Getting back on the 10 speeds

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Allenmichael27, Dec 3, 2015.

  1. Pumpkin Oval Head

    Pumpkin Oval Head Road Train Member

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    Scranton PA
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    I had a road test a few weeks ago, and I had not driven a 10 speed for over a year. We headed out to the interstate, and then took the first off ramp. I took it real easy, didn't even put it into 10th, as we were on and off the highway quickly. It is very hilly here, and I had to skip a gear....no problem. I didn't miss a gear. I could not believe how well I shifted. I think the key was, just taking it easy....shifting at lower rpms, since the trailer was empty. Nice smooth shifting in the low range can be harder for me, when loaded, but empty no problem.

    I think you will do better than you expect.
     
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  3. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    Stop winding that engine all the way up and you will find you shift just as smooth in the low range as the high.
     
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  4. Allenmichael27

    Allenmichael27 Light Load Member

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    thaks guys will keep these comments in mind for sure.
     
  5. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Yep just like riding a bike. In fact I thought you meant riding a bike when I read the title.
     
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  6. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    What's bad is when drivers are never taught how to shift properly and have been working with autos ever since they started. I believe every driver in any school should be taught how to shift a manual, then on to selecting the right gear for any speed and skipping gears, and then how to float. A separate section should be used to teach autos no matter where the drivers go.

    There is a big lack of teaching the driver how to let the truck work for them and they are pushed as fast as possible to get the CDL. Keeping care of the truck will make the driver money and they all should be taught the basics. Some drivers coming out of school do not even know how to check their brakes. I feel this is extremely dangerous and should never be skipped. Some driver trainers only have 6 months to a year on the job and they were never taught. It's a danger zone for sure.
     
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  7. Allenmichael27

    Allenmichael27 Light Load Member

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    i agree Gashauler i came out of a national tractor trailer school and with checking my brakes i too wish i had more time spent on that. i can check them to see if need adjusting but that's about it. I try to take care of my trucks as best i can but i know there's much more to learn about the truck then what I'm just seeing as a driver.
     
  8. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    What gets me is a driver that makes a statement like "it's a company truck why should I care". The driver has no idea that fixing his or her neglect will take time and they breakdown where they want to. They do not wait until you're off-duty to get fixed. So do you see that sitting around a shop on the road is costing you?

    I liked to play a game with myself and try to do better this day than yesterday. You can make notes on how it was better in your computer or just in your mind. The point is you are trying to do better and do not get stagnate. I've caught drive shafts before they exploded and made a lot more damage. I've caught tires, brakes, shocks, air canisters, and so on and on. I would never jump up and down yelling I caught it, I would do something constructive with my time then back out there. That was when I was OTR where it meant more than ever to take care of the equipment.
     
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  9. Longarm

    Longarm Road Train Member

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    8 months ain't nothin'. I was in an auto for over 6 years and I was floating thru the gears before I even got off the yard. You'll do fine, bro
     
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  10. Allenmichael27

    Allenmichael27 Light Load Member

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    thanks long arm! i appreciate it brother
     
  11. crzyjarmans

    crzyjarmans Road Train Member

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    Don't sweat it, I learned to drive on a twin stick back in the 80's, but after that, didn't see another one until near 20 years later, and after about 5 minutes, you would have thought I'd been driving that truck sense it was new, good luck
     
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  12. Jazzy J

    Jazzy J Medium Load Member

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    Nov 2, 2015
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    I was driving Automatic KW's for seven years. I passed my road test in a manual 10 speed with a new job recently. Just let them know you are rusty and they will judge you on your driving and not shifting.
     
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