Stll having big problems downshifting

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Steve C, Mar 10, 2013.

  1. Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    Jan 28, 2011
    Arlington Heights, IL
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    Why is that? When floating I should add...

    Obviously it would be quite hard to do when double clutching.

    Mikeeee
     
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  3. SteveB

    SteveB Light Load Member

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    Feb 6, 2011
    Pittsburgh, PA
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    Hey bud...I saw this thread a while ago and have been meaning to post here. Just curious if you have gotten a better grip on the shifting yet or are you still struggling?
     
  4. crazydad25

    crazydad25 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 29, 2013
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    I just spent awhile reading thru every single post on this one. I find all the info very useful. I too have the same issue. Just graduated from Crowder, so apparently they think i'm decent enough at it. I am just not up to my own standards as I tend to set very high goals for myself on a regular basis. I mostly have issues in the narrow cabbed Kenworths ( I think the t-600????) that they had at Crowder college with the very touchy throttle control. Thank you very much to all the experienced guys advice on this matter.
     
  5. Steve C

    Steve C Bobtail Member

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    Jan 1, 2013
    Wichita, KS
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    Slowly but surely, I'm getting a little better. My trainer of the last couple of days insisted that I stop trying to double clutch and start floating gears. This has helped me understand the relationship between the gear, the speed, and the RPM's better because I have fewer things to think about.
    I've gone from about D+ to about B- or so. Now I just have to be able to apply what I've learned on this one truck to the 4 or 5 others I'll have to drive in the next two weeks.
    I have a minimum of 10 days of training left so maybe I'll be OK.
    Thanks to everyone for all your help.
     
  6. MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    Isanti, MN
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    It would be tougher to learn jumping into different trucks all the time.

    If your'e catching on and doing it fairly successfully under those circumstances you will soon have nmothing to worry about.
     
  7. ColoradoGreen

    ColoradoGreen Heavy Load Member

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    Practice, practice, practice.
     
  8. crazydad25

    crazydad25 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 29, 2013
    Junction City, Kansas
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    hey Steve. where you doing your training at? I had to switch trucks constantly while I was at crowder. But they do that intentionally just so students realize that every truck is different, even if it is the same as the one next to it. I learned 13 speed, 10 speed, and 18 speed. They even had one old truck there with what they called a performance 9 speed. that one was tricky to figure out after runnin the 10 and 13's for a bit.
     
  9. SteveB

    SteveB Light Load Member

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    Feb 6, 2011
    Pittsburgh, PA
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    That's great to hear buddy. I was gonna make you a video of how I do it and some things that may be able to help you. If your doing ok, I won't bother with it. I meant to do it for you after i read your post initially but each time I was going to make it, there was bad weather or congestion in the road, or cops around.

    I'm glad your gettin the hang of it!
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2013
  10. mrnibbie

    mrnibbie Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2013
    bowling green ky.
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    try let the rpm drop lower then down shift maybe 1000rpm
     
  11. FedEx driver

    FedEx driver Bobtail Member

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    Mar 22, 2013
    bristol pa
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    Try the floating method. Same as up shifting with out the clutch but when you are in neutral double tap the throttle s you are putting slight pressure on the shifter. The trans will slide into the next lower gear. I was taught this over the phone by my uncle who drove trucks for over 40 years. When I started doing this I had no problem downshifting. Also as you get more comfortable with the trick you are driving it will get less stressful and easier
     
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