Tutle and Tutle

We have 10, 13 and 18 speeds. You'll most likely get road tested on an 18 speed. Just remember that it's on a 9 speed gear pattern. In other words drive like a 10 speed but skip 6th gear then split high range whether 13 or 18. As long as you don't make the U to grab 6th you'll be fine. Then to split come completely off then back on the fuel. Also shift around 1,500 rpm. Typically you'll shift at a lower rpm like 1,400 on your 10 speed but rev higher on the 18.

 

You mean 389 10 speed? There's only 2 379's and both are 18 speeds with CAT engines. If the engine isn't yellow you got a 389. It has either a Paccar or Cummins.

 

Based on speed like any other manual transmission including your 10 speed. If you slow down quickly you can skip gears on the down shifts. The 18 speed takes some getting used to but once you got it you'll never want to drive anything else. Having the extra gears helps a lot. There's a reason that those owner/ops keep blowing your doors off going up steep hills that your struggling on. It's because most of them have 18 speeds ie more gears to choose from.

 

It's normal. November and January both suck! Just send your family a Christmas card and be ready to really get it in December. Stack for the January slowdown as contracts get renegotiated then have consistent work the rest of the year until the next November slowdown.

 

Yes and yes.