thank you kindly...this really eased my mind a lot ! Yippyyy!! The weight has been lifted lol i thought I would be the only one not knowing how to shift...
No. Don't worry about not knowing how to drive a stick. You don't have any bad habits like myself when it comes to learning how to double clutch. Just get on the dirty dog and get here. The professionals at Prime will get you trained up. You'll love it here!
I know right! Got stressed last night though. We are out here in Lewiston, ME on this Walmart dedicated route. Up and down 2, at night, raining, lost. I liked the challenge, needed the driving hours, and experience. I'm researching now about when and if I want to rely on my Jake's. My instructor wants me to use them all the time, but I'm going solo in the beginning of winter. Shouldn't I learn to manage downgrades safely without the Jake's? Today I'll shut up. He's the thirteen year instructor, not I.
Welcome Drivingmyselfhappy, Just about anyone can be taught how to drive a truck. That's the easy part. No worries there, we gotcha covered on that. It's the attitude, mindset, & the ability to adapt to this lifestyle that can't be taught, only assisted. And it is truly a lifestyle, not just a job. THAT must come from within......and THAT is what will make or break you. Best to you in your choices. Wishing you the best of outcomes!
Fmj hit the nail on the head. If it's winter and youre going down steep grades that you HAVE to have a Jake on you really should just pull over and wait it out. The Jake will cause you to lose traction same thing in rain. Use the over spray from other vehix. If there's over spray coming from their tires no Jake.
But! Let me say this. There is no cookie cutter answer you have to use your best judgment for that particular driving condition.
Jakes should not be used when the road is wet or icy/snowy. Use the jake on the downhill to brake for you as needed. Best rule of thumb I have, is go down the hill 1 gear lower than you came up, the jake works best at higher RPMS on those trucks say 2000 RPM or so, that should hold you back going down, I have had mine up to 2500 ++ RPMs to hold me coming down the summit here in Austin NV, very very steep and 25 mph speed limit plus hair pin curve at the bottom of the hill. Experiment with it but do not let it get away from you.
