6 speed shifting

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Teaforone, Apr 8, 2009.

  1. Teaforone

    Teaforone Light Load Member

    200
    70
    Nov 16, 2008
    In the Sandhills, NC
    0
    So, as luck would have it, a guy in my town has offered me a job driving a straight truck with a 6 speed manual transmission. I have driven a 9 speed,regular 10, super 10, and even once in driving school a 13 speed tractor trailer, but I have never driven a 6 speed. Can anyone give me some pointers on driving this transmission? Do I just transfer my knowlege of the other transmissions to the 6?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. wwfd1220

    wwfd1220 Light Load Member

    88
    13
    Mar 26, 2009
    Whitewater, Wisconsin
    0
    anytime i have driven a straight truck i have usually just shifted it like i would a pick up truck.... i have tried double clutching on those things but they do not seem to like it.... also, i find it easy to float gears on starights as well.
     
    CruzControhl and Teaforone Thank this.
  4. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

    17,996
    35,640
    Sep 8, 2007
    Utah's DIXIE!
    0
    My (admitted limited) experience with a 6 speed is the same as wwfd. Shift like a pickup truck transmission.
     
    Teaforone Thanks this.
  5. Shep Shiloh

    Shep Shiloh Medium Load Member

    475
    436
    Feb 12, 2008
    IN
    0
    Chances are the gears have syncros so, like the others have said, just shift it like you would a car tranny.
     
  6. Truck Driver

    Truck Driver Medium Load Member

    330
    136
    Dec 5, 2007
    Sacramento, CA
    0
    Straight trucks are syncronised. You can shift it like you shift a car. You can float it too but you'll wear out the syncronizers. once you do that, you'll need to float it.
     
  7. Rat

    Rat Road Train Member

    Trying to float them becomes a pain because of the greater change is rpm between each gear. It is best to clutch it like a car or pickup.
     
  8. rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

    1,393
    673
    Apr 17, 2007
    Pacific Northwest
    0
    It could be either or, depends on who set the truck up. It dosent matter weather its a straight truck or not. Try it one way then try it the other, you'll have your answer right there
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.