Understanding downshifting

You can see the wear pattern on these after 3,689,493 miles.

 

I like to downshift at the highest RPMS possible so my engine brake does the most good if I’m using it. These new trucks are so quiet I use mine right in town never had a problem.

 

Your instructor is correct I find depending on the type of engine and gear box you have in the truck I currently drive a bonneted Kenworth 610 day cab hauling diesel out to the coal mines in the Bowen Basin it has an 18 speed as we haul up to 64.5 metric tonne.It has a Cummins engine and the sweet spot for changing is between 1400 - 1600 rpm so before you do change down make sure your not going to fast so you should match the speed and the rev's to make the change work perfectly. So what you have to work out is what revs would i be doing if it was in a lower gear and match the revs with the speed which is why you need to be going slower before down shifting its all just a matter of practice if he/she is a good trainer they should be patient enough with you if this is the first time you've ever used a Road Ranger gear box.