Downshifting question....

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by CRSTMaria, Mar 26, 2012.

  1. Squirel

    Squirel Crusty Critter

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    Feb 8, 2012
    San Fernando,CA
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  3. CRSTMaria

    CRSTMaria Bobtail Member

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    Feb 19, 2012
    East Bay CA
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    Thanks everyone. He still keeps yelling about the downshifting but whatever it is what it is.
     
    RAGE 18 Thanks this.
  4. RAGE 18

    RAGE 18 Road Train Member

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    Hey thats my line Maria "it is what it is" I just hope at least he is clean, n whats up with CRST dont they have 1 female trainer for you? Just be real careful out there. Give him a couple more days I think he might want you to get a feel of the truck first then he might teach you how to float gears maybe he doesnt want his clutch abused I dont know. Good Luck keep us posted.
     
    CRSTMaria Thanks this.
  5. Crusty

    Crusty <b>Just Plain Crusty</b>

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    May 29, 2010
    Canton, GA
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    You NEED to be in the proper gear at all times. Your trainer needs to be horsewhipped. You need a REAL trainer. Get one.
     
    CRSTMaria and FXDLTRUCKA98 Thank this.
  6. CRSTMaria

    CRSTMaria Bobtail Member

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    Feb 19, 2012
    East Bay CA
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    Yeah I am not sure what his deal is. I think he might be having some personal issues. He has told them he can not take a trainee so right now we are waiting on a load to either head to Cedar Rapids or Fontana again.

    Guess it all worked itself out though.

    Yeah well I could have requested a female trainer but God only knows how long I would have had to wait. I am ok having a male trainer and co-driver though so it's ok.
     
    RAGE 18 Thanks this.
  7. RAGE 18

    RAGE 18 Road Train Member

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    Thats really good news Maria! and yes u r right bout the waiting part u r a big girl n can take care of urself so u should be ok. I hope u get a really good trainer.
     
    CRSTMaria Thanks this.
  8. CRSTMaria

    CRSTMaria Bobtail Member

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    Feb 19, 2012
    East Bay CA
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    Thank you! I actually know the trainer who I am going to be placed with so these few days of weirdness were worth it lol.
     
    RAGE 18 Thanks this.
  9. Jynxx

    Jynxx Medium Load Member

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    Mar 16, 2011
    Cheyenne, Wyoming
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    Good luck with your new trainer and good to hear you got away from the previous one. Downshifting if very important to maintaining proper control of the vehicle. Here in Wyoming, the DMV test for getting your CDL requires you to down shift at least a few times when approaching a stop. Its a good habit to get into. You don't have to hit every gear when downshifting either, skip gears as necessary if you wish. I will usually let my rpm's drop to around 600 to 700 then shift down two gears. Mainly when I'm slowing quickly or coming to an intersection where I'm required to stop. Good luck with your new trainer and keep us posted!
     
    CRSTMaria Thanks this.
  10. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    If you are downshifting every gear you're not only puting more work on you but wearing out the truck needlessly. Learn to skip gears and know what gear to be at any given speed. Slow down and take it easy and you'll barely use your brakes. Also if you're downshifting every gear that shows you're driving too fast on the surface streets. The only place I ever would downshift each gear is when I'm climbing a grade.
     
    CRSTMaria Thanks this.
  11. Summit23

    Summit23 Light Load Member

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    May 24, 2009
    KY
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    Windsmith pretty much explained downshifting lol. Instead of downshifting every gear i like to find the easy downshift points depending on the transmission. Basically the corners of the gear box. Oh and the trainer, just ask for a new one. Companies are usually pretty cool about getting you someone you can work with. They want you to stay and make them money lol. Good luck and safe travels.
     
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