My turn for orientation at Watkins & Shepard!!

That Donner Pass video gives me the chills!

I had a friend of mine pass me in Virginia on 460 just east of I-77 one day and do the exact same thing! Rolled it over right in front of me and slammed into the side of the mountain.
I knew he had to be dead for sure.The engine and front axle was ejected from the wreckage and ended up in the median.

My truck suffered damage from all the debris of the wreck but i got it stopped on the shoulder.

I ran back to the mass of smoking metal,oil and diesel fuel and yelled his name.
HE ANSWERED!!
He had a chunk of steel going in one side of his cheek and coming out the other side where his eye used to be..
It was terrible! He was air lifted to the hospital and lived!

I called his wife and stayed at the hospital until she got up there.

One thing i learned that day...
Always expect the unexpected and even the smaller downhill grades can reach out and grab you!

I have run Donner Pass many times and sometimes chained up in the snow.
That is one hill you respect!

Sorry to get off topic but the image of that crash brought back some scary thoughts..

 

A.T. don't get over confident it will bite you in the butt! You are correct though in staying below the speed posted. Don't ever change that. I really need to throw this in there though, I highly recommend you do not do your little shifting trick during the winter! Before you descend the grade you put it in gear and leave it there! Do you know what Black Mountain is know for? Black ice! Do that little shifting trick and your trailer will be leading the way down!

Walstib it sounds like you aren't doing to bad. As far as your speed chart really anything below 5th gear is taking a turn speed. Your top gear is always overdrive. So that leaves you with a 25mph gear, 35 mph gear and a 45 mph gear. Try shifting by using your ear (not physically on the shifter). This will make it a lot easier and you can keep your eyes on the road watching for ice. Also make sure your trainer goes over "floating" with you. This is how experienced drivers shift and this is something you will need to know. No more school "double clutching"! Trust me, you will thank me for this! Especially when you are in NYC or LA.

 

Good tip on floating Chompi! I doubt many instructors would teach it but it is the way to shift.
Once you get used to the truck it should come natural...

 

I was exadgerating a little bit, I slowed down turned off the cruise and the jake.....I have never driven a big truck on ice before would you prefer I just keep going 65 till I slide off the road?


I know how to drive in snow and Ice I lived Vermont until a few years ago, and I raced SCCA and SCCV Rally Cross, Autocross, and Ice Racing in the winter months. So I figure if I can do 90 across ICE and still keep a car without studs on the track.....I'm pretty sure I'll be able to handle the truck.......But I'm not just gonna drive like an idiot to make you happy!





American Trucker

 

I'm really not sure why everyone keeps talking about me being over confident but I'm not, and I'm not planning on doing it in the snow or ice. I don't shift anymore often then I need to, 99% of the time I just put it in gear and go.

Trust me I understand ALL about snow/ice/ and mountains all mixed together. I've had plenty of snowmobile trailers try pushing me around going down the mountains in VT.


Although some of you seem to think otherwise, I have nothing but respect for these trucks/ mountains/ and experianced drivers.




American Trucker

 

Wow, sounds like you were taught by Ron at United!!!

Just remember, that only applies to the trucks we were driving. Different engines, trannies and gear ratios will change that.

 

Guess what? Me too!!!

But, guess what? My last accident was in a quick freeze with rain, snow and ice.

What was it that Han said to Luke?
Don't get ####y, kid!


I am 54 years old, so I have a little more experience than you do.
And believe me, my experiences encompass seeking out adverse weather conditions to drive in - just for the fun of it.

 

I give up! you win



American Trucker

 

TOP notch post!!!