Downshifting help

No, I have never driven a KE100, however I did own a W900 for 5 years. Probably not the same, however no matter what the truck, if the maintenance is not up to snuff, then the truck isn't up to doing its job, LEGALLY OR SAFELY.

If you are driving an unsafe rig (in your case, especially a fuel hauler(from your signature picture, ARCO) you have no business on the road). But better on the road than in the casino I guess!

 

Well I am impressed.....NOT!.....you own your own rig. So did I for 9 years. First one was a Century, second a W900. Owning your own rig does not the professional or expert make.

As for when was the last time I drove a truck, how about 20 minutes ago, just got in from your neck of the woods. I run I5 every day, Los Angeles area up to Kent, then over to Amanda Park, and back down to either Sac or the LA area.

So you drive "cans" every day, well seeing the zone you drive, whether it be Portland or Seattle, from what I have seen, the can runners aren't the safest bunch, (since I don't know who you are, or how you drive, I will make a general reference). I can't count how many times over the last almost 15 years I have been squeezed out, or cut off by some can driver in the Northwest. Maybe you guys get paid by the turn, or just by the tonnage delivered, in any case, I will agree to disagree with your style of driving.

As for the speeds in a ten speed...depending on the engine type for rpm's... as I said before, add the digits together will tell you what gear you should be in to achieve the best MPG's and rpm's. This works for 6 and above, it is a key for helping the beginner to know what gear they should go for when down shifting or if they miss or lose their place while shifting. As 35 mph would be (3+5=8) 8th gear.

I have been with a 13 speed for the last 7 years, what the speeds and rpm's are in lower ranges, I don't recall, but I am thinking 15 mph, 5th gear, 1500 rpm's doesn't sound right. I might be wrong, but it just doesn't sound true.

Now I will repeat my first answer...20 MINUTES AGO

 

Is there anyone that can give me an average rpm/mph chart for each gear in a ten speed? just wondering what you experienced guys think...I know you always shift by ear for the most part but I would like to know what the range is for each gear in a ten speed. also I know trucks usually shift differently....I am talking about upshifting here, thanks again all for your time and effort because the adivce is working keep it coming!

 

WOW to say every truck is different on this subject is an under statement.I can just give you a ball park (at best) RPM lay out of the one I drove 1-4 at 1200,5-7 at around 14 or 1500, 7-10 at 1600 and up but that 10 speed was in an old beat up Mack so i'm not sure exactly how much that helps. I myself am a newbie and trust me I know it gets frustraiting (don't know how to spell lol) when everybody says you'll hear it but with time it rings true and someday you'll be telling someone the same thing. Good luck friend and with time it will start talking to ya

 

Okay, Gentlemen, let's keep it clean, here. The purpose of this topic is to help a new driver get his shifting down, not to fight about who knows more than whom.

Please stay on topic.

 

I am new but heres what I learned in training at Schneider and it works great in a Frieghtliner. I don't know about anything else. I did drive an International a short time and it was differant so if you are in a Frieghtliner heres what I do

55 and above - 5+5=10 so 10th gear
45 and above - 4+5=9 so 9th gear
35 and above - 3+5=8 so 8th gear
25 and above - 2+5=7 so 7th gear
15 and above - 1+6=6 so 6th gear

Now it doesn't really work like that any lower but by then you can kinda figure it out on your own. You are going slow enough but I used 5th for 9-13 or so, 4th for 5-9 and the break and cluth for lower tahn that. I glance at the speed and if my rpm's are low then I get them up to around 1500 and shift into the gear that goes with the speed. Works like a charm for me may not for anyone else but atleast you have an idea now. Good luck.

 

Also was told in training never shift in a turn and never turn in higher than 4th gear. I know some cowboys out there don't believe that but I always looked at that like, it's your truck, license and life drive like you want. I don't want to get a ticket, wreck or most of all kill anyone to prove how fast I can drive and shift. Just my opinion.

 

SS Goose, and bigrigjoe have it right on the money. Shifting points for the ten is "add the digits" for the gear you want, and the rpm level (top) to upshift, is smoother (and floats smoother) at the lower shift point of 1200-1300 for 3,4,and 5. If you are using 1st (basically "granny") just get her starting to roll then quick shift up to 2 and again quick shift to 3. To much rpm in 1 and 2 will cause excessive pressure making it hard to come out of the gear.

The only times I have used 1 is stopped on a steep grade and getting her rolling. As for shifting in a turn, as I said before, you shift AT the mid-point (apex) of the turn, and that is for a down shift, (maybe I forgot to mention that since we were talking at that point about downshifting) never up shift in a turn, you are busy enough maintaining control, speed, and watching your corner points. Just keep rpms constant going thru the turn, as you straighten out, then back to normal upshifting.

If you are empty, or very light load, upshifting can be done a bit lower in rpm at all gear points, but avoid lugging the engine, if you start to lug--drop a gear.

PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE!! and always PATIENCE-PATIENCE-PATIENCE!! Don't get mad at yourself for missing a gear or shift, we all do even after years of driving these beasts.

Almost forgot; don't over-think yourself, you know what you are doing (or should be doing), if you start pre-thinking every move you make you will loose your rhythm and blow the shift. Just do it!

 

thanks I will give this a try...I drive a freightliner columbia with mercedes benz engine...nice truck I really like it, I think my problem is I think to much, lol.

 

The truck was not unsafe just hard to shift. There was no linkage but a cable. If you've been around out west you would know that ARCO would not put an unsafe truck on the road. Having a truck shift hard is not a reason to spend big money to fix and then have the cable get a little old and have the same problem.