Downshifting a Kenworth T700

Request a new trainer. You'll be doing yourself a favor in the long run.

 

My friend, I also advise you to request another trainner. Yes, I know that is hard to do, but just tell your current trainner that its nothing personal, that you just need a different approach. Tell Stevens the truth, away from the trainner. Don't give up and quit, Stevens is an okay company to start out with. Trucking is tough when your new to it, but as you learn the business it becomes easier.

Good Luck,

 

If you're slowing down to lugging speed and plan on dropping only one gear(although at this point you could double down), the briefest rev is all that is need. Low speed == low juice. Grinding gears make two types of sounds. Bear with my attempt.
Ccccccccccchhhzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt--RPMs are too fast. Try a higher gear or slow down even more.
Gggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrp--Almost at the proper speed but a bit too slow. Hold the shifter against the gate and wait for it to fall in place.

 

Just like the others have mentioned, I highly urge you to request another trainer. Chances are others have done the same if this trainer is doing things like this. It really isn't a big deal to switch trainers. It happens all the time.

This is your career man! If you feel you aren't being trained properly then speak up! Who cares if he thinks you snitched on him! Obviously the guy doesn't know what he is doing and like I said most likely someone else has reported him to safety or dispatch. Just make sure you go about it in a professional manor. Just be upfront and honest with your safety department and let them know what is going on without sounding like a foul mouth trucker. Maybe make a list of things ahead of time to talk to safety about so you aren't tongue trippin when you call them. Do it asap so that you can get through your training.

Keep us up to date!

I didn't know Stevens had a terminal in Sanford....

 

Yes, like I said earlier, get a different trainer! Your trainer sounds very lazy! "Check the lights and get in" now that's lazy! ALWAYS check your engine oil level, check for new leaks, check belt and hose condition, check tires, check brakes, check lights, check air lines. That's the basics(if I left anything out, please add to it). I would definitely get a new trailer because he sounds like he could care less if you can drive or not and when you're turned loose, it could be a nightmare! Anything from being late for delivery due to lack of driving skills, hitting a object, or even worse...killing someone!

 

Didn't realize they used 8 speeds....

 

I told you on another thread that his driving on your log is illegal, get away from him. Also think about this, he is a lease operator and does not care enough to check the truck, nor teach you how to shift the gears that he is gping ro have to pay for if they get damaged... how much do you think he cares about you?

As for the truck, check and see if it isn't a ten speed masquerading as an 8. My trainer with Stevens had a 2012 T 700 with 40k.miles and had the 8 speed pattern on the shifter, but 6th gear was hidden there. Push the clutch in sometime when you are sitting there and see if is not there on yours too.

I have a T2000 but still drive it like.its an 8... I use 6th for a turning gear.

ps call your councilor now... get off that truck and if they ask why, tell them the truth.