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New Driver Help

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by McNeilly.Mark40, Feb 28, 2020.

  1. Feb 28, 2020 #1
    McNeilly.Mark40

    McNeilly.Mark40 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 28, 2020
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    Hey guys I was wondering if anybody could give me some tips when it comes to downshifting at low speeds. I am a new driver practicing with an Eaton Fuller 10 speed trying to obtain a CDL and I am having trouble when it comes from shifting from 6th to 5th. I cannot seem to get this shift down properly and it's very hit and miss and i was wondering if there are any special tools or tricks that i can use. Please no BS just a new driver looking for some quality help from those with more experience than me and who have maybe been in my shoes at one point.
     
    McNeilly.Mark40, Feb 28, 2020
    McNeilly.Mark40, Feb 28, 2020
    #1
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  3. Feb 28, 2020 #2
    Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    Welcome. Plenty of suggestions out there all ready. I suggest searching "Shifting" in the search box up on the right. You can also ask questions in those existing threads as well. But again welcome aboard.
     
    Wasted Thyme, Feb 28, 2020
    Wasted Thyme, Feb 28, 2020
    #2
  4. Feb 28, 2020 #3
    Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    It generally 400 RPM step between gears. So if you in 6 gear slow to 1,200 RPMs get it in neutral and raise engine 400 RPMs to 1,600 and it should go in gear.
     
    Brandt, Feb 28, 2020
    Brandt, Feb 28, 2020
    #3
    tarmadilo Thanks this.
  5. Feb 28, 2020 #4
    Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    Another thing most trucks won't go higher then 1,800 RPMs so if you tired to downshift at say 1,500 RPMs you would need to get engine up 400 RPMs or 1,900 RPMs to get it in gear. The computer will only let engine go to 1,800 RPMs. So it basically impossible to get it in gear when you start at 1,500 RPMs
     
    Brandt, Feb 28, 2020
    Brandt, Feb 28, 2020
    #4
  7. Feb 29, 2020 #5
    Infosaur

    Infosaur Road Train Member

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    Practice, every truck is a little different.

    I drive my truck most of the time, no issues. But I'm also the guy that runs other people's units into and out of the repair shop, and honestly it take me about a mile before I get the "knack" dialed in.

    Also, downshifting to the low side? Is anyone REQUIRING you to do this? You're under 20mph usually you just ghost to a stop.

    Then again I was in stop and go traffic Thursday and I was going between 5th & 6th constantly. Just gotta find the groove.
     
    Infosaur, Feb 29, 2020
    Infosaur, Feb 29, 2020
    #5
  8. Mar 1, 2020 #7
    McNeilly.Mark40

    McNeilly.Mark40 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 28, 2020
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    Thank you for the suggestions! Nobody is necessarily requiring me to do this i am unsure if i need to demonstrate this on the cdl test. I live in new york and the manual is very brief on the subject and nowhere does it say this is a requirment to come to a stop on the low side. Most of the time in my experience it really doesn’t make sense given many traffic situations
     
    McNeilly.Mark40, Mar 1, 2020
    McNeilly.Mark40, Mar 1, 2020
    #7
  9. Mar 1, 2020 #7
    Infosaur

    Infosaur Road Train Member

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    Oh you'll need the skill eventually.

    It just so happens 3 days ago I was in stop and go traffic and the speed we were fluctuating at was right between 5th & 6th. Annoying.

    But you can't park and wait until everything's perfect, capiche?
     
    Infosaur, Mar 1, 2020
    Infosaur, Mar 1, 2020
    #7
  10. Mar 10, 2020 #8
    Flat Earth Trucker

    Flat Earth Trucker Road Train Member

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    It's ok to have the gear selector already down while running in 6th when and if you are anticipating a downshift to 5th.
     
    Flat Earth Trucker, Mar 10, 2020
    Flat Earth Trucker, Mar 10, 2020
    #8
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