Driving In Pennsylvania Hills

Bottom of the hill going up, just run at it, get as much momentum as you can, with a heavy box you'll probably drop two gears before the peak.

When you hit the top back off, cruise down a gear lower than normal. Jake as needed (some jakes over heat just like brakes) in time you'll learn judgement.

The thing about jaking in wet, I've always figured that if it's slippery at least the front wheels are still spinning. Just try to keep in front of the trailer.

 

I think the adage to take 2 gears lower than the gear going up applies to running down the hill without a jake and using snub braking. In my experience with gutless mega carrier trucks I would take a gear or two higher than required going uphill when using the jake.

For instance, on a sustained 6% grade like Vail loaded at 80K gross weight I might get down to 6th or even 5th in a 10 speed going up. Without a downhill speed limit I might descend in 8th with full jake or 7th in medium jake. With the 35 mph speed limit that would be 7th with full jake with some snub braking thrown in. Going down in dicey winter conditions I'd ramp down to 6th in light or medium jake and be prepared in a millisecond to cancel jake and let it run if I felt it starting to slide and use light braking to bring it back under control before starting with light jakes again.

The important thing to note about jake performance is the holding power will be in higher rpm's (1300-1700). Don't be afraid to let it run on up to 1700 or 1800 and then use snub braking to bring it back down to around 1300. Trying to run down a hill with the rpm's at 1100 to 1200 will mean the jake isn't going to hold you back very much at all.

 

Does this mean you can't drive after midnight?

 

You need to call Peter the Pumkin Eater if you're out after midnight

 

Figure you're talking mostly about 81 below Scranton/Wilkes Barre . Jake in dry conditions.

Downhill , try the stab brake method. When you hit about 5 over limit , firm pressure on the brakes , tol you are down 5 below limit. Repeat.

Just takes time and miles to become more relaxed about it.

 

Sometimes SNI thinks its better to save a few bucks on tolls. Took me exactly one time off turnpike to say screw them. 70 to 79 to US 30 to US 40 into Maryland dumping out at 68 .Heavy. good dry conditions but #### that was work.

 

Drive at your comfort level and don't grip the steering wheel where the blood in your fingers can't flow. Just relax if you think 8th gear is safe drop,down to 7th and coast. And before you know it you'll be comfortable. Nobody became an expert over night. Expect @double yellow he was born with a steering wheel

 

Don't stop hogging the right lane. It's good training. You've done it a time or two now and survived. Each time will be easier than the next. That goes for everything you're doing in these early days. Keep up the good work and get the experience while its dry up there. Good luck driver.