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newbie questions about descending grades and gears

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by kerouesque, May 26, 2011.

Page 4 of 4
  1. May 29, 2011 #31
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Yeah, I'm aware of physics and I'm sure there is a precise formula as to when exactly brake linings will catch on fire. Something like weight and applied pressure and length and force etc, BUT, as a driver descending a long grade, we just don't have access to that formula as we're descending, right ? As an example, a driver gets his brakes hot (on fire) at the 4.7 mile mark and another at the 4.4 mile mark. The difference being 1000 lbs on their wagon. Or, was it ? It could have been the difference of one driver applying 10 lbs and the other 9.8 lbs. Even air pressure in the tires could play into it. (less and more rolling resistance). Constant brake pressure at 15 mph will work, because the truck is held back from the get go, as opposed to gettin' 'er up to 40 then trying to get 'er slowed down to a safe speed. We can also compare descending an empty truck to a loaded one, or a light load, say 20,000 lbs. You won't heat up your brakes with an empty, right ? And why's that? Because you are missing one of the equations ( a physics equation) that will generate heat, IE, weight. So no weight means LESS brake application which means no heat.
     
    Allow Me., May 29, 2011
    Allow Me., May 29, 2011
    #31
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  3. May 29, 2011 #32
    trucker_101

    trucker_101 Heavy Load Member

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    Apr 23, 2010
    Alberta
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    There is "ONE" sure fire way not to heat up brakes...not using them. Yes that is an option & one I use lots. Go slow enough & in a low enough gear so that with the engine brake on it holds you back. If you start going a little faster than you would like that way, turn on the engine fan. With the 2 trailers I pull, when LOADED I do this on long down grades. Then "IF" I need to use my brakes they are cold & ready to go. With 2 trailers loaded I would be in a lower gear & going slower than somebody with a single 53ft loaded. And I know it can be done because I spent many years pulling 53's all over the States & Canada doing just that. If I wanted to go a little faster then I go up 1 gear & use my brakes by applying them till I was slowed to the speed I wanted to go.
     
    trucker_101, May 29, 2011
    trucker_101, May 29, 2011
    #32
    otherhalftw Thanks this.
  4. May 29, 2011 #33
    GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Oct 23, 2005
    Vegas/Jersey
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    The old timers that taught me showed me the exact same way your stating. I've been down many grades and many of them with overweight loads and I NEVER stayed on the brakes all the way down. If I did I don't think I'd be here now. The only difference in my braking than what you've said is I let it slow down 10mph instead of 5mph. Some of those times have been with no engine brake at all so I recommend if you're loaded up stay 10mph slower than the truck speed limit if you have no retarter. If there's no speed limit signs I've always been comfortable at 25mph if I don't know the grade.
     
    GasHauler, May 29, 2011
    GasHauler, May 29, 2011
    #33
    trucker_101 and otherhalftw Thank this.
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