Trying not to stall truck

Your problem is 4th gear. If the truck stalls, you're starting in too high a gear plain and simple. I never use anything higher than 2nd when empty. Its just too hard on the truck.

 

"We always start in 4th." Welp there is your problem right there. I have NEVER started any higher then second gear. Drop it back to 2nd. If the CDL instructor docks you for it....find a new one if you can.

 

You're pulling an empty trailer; start in 2nd.

 

Stop starting in 4th would be the obvious answer, it's 4th gear for a reason and 1st gear is there for a reason.

 

Ive stalled a truck exactly twice . first time in the middle of an intersection in swift cdl driving school. Left the range selector in high range and stalled it out.

2nd time , was at the fuel island about to pull away as i was watching some hot girl walking by in front of me watching her ### jiggle, i forgot to release breaks . didnt realize it until i came all the way off the clutch and stalled it right in the fuel island... Both of these situations could be avoided . although the 2nd one was worth it...

 

Don’t use 4th. Go to a lower gear, there is a reason there is a 3rd, 2nd, 1st, and maybe a ‘granny’ gear.
Your instructor is an idiot.

 

The school I am in will not let us start in anything but 2nd.

 

Like @AModelCat said, your starting in too high of a gear.