How do you take off in a semi?

That happened right off of Michigan Ave and 74 in Greensburg, IN.
My friends and I were working at the Honda plant not even 1/4 mile down the road when it happened. Thankfully it didn't happen between shift change or there would've been 5 or 6 cars taken out.

 

If it's jumpy, you are in too high of a gear. Never use the throttle until you are off the clutch pedal, diesels have way more torque than your standard shift Honda.
I always use bull low first gear when loaded, that's what it's there for, but we are up to 140,000 lbs. Even when loaded in a soft farmers field I still don't give it any throttle until I'm off the clutch pedal. It still pulls itself out just fine, or it spins, never stalls.

 

Yup back in old school training with a 13 speed sometimes started in hi range low gear. Almost like a #2 gear. Let out the clutch and then throttle. Empty and flat!!. Loaded with 100K well use what gear is needed.

 

Depends a whole lot on several different factors really. It's much easier to start in 1st (I've never driven a 10-speed, so not low, unless low is 1st, then pick 2nd) because you are going to be taking a gear with a lower top-end road speed.

What's traction like? Are you on dry, flat ground? I personally don't like starting in anything but 1st unless that's the case, the higher gear increases the chance for wheel spin (especially when empty on snow/ice).

If you are starting on flat ground, get used to where the clutch engages in the lower gears. Get a feel for it, because you'll make driving a whole lot smoother when you figure out where that is.

And unless the clutch is worn down heavily (like most training trucks tend to be), don't increase the RPM's. Just slowly engage at idle.

I don't really have much more to offer other than practice, practice, practice. It took me 2-3 months to get through a full day OTR without messing up a shift and even now and then after about a year, I still miss one every once in a while (granted, I only use the clutch to get moving, but your company will tell you whether or not they want you using it).

 

It' all about the weight and the grade. Loaded up to 105,500 on a hill? You start in 1st. Empty on a flat? 3rd or 4th. It also has a lot to do with the truck. Cummins behave a lot differently than Paccars. Cummins want higher RPMs, Paccars want very low (shift at 1200 when you can at low speeds). Since you're in school, I'm sure you are double-clutching. Don't be afraid to ride that clutch a bit. Even on your own, you'll do that on occasion til you learn how to really drive the transmission efficiently. Better to beat up a relatively cheap clutch than beat up a very expensive engine and gear-box. It all comes with experience. Don't be afraid to experiment a bit.

 

Doesn't anybody Read anymore? Title is how do you Take Off ..in a semi?
1....get cleared to taxi from ground control
2....taxi at idle speed(on taxiway)to end of runway
3....Start slow turn towards runway&stop
4..Ck with &identify yourself to ATC...wait for clearence&squawk new frequency assisgned
5....Contact area center on new frequency and ask permission to continue on runway
6....When granted turn onto assigned runway...hold trailer brakes tight....while keepin engines at 110% power....ask for permission to takeoff....when permission is granted and new headin established...increase to 115%power....dump trailer valve....try to stay in middle of runway&when you reach optimum throttle...rotate &go.....

 

It's most likely been said so I will not read all the post, it's a simple answer. You start any truck off with the truck in the gear that will get the truck moving smoothly with NO power applied. You apply the power once you're rolling. If your truck is jumping around and doing a dance then you're in a too high of a gear. Try it, it works just fine and the power train will be your friend for a long time.

 

I drove a 2013 Peterbilt 388 with the 425 (I think?) Paccar. It wanted you to shift at 1600 rpm (even had an arrow come up on the dash) and downshift at 1400. Any other spot on the power band and it struggled.

Now that I'm local I drive a 525 CAT C-15 that'll shift between 900-1600 RPM. Not sure what happened to these motors. No guts anymore.