Shifting Gears

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by brashman, Feb 10, 2011.

  1. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    As long as you can do what you stated above, you will not have a problem shifting the big trucks after you get used to them.
     
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  3. EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

    BINGO! Correct answer!...An automotive trans is synchronized...a big truck is not.
    In other words engine rpm and vehicle speed play a big factor.
     
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  4. Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    Yep, clutch or no clutch, if your timing is not right, unpleasant noises will follow.
     
  5. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    If you can shift your car without using the clutch then it will be similar to driving a truck. You have to give it just a touch of gas to pop it out of gear then wait a second and drop it into the next gear. Now with downshifting you have to take it out of gear rev up your rpms a little wait a brief second then pop it into the next lower gear. Practice doing that without grinding and you will do just fine in a big rig.
     
  6. trucker_101

    trucker_101 Heavy Load Member

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    And the guy that taught me over 20 years ago was a driving instructor in the Canadian Army for heavy equipment & off road.
    And when we ran team he would Gibbs slap me, every time I tried to use the clutch. I guess it's one of the differences between the CDN & USA military.LOL :biggrin_2559:
     
  7. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    He told me we had to double clutch for the road test, but he also told me about floating gears! I went through a school to get my CDL, so he had to show us the 'test way'.

    My hubby ended up with the same instructor when he went through that school. :biggrin_2559:

    Geez, gettin' Gibbs slapped huh? :biggrin_2559:
     
  8. trucker_101

    trucker_101 Heavy Load Member

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    I say taught me because, I already had my CDL & yes I was taught to Dbl clutch for the road test.Then I got the job with the company he worked for,we got along good.So when he had to run a TEAM run he would pick me as his team mate. Driving school taught me the basics & he taught me the rest. You know what I mean by Gibbs,right?
     
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  9. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    Now I'm following you. I was taught different once I got out on the road too. :biggrin_25525:

    Of course I know what you mean! I watch NCIS on a regular basis! Love that show!:biggrin_2559:
     
  10. ChubbyZeus

    ChubbyZeus Bobtail Member

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    I'd say a nice difference is, in a car you don't want to start in second. I start off in 2nd, sometimes 3rd if I'm flat an light. My instructors an trainer taught me to start off in second so I didnt risk throwin it back into reverse.
     
  11. Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    Also depends on the transmission. In a 10 spd, 2nd is up next to revrese, and 3rd is down. Most of our trucks empty will take off in 4th with their 10 spds. :yes2557:
     
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