Going downhill...

The key is to go slow enough where you don't need to slow down...Go so slow that if you pick up speed you're still not going too fast...The other key is to not feel pressured whether it be from others(on CB or their horns) or internal pressure you put on yourself...If you get to the point you NEED to slow down, you probably started too fast...Of course there's always exceptions to the rule and in that case the goal it do what you can to stay slow and not wait until you need to slow down...JMHO based on my limited experience...

 

stab braking wont cause you to lose friction. You are just applying enough braking force to slow the truck down. And with ABS the wheels shouldnt lock up. I did it coming down donner this morning as the truck i got last night had no engine brakes. Works like a charm...start the hill at a speed you are comfortable with. Snow im doing 20-25 max with or without chains

 

And if 6th gear is turning your engine too high, go up a gear or two.

 

That's snub braking. Stab braking is when you slam on the brakes to the point the wheels lock up and then you ease off the brake pressure.

 

Keep light, steady, constant pressure on the brake. Keep it in a nice comfortable gear and "walk the dog" on down the hill. Hopefully your tires wont bust.
After 18 years of driving, Ice still freaks me out.

 

Ice isn't a problem until you either brake too hard, accelerate too hard or make a turn too fast. I'm not worried about my driving in bad weather. I'm worried about everyone elses.

 

Isn't that a good way to overheat them?

 

Negative, a steady constant "light" pressure aprox. 5 to 8 lbs. will keep them cool. When the brakes are applied off and on frequently, this will over heat them. This practice is called "fanning".
By using steady consistent light pressure you'll be able to keep the truck in a controlled pace with the use of RPM speed.
The truck will literally walk on down the hill.
The key is to stay at a speed that is controllable and not over rev the engine. If you are able to down shift while in decent and not tac the engine out in doing so, your in the sweet spot.
This is a general practice that was passed down to me by my Father and Uncle both whom trained me. And they were taught by my Grandfather (their father). Add up my families years of experience it totals well over 100 plus years of experience.
These guys in their day handled their trucks with a certain finesse. To this day I'm still in awe when I sit in the jump seat and listen to the sweet sound of the motor when my dad starts "throwing pedals".

I apologize for such a long winded answer....

 

Maaannn....you said it right

 

If the road is covered in ICE/SNOW then the last thing you want to do is touch that brake pedal. Use your engine break, it takes some practice but that is the only real safe way to slow down a truck on icy conditions. I have yet to lose control of my truck or have a slide using my jakes, but I have sent my trailer into the opposite lanes using my brakes. Now if you are really heavy, then a combination of jake and brakes will work fine since the trailer has more weight and is more likely to stay behind you, but I still would only use the brakes if I had no other option. Without being there, it is a hard call.

And to be honest, just throw your flashers on and go down at 10mph if you can. Who cares what some hurry-up fool behind you says. You'll be safe and probably keep them safe at the same time. Just keep that thought in your mind that you could be saving someone's life and it makes the 10mph much more bearable.