need advice

A little bit of "fear" about going on long twisty downgrades is a good thing. This fear is probably what has kept you alive so far. I really wouldn't worry about it too much. Just keep doing what you have been doing.

 

There's an old saying that goes something like this:

" You can come down a hill a thousand times too slow, but you'll only come down it once too fast ."

Safety first, my friend. Don't push yourself any faster than you feel comfortable. That comfort level is different with every driver, so don't let another driver talk you out of your comfort zone, in any driving situation.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wifwg6xWVAU&feature=player_embedded

Watch this video.This driver and his trainer only went down the hill to fast once. Double Fatality. Take your time and be comfortable with what your doing. It`s not a race to see who gets to the bottom first.

 

Wow, that video puts things into perspective. I'll take a look at that as a reminder.
Thanks

 

Many steep downgrades have a suggested speed or lower speed limit for trucks . Know what gear won't exceed that speed and stay in that gear with the Jake brake on . Why are you asking about going faster ?

 

Don't let anybody push you, not even your trainer. If he or she is a good trainer they won't push you anyway. After all these years I still get real serious about going down the grades. I'll turn off the music radio and keep the cb down low. I'll roll the window down just a bit so I can smell if the brakes are getting too hot. You've got to use all your senses.

There's a training film out there that's called the "Charlie Morecraft Story" and it's just him talking and working outside of his comfort zone. I guarantee you if you see you'll never forget it.

 

Always take your time, when descending steep grades...