Downhills!

Just my 2¢ and what has worked for me all these years. You can never say you'll go down a grade in a specific gear because the grades are different as well as the trucks. the down side of the grade might be alot more steeper than what you climbed. What I have done in my past job is go down about 25mph without an engine brake and 35mph with one. However, I'm driving a super tanker and I gross over 105,000lbs and that's me. You'll need to find your own comfort zone.

I start the down grade at about 5 mph below the right speed and let the truck drift. Then when it hits the right speed I apply a steady pressure to the brakes to bring the truck back down 5 mph below the right speed and let it drift again. I've never damaged any brake linings or had any problems with the brakes and I could always stop if there was an emergency.

Sure they get hot but the trick is if you smell brakes or see any puff of smoke you slow down. You can't say you should apply a certain amount of brake pressure because trucks vary. If you stand on the brakes or ride them down the hill you'll heat them up way too much. Use all of your brakes and not just the trailer brakes. Start out slow and only increase when you feel comfortable. Don't let anyone push you and always remember you may need to stop completely on the grade (fallen rocks or accidents) so keep all the braking power you can. Weight of the truck plays a vital role along with having all your brakes adjusted correctly. Just take your time, pay attention, and don't get into a hurry. You might want to keep notes in the begining so you'll know next time. Good luck.

 

TEST QUESTION?
"Your heading down 8% Grade, 4 miles long and 80K #'s and your trainer is sleeping in the bunk".
1.) Your losing air pressure.
2.) Your brakes wont hold you back.
3.) A school bus of senior citizens pulls out from a side street.
4.) What do you do???????????

 

1.) Your losing air pressure.
1. CURSE YOURSELF FOR THE FACT THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN A LOWER GEAR TO START DOWN THE HILL.
2.) Your brakes wont hold you back.
2. CALL COMPANY AND SCREAM THAT THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TURNED OFF THE JAKE BRAKE ON YOU.
3.) A school bus of senior citizens pulls out from a side street.
3. HIT'EM AT THE RIGHT ANGLE TO KNOCK THEM OVER THE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN AND OUT OF YOUR WAY.
4.) What do you do???????????
4. REACH BACK AND PUNCH THE TRAINER FOR SLEEPING AND LETTING YOU KNOCK THE BUS LOAD OF SENIORS OFF THE MOUNTAIN. TELL HIM GET UP HERE QUICK, BECAUSE HE WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS HUGE WRECK THAT'S GOONA HAPPEN AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS 8% GRADE.
MOST LIKELY TO HAPPEN FIRST
5. TAKE A SERIOUS DUMP IN YOUR PANTS!

 

Nope that is way to much time losted...

You wake him up and tell him, "You Aint Seen A Wreck Like The One Were Going To Have!"

 

I wanna' go like my grandpa.
Not screaming & panicing like his passengers.