Downshift help

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Jbeltran805, Aug 13, 2016.

  1. cjb logistics

    cjb logistics Heavy Load Member

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    Yep, oh boy that is a sweet sound,, but maybe that is why I have ringing in my window ear.
     
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  3. Jerry12

    Jerry12 Heavy Load Member

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    When down shifting, High Gear to One Gear Lower, Try using an over rev- 2.5 Rpm's.
     
  4. Pumpkin Oval Head

    Pumpkin Oval Head Road Train Member

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    In the USA, you cannot pass your dot driving test unless you double clutch. So that is how all the schools train their students.

    Once you get hired, the new driver has to teach themselves how to float the gears.
     
  5. m16ty

    m16ty Road Train Member

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    When I took my test (many years ago) the instructor told me that double clutching was the proper way and would deduct points if I didn't. He then went on to say to do whatever I felt comfortable with because it's far better to shift well and loose points for floating. I can do either so I just doubled.
     
  6. Zeviander

    Zeviander Road Train Member

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    It's that way in Canada as well. I was able to do it well enough to pass on my first attempt. But I could never get it to the point where I would consider it efficient or smooth.
     
  7. Singlescrew

    Singlescrew Light Load Member

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    Double clutching is the same as floating only pushing a clutch in before nutural and again before a gear. I can't understand how people that only float can't double clutch as well. Just blows my mind. Both ways just take some practice. Learn to double clutch like a pro then try floating. Only way to get better is practice.
     
    okiedokie Thanks this.
  8. cjb logistics

    cjb logistics Heavy Load Member

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    To muck work double clutching for no reason,,, anyway my in cab camera may think I playing with my winky from all the movement especially running switch backs and grade.
     
  9. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    It's not that savage.

    You are taking a gear out, and then allowing that engine to purr down or rev a touch before the next gear you are going into downwards or upwards.

    DC is good to learn. You will get it.

    Floating is really good but it has to be done with finesse and a real ear for the opportunity to change gears. It only took me 20 years to learn how to float. I got it down pat, but automatics took that joy away.
     
    okiedokie Thanks this.
  10. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    @ some point it all becomes second nature. One of the challenges still left for me is climbing in a truck I haven't driven before. Expecially worn out ones. Ran a sweet V8 Cat exd hood pete transfer today. Tomorrow belly dump. Just another day in the cab.
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  11. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    A V8 CAT? You are lucky. All I ever saw was inline Cats.
     
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