Double clutch or Float. You decide.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Trucker_Matt, Jul 19, 2012.

Do you float, double clutch, or single clutch?

  1. *

    Float em baby!

    64 vote(s)
    84.2%
  2. *

    Double clutch all the way

    10 vote(s)
    13.2%
  3. *

    Single clutch

    4 vote(s)
    5.3%
  1. FozzyNOK

    FozzyNOK Road Train Member

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    Jul 18, 2007
    Oklahomistan
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    Most of the biggies do. The thing is though that if you are under a load that is going over any of the bigger ranges, when you are hooking to the trailer is the THE BEST time to check out the truck and trailer and do a GOOD inspection especially on the air brake system. These days the vast majority of trucks have engine brakes so thats also a good thing. If its sloppy and wet, overheated brakes are not as big a problem. but you have to be careful on all of them.
     
    Trucker_Matt Thanks this.
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  3. Trucker_Matt

    Trucker_Matt Light Load Member

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    Jul 14, 2012
    Downriver, MI
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    definitely. thanks fozzy
     
  4. sdaniel

    sdaniel Road Train Member

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    Sep 7, 2011
    Pelham N.C.
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    The automated manual trans float! Just the computer does it! No servo pushing in the clutch. The clutch is a crefiefical. Know its misspelled!
     
  5. paul_4lp

    paul_4lp Road Train Member

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    Oct 21, 2010
    Fort Myers, FL
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    I have been driving off and on for a few yrs (since 1991) I can not recall EVER been instructed on how to drive/double clutch the truck...if so it would be in the company policy manual ...im sure school will teach you that way and many a trainer too (hey Roadrealtor!) but I say Float it unless on a grade that your need to up shift ....newbies might need to double clutch for the first 6-12 months while concentrating on things like keeping the truck upright ...
     
  6. Bigdoggie

    Bigdoggie Light Load Member

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    Apr 2, 2012
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    Ahh, come on! Keep your knees moving at any expense. Hard to stay in shape sitting for countless hours. People have no clue what this lifestyle is like. I still try to ride my rowing machine when at home. Great exercise for the entire body.
     
  7. Exit310

    Exit310 Medium Load Member

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    Jul 13, 2011
    cullman,alabama
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    I just finished my 2nd week at driving school, doing pretty good except for double clutching. I upshift real good,its the downshift that gets me sometimes. Any advice on double clutching will be welcomed.Do companies require you to dble clutch or one gear at a time? Thanks!
     
  8. EagleEye509

    EagleEye509 Light Load Member

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    Apr 7, 2012
    Spokane,WA
    0
    Most people "require" double clutching. Once you have your own truck it's free game.

    As for learning to double...I bet the instructors are just saying "rpm's, rpm's, rpm's" huh? That screwed me up big in school. Yeah you need to know the split in RPM's...but, more importantly is your ground speed. Try to learn the speed for each gear. Generally don't even split to low side until a minimum of 15mph.

    Hope that helps some
     
  9. dirtyjerz

    dirtyjerz glowing beard pouty kid

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    Jun 7, 2011
    Playing in Traffic
    0
    I float 99% of the time, but there are times when the 2x shifts are needed. I do local/city driving so my leg would be jello by the end of the day if i clutched every shift. The most important thing is being smooth. Dont rush yourself while using either style. If your smooth, there is no damage either way. If your hard on it, expect down time at the shop
     
  10. Quickfarms

    Quickfarms Heavy Load Member

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    May 29, 2012
    Los Angeles, Ca
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    Float is what I do
     
  11. LandShark

    LandShark Road Train Member

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    Nov 22, 2008
    Riverdale, Ga
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    Me personally don't set out do either exclusively.
    Sometimes I double clutch it, sometimes I float them.
    I never know which way I am going to do it until I have finished the shift. LOL
    been doing both ways for so long my body decides a split second before I shift. And sometimes I don't even remember how I went thru the gears. I just DO it.
     
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