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Trainee needs advice

Discussion in 'Swift' started by HEAVYDEE, Jun 18, 2011.

Page 2 of 3
  1. Jun 20, 2011 #11
    HEAVYDEE

    HEAVYDEE Light Load Member

    54
    8
    Apr 12, 2011
    NEVADA
    0
    I appreciate all of your feedback.. I am going to stay. He actually offered if I wanted to go with another mentor and I said no. I'll stick this out. He is really good and I have learned a lot from him. Especialy the MAC 55. I'm a pro at that now..LOL. I do have a lot of patience its just frustrating when its the same issue that's breaking us down.. we are on our 3rd turbo and no one can figure out what's causing it to go. I hope company drivers don't get kws. Once again thank you all for your opinion and advice.
     
    HEAVYDEE, Jun 20, 2011
    HEAVYDEE, Jun 20, 2011
    #11
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  3. Jun 21, 2011 #12
    Rug_Trucker

    Rug_Trucker Road Train Member

    3,335
    867
    Aug 7, 2009
    Near Nashville TN
    0
    It's a Cummins not a KW. Therefore the problem isn't truck brand related. Injun probablyt has and ISX Cummins as well.

    Makes you want to lease doesn't it?
     
    Rug_Trucker, Jun 21, 2011
    Rug_Trucker, Jun 21, 2011
    #12
  4. Jun 21, 2011 #13
    Injun

    Injun Road Train Member

    8,501
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    May 15, 2010
    West o' the Big Crick
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    I have a Cummins ISX. But it's not eating turbos. This one has been pretty solid. Just had a little hiccup in the electrical system that could have happened to any truck. Warranty is a good thing.
     
    Injun, Jun 21, 2011
    Injun, Jun 21, 2011
    #13
  5. Jun 22, 2011 #14
    Rug_Trucker

    Rug_Trucker Road Train Member

    3,335
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    Aug 7, 2009
    Near Nashville TN
    0
    One thing that befuddles me is "drivers" not idling for 3 minutes to cool the turbo. It prevents "coking," burning the oil and ruining the bearings in the turbo. Nobody teaches that.

    Even my '93 Dodge dually idles for 3 minutes when I drive to and from work!
     
    Rug_Trucker, Jun 22, 2011
    Rug_Trucker, Jun 22, 2011
    #14
    Yodler Thanks this.
  7. Jun 22, 2011 #15
    BIGMIKE1

    BIGMIKE1 Light Load Member

    257
    86
    Jan 23, 2010
    Missouri
    0
    Everything your going thru is all part of trucking, just get used to it and try to keep a good attitude. Take everything in stride and learn from it. Good luck to ya.
     
    BIGMIKE1, Jun 22, 2011
    BIGMIKE1, Jun 22, 2011
    #15
  8. Jun 22, 2011 #16
    Injun

    Injun Road Train Member

    8,501
    9,491
    May 15, 2010
    West o' the Big Crick
    0
    Won't have to worry about that happening to that company Volvo across the way. It's a very comfortable 68* out, with a slight breeze...and it's been idling for the last 2 hours. With only the trailer brake engaged. Easy to tell on a Volvo. The running lights come on when the tractor brake knob is pushed in. Apparently, nobody told the driver that you watch the dash panel for the idle shutoff signal and step on the clutch for a few seconds. Not that idling is even necessary right now.
     
    Injun, Jun 22, 2011
    Injun, Jun 22, 2011
    #16
  9. Jun 22, 2011 #17
    iamthewife

    iamthewife Bobtail Member

    31
    5
    May 17, 2011
    Arizona
    0
    Definately keep your current mentor! DH had two looney mentors before he got one that was really good, as well as sane. Good luck!
     
    iamthewife, Jun 22, 2011
    iamthewife, Jun 22, 2011
    #17
  10. Jun 23, 2011 #18
    harleymanjax

    harleymanjax Rookie Skateboarder

    1,271
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    Dec 17, 2008
    Jacksonville, Florida
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    Good to hear you kept a good mentor...........now use the shop experience to learn as much as you can about how these things work and what you need to watch out for. This is important info to have and much easier to learn when your with your mentor!
     
    harleymanjax, Jun 23, 2011
    harleymanjax, Jun 23, 2011
    #18
  11. Jun 24, 2011 #19
    HEAVYDEE

    HEAVYDEE Light Load Member

    54
    8
    Apr 12, 2011
    NEVADA
    0
    Well we got back on the road and everything was good from Denver to Baltimore.. we are on our way to Tucson and we noticed its drinking a lot of coolant. Just can't win with truck. :biggrin_25524: I am keeping a good attitude but I really feel bad for my mentor. He told me he's pretty much only had 2 paychecks in the last 7 weeks. I don't think I want to do owner op.

    Now my next issue.. I know my weakest link is backing and due to the circumstances I haven't had much practice and guidance. If I hit my 240hrs and still feel I need more training in backs will swift still allow me to stay in training? I've only done 10 out of the 40 swift requires. I understand the concept but I keep oversteering.
     
    HEAVYDEE, Jun 24, 2011
    HEAVYDEE, Jun 24, 2011
    #19
  12. Jun 24, 2011 #20
    inkeper

    inkeper Road Train Member

    1,440
    1,059
    Jan 30, 2011
    Texas
    0
    There was a time when some of the terminals had a backing class, I don't know if this is still offered but look into it. Understanding the concept is half the battle to backing. Be patient, take every opportunity to practice and observe. When you are at truck stops or customers, watch how others set up and maneuver while they back. It takes time and patience. Go slow, don't ever feel rushed to get into that hole, and always when in doubt, get out and look.
     
    inkeper, Jun 24, 2011
    inkeper, Jun 24, 2011
    #20
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