Going down long steep "DOWNGRADE"

Another poster said your rpms would rise too much to shift hense the braking to lower them...And yes dropping 2 gears and we're being taught the same technique the 1000s before us have been taught...It works...It's not SOP it's if you need it, what are the other options?...Hang on, use a ramp?...

 

This technique is what I am being taught.

 

Huh?? No dude, I've never used a ramp or smoked my brakes.. This poster who's very easy to identify, has done it many times and even if your RPM's rise way too fast without a jake, you can bring it down.. I'm not quoting some other poster - I'm using real world experience on snow covered, icy, or dry roads.. Evidently 9 years later and 100% accident free I know what I'm doing right.. Maybe??

 

just put it in Georgia overdrive and ease on down that hill or mountain.

 

Sheesh Jake, aint you never played blackjack?

This is for the newer drivers out there and only my opinion. If you start off at the top of a hill in a lower gear, you can always grab a gear or two on the way down, depending on all of the conditions involved. If your brakes are cool and adjusted they will work just fine, the thing is you have to keep them cool. If they are hot, it dont matter if they are adjusted or not, they will be less efficient. Unfortunately/fortunately I have smoked my brakes a couple times early in my driving career, with out any engine brakes and I will tell you it is one of the most uncomfortable feelings you will ever have while driving a truck Whichever way you get down the hill is ok, just keep em cool and dont be the fool.

 

Keep in mind if you are stepping on that brake enough to slow to down shift you can really heat them quickly! One thing to watch out for also is if you do smoke your brakes and you need to pull it over it is a good idea to unhook from the trailer. Many of trucks burn to the ground because of this. Keep your fire extinguisher on hand just in case you need to use it.

 

Yeah but not behind the wheel of a truck.. I certainly respect your experience but in 8 years of pulling sets I've never had an issue..

I'm starting to think I'm lost here - all I really know is running sets with no jake and I've never had a problem dropping a gear in the middle of the hardest down-grade I've ever descended whether it was dry, snow covered, or a sheet of ice.. I will now remove myself from this conversation I suppose..lol..

 

If in doubt go slow.If you don't know the road go slow.If visibility is bad go slow.Veteran drivers know this.It is possible to up shift and down shift descending a grade.If the gear is not holding then use the breaks to slow you and engage a lower gear.1,2,3 4 gears it is not difficult.Always start slower than you think and you can up shift if safe.You will quickly get a feel for the truck.Keep the breaks cool and you will be able to correct if speed is building.If you are wondering if the gear you are in is too high then slow on the breaks and drop 1.Never use your breaks to the point of them getting to hot to be efficient.You can use the one gear lower then when climbing as a guide but concentrate and don't be afraid to drop a gear or 2 if you are using the breaks to keep the engine from over revving.