double clutching/downshifting

Well, you want to push on the clutch but not all the way to the floor. Before you put it into gear and take off, press on the clutch to see how much free play you have with it. That way you know you have to press the clutch at least that much for shifting.

As far as downshifting, remember you can't do anything fast in a truck so don't even bother trying. Clutch, neutral, rev, clutch, shift. Remember to keep an eye on your road speed and select the gear that is within the speed range you're traveling in. If you slow down too much you'll have to drop down 2 gears instead of one.

 

clutch??! What the h3ll is that? Oh...the pedal on the far left that is only used at stops?!!?

 

you only need to press the pedal a few inches just enough to break the tension and then after you get outta school you can forget how they showed you to shift and float the gears. even then though if you need to use the clutch to break the tension on the drive line you still want to make sure you stay outta the clutch break its just a quick 3-4 inch tap on the clutch pedal is all you need.

 

Keep learning. Floating is NOT the definition of a truck driver. Knowing how to shift all the different ways at any given time is impressive. It all starts with double clutching. But the whole idea is to know what gear to be in at any given time. That's knowing the equipment.

When I gave road tests for new drivers I wanted to see double clutching,progressive shifting, skipping gears, and if you like floating. I like to see a driver that is relaxed and shifting in a way that the truck is working for the driver and not the driver is working the truck. In other words knowing what gear matches the road speed. For example coming off the interstate with a 10 speed. Slow the truck down and go from 10th to 6th then maybe 4th if you have to stop. I like when a driver is slowing down in high gear and is coming up to a red light then the light changes to green and the driver goes from high gear into 6th or 7th depending on his speed and then accelerates right on through the intersection.

I know it takes time but my point is to learn the truck and don't believe that floating is the only way to go. Some companies require that you double clutch and if you do not keep your skills up you'll be out. It will come to you with practice and you'll know right off what gear is for 35mph and so on. You learn double clutching and you can use that anywhere. You learn just floating you might not get the job. Good luck it will come to you.

 

If you want to get your foot used to pressing light on the clutch try this. Take a new roll of toliet paper and put it up against a wall. Sit in a chair so you can reach the toliet paper. With your left foot push on the toliet paper (take your shoes off if you want to use the paper latter on) as if you were double clutching. If you crush the cardboard tube in the middle you are pusing to hard. If the tube is still in the same shape then you got it and it should work for you. The more you keep training your foot the more natural it will come for you.

 

Then add a plunger to that on the other side and you will have the whole setup. I did it!!!! Helps get the rhythm down I think.

 

I could say something but.............

 

Sick, sick, sick!!!!