Newbie switching from automatic to ten speed

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Messiyah, Sep 25, 2017.

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  1. Messiyah

    Messiyah Bobtail Member

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    Hi guys,
    I'm only four months into my trucking career. I finally got away from transam and landed with a smaller company paying .45 cents per mile.
    I was fairly decent shifting gears in training school.then went to trans scam and got complacent driving an automatic.this new gig is an older Volvo ten speed.I'm nervous as heck about shifting gears.my question is, will it be hard for me to drive a ten speed after three months driving an automatic.I upshift fine as I've taken the truck on a few back roads.I'm worried about the downshifting aspect.any advice would be greatly appreciated..
     
    Messiyah, Sep 25, 2017
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  2. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    Just do it. (I'm serious)

    When we were kids. 10 speed bicycles were in. Now? 10 speed trucks are in. :cool:
     
    WesternPlains, Sep 26, 2017
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  3. ladr

    ladr Road Train Member

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    Just hang in there and you'll get it back.

    One thing I used to have new driver do is upshift/downshift in low range till they got comfortable.
     
    ladr, Sep 26, 2017
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  4. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    Get in the truck. Tell your company you need to get acclamated to the truck first. Drive it around the yard a bit then hook to the trailer and drive it around the yard. Get used to it, then roll.
     
    CrappieJunkie, Sep 26, 2017
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  5. Canned Spam

    Canned Spam Road Train Member

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    Just jam it in there, 'grind'em till you find'em' so to speak, while boisterously exclaiming I AIN'T GOT NO CHILL, BRUH!
    They'll understand and appreciate your enthusiasm and go get'em attitude
     
    Canned Spam, Sep 26, 2017
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  6. ChanoPokes

    ChanoPokes Bobtail Member

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    Practice.

    Go for a better shift every time, even after the trainer has left the cab.

    Strive for pro status all day and you'll get there.

    A 10 speed is cake.
     
    ChanoPokes, Sep 26, 2017
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  7. KillingTime

    KillingTime Road Train Member

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    Lmao.
    When your first day on the job is also your last.... :D
     
    KillingTime, Sep 26, 2017
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  8. SHOJim

    SHOJim Road Train Member

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    That's what she said....
     
    SHOJim, Sep 26, 2017
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  9. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    NEWSFLASH ! ! When driving a truck, you don't need to downshift ! ! ! Try it next time tou come to a red light or stop sign. If you're approaching a turn just grab your gear prior to the turn and then turn.
     
    Allow Me., Sep 26, 2017
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  10. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    lol
     
    pattyj, Sep 26, 2017
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