Shifting a 10 speed uphill

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by montrose818, Sep 7, 2018.

  1. montrose818

    montrose818 Light Load Member

    93
    36
    Apr 9, 2018
    0
    Hi. I am having big issues shifting a 10 speed when starting out on a hill (lets say 10-15% grade?). The engine's sweet spot is around 1200 rpm. I have tried everything, but cannot shift 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5. I tried noting the RPM its at in each gear at a certain MPH, but once I reach it, I can't seem to put it in the gear it needs.

    At what speeds / RPMs should I shift from each one, and what should my entry be?

    I am double clutching. Thank you very very much!
     
    TravR1 Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. The_Flying_Dutchman

    The_Flying_Dutchman Light Load Member

    108
    119
    Nov 8, 2016
    Jesup, Iowa
    0
    Unless somebody is forcing you to double clutch, learn to float ASAP. You don't have time to be messing with double-clutching starting out on grades. It takes too much time. The instant you let off the throttle you are loosing speed and rpms in a hurry. You gotta shift it like you're mad at it. As soon as you let off the throttle, float it out of gear and right into the next one as quick as you can. You are missing gears because it's taking you too long to shift double-clutching.
     
  4. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

    14,984
    19,036
    Nov 1, 2010
    Burnsville, MN
    0
    I don't think I have ever been on a 10% grade, not to speak of a 15%.

    And if you are trying to upshift on a grade and can't catch a gear, maybe it would be wise to just take it slow and steady until the top.
     
  5. montrose818

    montrose818 Light Load Member

    93
    36
    Apr 9, 2018
    0
    Ok I will try that, thank you. I did try bringing the RPM's up a bit when putting it back into gear, but like I mentioned, no dice. I am new, so I was double clutching to avoid stress on the transmission.
     
    okiedokie Thanks this.
  6. montrose818

    montrose818 Light Load Member

    93
    36
    Apr 9, 2018
    0
    The hill grade in question is to the truck yard, I am only trying to get it up to 10-15mph, which is what everybody else makes it up at. Right now I start in 5th or 6th right before the hill and hold it up. I had to start in 3rd once and ride it up so slow, there was a line behind me by the time I got up
     
  7. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    29,689
    164,678
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    Are you trying to pull it out of gear at 1200 to upshift? It could just be that its too low of an RPM to be able to catch the next gear before your engine hits idle speed. Have you tried shifting it at a higher RPM?
     
  8. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

    17,327
    215,202
    Jun 5, 2013
    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
    0
    What's wrong with a line behind you?


    Don't worry about the crowd, or what's said. Do what you gotta do to make it to the top every time.
     
  9. 201

    201 Road Train Member

    12,785
    26,306
    Apr 16, 2014
    high plains colorado
    0
    Gotta be quick, with the stick,,,,,;)
     
  10. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

    4,860
    42,516
    Dec 31, 2017
    Little Havana, FL
    0
    You will loose speed real quick while shifting on grades. To help combat this I turn on my 2 cylinder jake switch. Helps bring the revs down quicker to grab the next gear. Rope it out to 17-1800. No clutch slip out of gear, listen to the engine revs drop & slip into next higher gear. Throttle up & repeat..

    My tach is super lazy & doesn't really work so I learned to shift from engine sound, & transmission feel. You can learn that too, & it will make you a better operator.

    When driving on the flat start trying to shift with no clutch or looking at the gauges. Go by engine sound & feel of the stick & you'll have it in no time.. Good luck.:cya:
     
  11. JLMooreKCMO

    JLMooreKCMO Light Load Member

    282
    296
    Jun 8, 2007
    0
    Make sure the Jake Brake is off.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.