (more).

In other words...wipe off the sweat...it ain't no big deal! And once you put it all together...you will look back and say to yourself..."Self...why did you make such a big deal of this...it ain't nothing for a stepper!"

I AGREE!!!
Click to expand...

Thanks for your advice!! What works for one my not another. Its always nice to have different views from different people.
Thank you for the info on corners. And, ummm, I do remember suffering thru my parents watching Lawrence Welk.
Im sure Ill be wiping alot of sweat off...

REDD · Nov 24, 2010

just lil me said: ↑

I can whip a big F-250 in a parking space better then a little dodge neon.
Click to expand...

Why do I have this image of a Swift Volvo parked on top of a Ford F-250 & a Dodge Neon taking up 2 parking spots at the mall?

otherhalftw · Nov 24, 2010

just lil me said: ↑

Thanks for your advice!! What works for one my not another. Its always nice to have different views from different people.
Thank you for the info on corners. And, ummm, I do remember suffering thru my parents watching Lawrence Welk.
Im sure Ill be wiping alot of sweat off...
Click to expand...

OUCH....and I thought it was just the cold making my bones ache and hurt....I guess it was my age!

just lil me · Nov 24, 2010

otherhalftw said: ↑

OUCH....and I thought it was just the cold making my bones ache and hurt....I guess it was my age!
Click to expand...

Well, your bones arent THAT much older then mine....

Wait, that doesnt sound right...
But, I did hate having to watch it all the time. And the brother that was supposed to teach me to drive a straight is your age....

ChromeDome · Nov 24, 2010

Flying Dutchman said: ↑

Wish I could agree with you, but my 10 speed will not go that fast in the gears listed below 2000 RPM.
Click to expand...

What type of truck are you driving?
Dumps and other trucks that go off road some will have much different rear end gearing than a road truck. The numbers he gave are with about a 3.55 rear.
If you have a 3.9 or higher rear you will see much higher RPM's for the same speed.
All normal 10 speeds have the same final drive ratio. So the RPM difference will be in the rear. A double over 10 will have a different one.
The normal 10 speed also has the same final ratio as a 9,13, or 18 speed.

otherhalftw · Nov 24, 2010

ChromeDome said: ↑

What type of truck are you driving?
Dumps and other trucks that go off road some will have much different rear end gearing than a road truck. The numbers he gave are with about a 3.55 rear.
If you have a 3.9 or higher rear you will see much higher RPM's for the same speed.
All normal 10 speeds have the same final drive ratio. So the RPM difference will be in the rear. A double over 10 will have a different one.
The normal 10 speed also has the same final ratio as a 9,13, or 18 speed.
Click to expand...

Now this is getting far to technical....let her learn how to get it moving forward and back comfortably before you guys turn her into a mechanic!

Flying Dutchman · Nov 24, 2010

ChromeDome said: ↑

What type of truck are you driving?
Dumps and other trucks that go off road some will have much different rear end gearing than a road truck. The numbers he gave are with about a 3.55 rear.
If you have a 3.9 or higher rear you will see much higher RPM's for the same speed.
All normal 10 speeds have the same final drive ratio. So the RPM difference will be in the rear. A double over 10 will have a different one.
The normal 10 speed also has the same final ratio as a 9,13, or 18 speed.
Click to expand...

Peterbilt 379 Transfer Dump with a Cat C10 and Spicer 10 spd. Do not know the rear end ratio but I bet that is the difference. What I listed is exactly how my truck runs. 10th @60 mph (governor) is 1600 RPM. 9th will not go above 50, 8th not above 40, and so on.

halfburn · Nov 26, 2010

You trying to make a living at this or just learn to drive?

just lil me · Nov 26, 2010

halfburn said: ↑

You trying to make a living at this or just learn to drive?
Click to expand...

Hopefully make a living..Im reading everything I can to get a feel for the career and lifestyle. And trying to decide if company training or going to a school would be better for me personally.

wc5b · Nov 28, 2010

I did not read all 5 pages of posts, but from what I understand, it tends to be easier to learn how to drive an Unsync Big Truck WITHOUT prior Manual Experience in a car. They are different and its harder to break old habits then to learn something new.

Log in or Sign up

Forums

Find Trucking Jobs

Stupid question. No, I mean really stupid

just lil me Light Load Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

REDD The Legend

otherhalftw R.I.P.

just lil me Light Load Member

ChromeDome Road Train Member

otherhalftw R.I.P.

Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

halfburn Medium Load Member

just lil me Light Load Member

wc5b Medium Load Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Find Trucking Jobs

Stupid question. No, I mean really stupid

just lil me Light Load Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!

REDD The Legend

otherhalftw R.I.P.

just lil me Light Load Member

ChromeDome Road Train Member

otherhalftw R.I.P.

Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

halfburn Medium Load Member

just lil me Light Load Member

wc5b Medium Load Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!