This is how you go down the Cabbage!

The presence or absence of a strong jake is what determines your maximum safe speed going that or any other big hill. Without one you must crawl, but with one there's no reason to, unless you want to play tourist.

 

That is true also should be prepared for the worse too actually a buck staring me down on the shoulder before the runaway ramp there, luckily he decided not to cross.

 

Brakes are for sissies !!!!!!!!
Hammer down












P.s. just kiding , its 2 a.m. and I am in a funny mood...lol

 

That is one of many things about Stevens' OTR training program that I really appreciate. I am grateful that they made me learn how to descend a long steep grade without using an engine brake. It gave me a better understanding of the limitations and handling dynamics of my truck, and in turn made me more comfortable behind the wheel. As far as I know, Stevens is the only company that teaches new drivers how to go down a mountain without a jake. I got to actually put that knowledge to use a couple years ago when I got to the top of Loveland pass going eastbound in CO. The weather turned from 60 degrees and sunny in the valley to 25 and freezing fog and rain mixed with snow at the summit. Using the jake in those conditions would have made a jack-knife highly possible, but I was able to make it down to Denver without incident and hardly breaking a sweat.

I think learning to drive without a jake should be mandatory for all OTR drivers, but I guess most companies just go on the assumption that it will never fail and conditions will always be ideal. When I try to explain to others that going down a 5 mile, 6% hill with constant brake application of 7-10 psi will not make the brakes overheat, let alone smoke, they never believe me. You truly have to just do it to understand that it is within the trucks capabilities. As long as you're going slow (~15 mph or less) and don't exceed 10 psi of application pressure, you can ride those brakes all day long and they'll stay just as cool as can be. Everyone should learn this technique.

 

We run 25-30 mph w/ -10 psi application @ 105k off the hills in the PNW, unless roads are slick.

 

Cabbage in the summer?.....yawn

 

Good post and information. My guess is you used the camera on your cell phone, thought that could get you a ticket.

 

I laugh when people call it the "cabbage patch".

 

OK, what ever you say.