SH SH Shifting gears

I agree with allow me. Also instead of winding it out like a civic shift alot lower rpm especially in the lower gears and build a few more rpm as you go thru upper gears. When you feel the truck relax its time is the only way I know to describe it.

 

In driving school you just dont get enough time behind the wheel to get used to it. Make sure you good on recovery. In most states as long as you don't roll more then a truck length out of gear you can pass the test. You will learn how to shift with practice. Pay attention to your rpms and pay attention to how long it takes for the rpms to drop. Make sure you move the shift lever at the right speed to be at the right rpm. Try to shift in while rpm is to high or low and you will grind.

 

I can say Ive drove about 70 different trucks over the years and almost every truck is different. More than likely the training truck you're driving is so " hashed" from 200 students practicing in it and (riding the clutch and grinding the gears at different intervals that it wont shift right anyway. Agree with other guy,dont feel pressured to row thru the gears before the next stoplight200 feet ahead.Just remember" drive the truck,don't let the truck drive you". Advice from a lead driveryears ago.Always remembered it. Eventually you'll probably take it up to 1200 rpm goose the gas quick and just "float" the gears without the clutch.Also if you insist or are required to double clutch in class,don't clutch all the way to the floorboard. Only clutch down about even with the top of the brake pedal. A lot of people are guilty of clutching to deep. Some trucks shift good at 1000,or 1200 up to 1500 depend on how fast the rpms fall off when you let out of the gas. Same with speed also. Usually your speed is too fast so it doesnt want to go into too low of a gear.Dont try to shift into 7th gear at 45 mph etc. Just play around with rpms and speedometer and youll figure out that thrashed out truck.

 

All good advice above, thanks drivers.
One thing that might sound silly is footwear. You need to develop your "feel" for the right pressure on the accelerator to get the engine to the correct rpm.
My first trainer insisted that I wear boots when I drove. My only boots had sheepskin insoles and I had no feel for the pedals. Only stayed with him for a month. I never improved my shifting with him.
Second trainer told me to put my boots back in my car and get my sneakers.
WOW, what a difference that made. I got it. I could feel the pedals.
Controlling the RPMs is key to shifting. Match engine speed to road speed.
Low RPMs helped me alot. "Progressive shifting" is the term I believe.
Hang in there, be patient. You'll get it.
Heck, after 6 mos. OTR I was wearing UGG boots to drive. Not very professional but comfy as all get out.
Just my $.02

 

What kind of engine and gear box?

 

Just give it some time. With practice you'll do just fine. When I started CDL school I could just barely drive a manual transmission car but I practiced and practiced. The trucks we had at school were old retired Swift FLDs and Columbias and all of them had crap transmissions and clutches from folks like me who were learning. Once you're on an OTR truck you'll find it easier anyway because (hopefully) it hasn't been abused nearly as bad as those trucks you drive at school.

And don't let anyone give you crap about grinding the gears. Any trucker out there who's not a liar (regardless of how long they been driving) will tell you they still grind a gear or 2 every now and then.

 

its like riding a bike you get better with time,and shifting is the same thing,its just something you will learn with time. lots of luck

 

woreout you have pride in your ride because your west coast bumper is not rusty on the ends,nice truck