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Shifting after 11 years

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DoubleO7, Aug 23, 2015.

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  1. Aug 23, 2015 #1
    DoubleO7

    DoubleO7 Road Train Member

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    After over 11 years off the road, I am scheduled to start orientation with Swift soon. Has anyone here been off the road for a significant period of time and returned? I will have to do a road test the first day, and I am a little concerned about shifting. When I was on the road, I drove trucks with 10 speeds, Eaton Fuller of Rockwell. Swift has 10 speeds.

    Does anyone know what transmissions Earl Henderson runs? I will add that I do not really want to go to an automatic company. There is something about running a manual that keeps a driver engaged and alert. That's how it seems to me.
     
    DoubleO7, Aug 23, 2015
    DoubleO7, Aug 23, 2015
    #1
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  3. Aug 23, 2015 #2
    Voodoo Pyg

    Voodoo Pyg Oink! Oink!

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    Have you gone to the trucking truth website? You can also speak with a recruiter or visit the SWIFT website. From my experience most of them are using between 8 and 10 speed transmissions now.
     
    Voodoo Pyg, Aug 23, 2015
    Voodoo Pyg, Aug 23, 2015
    #2
  4. Aug 23, 2015 #3
    brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    The biggest difference in shifting today's modern trucks is the power band in the engine. If you came off the road 11 years ago you were used to a higher shift point than the new trucks use. Just keep the rpm low and you will do fine, it will come back to you. They are not going to expect you to be perfect the first time out on the road test after 11 years off the road.
     
    brian991219, Aug 23, 2015
    brian991219, Aug 23, 2015
    #3
    slick mick, Voodoo Pyg and DoubleO7 Thank this.
  5. Aug 23, 2015 #4
    zinita17601

    zinita17601 Road Train Member

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    The question is how good were u before getting off the road.shifting is like riding a bike ,you only need to learn it once.
     
    zinita17601, Aug 23, 2015
    zinita17601, Aug 23, 2015
    #4
    slick mick, Mr.X, Starboyjim and 1 other person Thank this.
  7. Aug 23, 2015 #5
    DoubleO7

    DoubleO7 Road Train Member

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    That's good to hear. I would estimate that I had well 0ver 150,000 miles driving 10 speeds. I only used the clutch to start and stop and floated the rest.
     
    DoubleO7, Aug 23, 2015
    DoubleO7, Aug 23, 2015
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  8. Aug 23, 2015 #6
    RetiredUSN

    RetiredUSN Medium Load Member

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    If you are floating the gears, it is all the same. Might be some rpm/road speed difference, but you will feel it wanting to slip out of gear anyways.
     
    RetiredUSN, Aug 23, 2015
    RetiredUSN, Aug 23, 2015
    #6
  9. Aug 23, 2015 #7
    PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    I came back after 10 years. Shifting wasn't the problem but I was a bit rusty on backing.
     
    PackRatTDI, Aug 23, 2015
    PackRatTDI, Aug 23, 2015
    #7
    slick mick Thanks this.
  10. Aug 23, 2015 #8
    Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

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    I came back after 25 years. Shifting machines is fun and easy, and that was no problem. It was running over all those cars that really bugged.
     
    Starboyjim, Aug 23, 2015
    Starboyjim, Aug 23, 2015
    #8
  11. Aug 23, 2015 #9
    Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

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    I guess I must have missed something. Again. I didn't get the relationship between Swift and Earl Henderson? A little help here?
     
    Starboyjim, Aug 23, 2015
    Starboyjim, Aug 23, 2015
    #9
  12. Aug 23, 2015 #10
    joesmoothdog

    joesmoothdog Heavy Load Member

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    Forgot how to use the steering wheel. Hmm.
     
    joesmoothdog, Aug 23, 2015
    joesmoothdog, Aug 23, 2015
    #10
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