Shifting gears question

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by dennisroc, Feb 19, 2014.

  1. madman118

    madman118 Light Load Member

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    Mar 13, 2012
    Sacramento, CA
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    Yeah, until you're on a downgrade coming down Donner and your eaton throws an input shaft. That was a learning experience that out some hair on my chest.
     
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  3. kaygirl

    kaygirl Light Load Member

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    Oct 14, 2013
    Western Australia
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    lol. we got these strange red signs around town at intersections. they're kinda hexagonal with big white letters that spell S.T.O.P.
     
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  4. gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

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    Perhaps those are related to my "Most of the time"...? There's "full and complete" stopping, then there's "effectively" stopping; continuing to roll behind/past the sign/stop bar at a speed best measured in feet per minute. In neutral, idle match, catch a gear, go.
     
  5. fireman5523

    fireman5523 Light Load Member

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    Feb 12, 2012
    Little Rock, Arkansas
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    Clutch, what's a clutch? Is that that 3rd pedal they keep telling me about? Never used it before... lol. But seriously, I'm a floater
     
  6. ethos

    ethos Road Train Member

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    Houston
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    Okay so what are you suppose to do????????? Don't leave us hanging like that, lol....
     
  7. kaygirl

    kaygirl Light Load Member

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    Western Australia
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    i know. i was just messin' with ya :p
     
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  8. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Yukon, OK
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    Fundamentally correct, but depending on the truck it's a good idea to pay attention to easing off the throttle rather than simply lifting your foot completely off the throttle. I think most new drivers have the most difficulty understanding how LITTLE they need to move the throttle to hit their RPM's. It's a good idea to practice when idling, in park, out of gear, and try to hit your rpm's. Get a feel for how much pressure you need to put on the accelerator versus rpm.
     
    gpsman Thanks this.
  9. kaygirl

    kaygirl Light Load Member

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    Oct 14, 2013
    Western Australia
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    i'm not totally sure what i'm supposed to do, but i have an overwhelming urge to come to a halt when i see one. strange, hey. and don't get me started about those red lights. man, they just hypnotise me into sitting there and staring at them until they change colour. i reckon it's a conspiracy :eek:
     
  10. Oi!

    Oi! Road Train Member

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    Florida
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    Last time I double clutched was on my CDL test. Floating gears is not only easier but very fun when downshifting if you have loud pipes, or just a very old truck with a hole in the exhaust LOL.

    I shot this video a while back:

     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 9, 2015
    HauntedSchizo19 Thanks this.
  11. e40water12

    e40water12 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 16, 2014
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    Honestly I float & double clutch when needed. Winter time can be a real pain on down shift the Rpm's drop fast. Avoid griding use the clutch. Just depends on what you are comfortable.

    Good Luck.
     
    dennisroc Thanks this.
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