Choosing a gear for down hill

Toss out the anchor to stop you...

 

I sense sarcasm but if not..... You start out in an even lower gear. A 7℅ grade with no Jake could be a low range decent. I can't think of the name of the hill dropping into SLC from the east but I had a Prostar with no Jake had to go down at about 15 mph for the first 3 miles in 4th gear on a 13 speed. Slow and brakes were still warm at the bottom but not fading or smoking. Could have done it faster in a higher gear with some stab braking but no regrets.

 

I'm curious how many folks use their jake brake on snowy roads? I was told in school to NEVER use the jake when there's snow on the road. What do you do?

 

yes there was a bit of sarcasm but I do appreciate the reply. I ran coast to coast for 3+ years without an engine brake.wow.that's fine as it instilled downhill control rather quickly as there is no substitute for experience and the only experience that i have was self taught. no schools,no trainers,no idea.yeah i probably do have some frowned upon driving habits.oh well.

your reply is certainly the read,heed,and proceed type and the newbies will benefit from it.thanks-

 

I wait for ice and then bobtail for the rush.

 

I've used the jake coming down Vail and Eisenhower in snowy/icy conditions. Never on high setting and preferably on low setting, watching the trailer like a hawk, and always with the inter axle differential engaged. Any feeling that I'm about to lose traction and the jake is disengaged and allow a fraction of a second of coast to not get squirrely and then start with light brakes and reengage jakes on LOW setting after getting rpm's in the 1200-1300 range. Definitely have to pay attention and have all 6 senses going full bore.

 

Use it......You have to be smarter than things you work with....

And btw....I'm sure the CDL Mills tell the students that Trolley Brakes are only to be used when checking to ensure the jaws on the fifth-wheel are locked.....


Ask anyone who has had a "wandering" wagon and used that brake to straighten out...

 

Naw...They just have "Better Jakes and Brakes" than the rest of us....