Starting from a stop with a full load on a hill

It's all about practice. Once you get it you won't even have to think about it any more.

 

For the OP I hope you understand that you are getting great advice here and there are two distinctive items here. You've got to know how to start the truck going on flat ground and the grades. Two very different ways to get the truck moving. On the grades you'll have to slip the clutch a very little to get the truck going. If you have a trailer brake or Johnson bar on the steering column try using that with the throttle.

Most of your starts will be on flat ground. You do not want apply a lot of torque to the drive line because you'll twist your drive shaft right off. Start in the gear where you can let it out and the trucks moves smoothly. Leave the throttle alone and after the truck is rolling then you go to your throttle. And remember do not go all the way to the floor with the clutch. When you do that you're applying the clutch brake and will do damage if you're rolling. It's designed to be used while on a dead stop to select the gear you're going to use. You ever had a truck where you can not get the truck into gear without grinding a lot? If you have then someone went to the floor with the clutch while the truck was moving.

 

if you cant feel the engine start to pull them watch your tach, as soon as RPMs begin to drop ease off brake and clutch at same time and hold steady RPM till trailer clears the grade then begin your upshifts, if you try to shift before trailer clears chances are you will stall the truck, hang in there we have all had troubles starting out on something whether some will admit or not

 

I think that may be the case. You should be able to start out in 1st gear. Also, you Have 3 pedals to manipulate with only 2 feet....with practice you will get better.

 

Start off from a stop on an incline with a heavy load in 2nd gear? Wow no wonder companies are opting for automatic transmissions.

 

No reason not to free up that right foot and use the trolley to hold you on the grade.........low gear, as you feel the torque come onto the driveline just come on out with the clutch while simultaneously releasing the trolley and feather some throttle. With practice this is no more a chore than taking off on flat going. @truckingmechanic what rears and transmission are you dealing with?

 

I never use any gear other then 1st when loaded. I don't want to get fired for burning up the clutch.

If I'm on a hill. I use granny gear. I've got a 13 speed though.