uphill downhill shifting from a stop

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by big rig newbie, Nov 21, 2012.

  1. big rig newbie

    big rig newbie Bobtail Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Thanks Received:
    0
    0
    If I'm going uphill or downhill and I have to stop in the middle of the uphill or downhill what gear do Istart back in say I'm driving bobtail or have empty trailer or fully loaded I have a 2013 International with ten speed any help would be appreciated
     
  2. Pound Puppy

    Pound Puppy Heavy Load Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2010
    Messages:
    974
    Thanks Received:
    868
    Location:
    Amherst, OH
    0
    A lot depends on the truck. Me personally. Empty in a good truck, third gear same with bobtail. Id go second with a load. I have never had to use first gear in my truck. Just remember to ease the clutch out and wait til the truck starts to move foward before letting off the brake.
     
    otherhalftw Thanks this.
  3. otherhalftw

    otherhalftw R.I.P.

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2008
    Messages:
    13,081
    Thanks Received:
    45,332
    Location:
    CA...gold discovery foothills
    0
    No changes to correct advice when given as it was given!!!!

    One thing....don't give it any throttle starting out, newer engines don't require that at all, it will work it's own magic!
     
  4. jason6541

    jason6541 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2012
    Messages:
    2,425
    Thanks Received:
    5,366
    Location:
    Omaha, NE
    0
    Why would you not use first gear? That's what it's there for especially starting on a hill think of the abuse the clutch and driveline is going thru. My gosh you have a ten speed the easiest trans out there. It amazes me how some drivers can drive a trk for a million mi and never wear out a clutch or trans and some go thru them as fast as tires wear out. If starting out on a grade you also want to be sure not to rev the engine too high just enough to grab next gear other wise you'll loose road speed faster than rpm's drop. Then you won't get the next gear and you'll be stopped again. Or you'll end up with drive shaft on the ground or a yoke split. If your taking off and trk is bucking and jumping it's too high a gear. Even mty and engine should not be revved up like your driving a car. All that clutch slippage is hard on clutch disk and psi plate and throw out bearing. Of course you can be like some of these super truckers out here that take off loaded in 3rd gear revving the engine and generally abusing the equipment. Because they think moving a gear shift is such a tedious task. Just take your time and use some common sense and tune into the trk it'll let you know if you got it or not . Good luck
     
  5. 48Packard

    48Packard Ol' Two-stop Shag!

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2009
    Messages:
    8,348
    Thanks Received:
    9,871
    Location:
    Could be anywhere
    0
    With modern powertrain set-ups, the only thing I use first gear for is a tug test. I've never had to use it on the road.
     
    otherhalftw Thanks this.
  6. Mattchu

    Mattchu Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2012
    Messages:
    149
    Thanks Received:
    24
    Location:
    New Bedford, Ma
    0
    I seen on here the other day someone saying they start out (While MT) in high range lowest gear " Drive it like a car just 4 gears".
     
  7. jason6541

    jason6541 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2012
    Messages:
    2,425
    Thanks Received:
    5,366
    Location:
    Omaha, NE
    0
    Yep i have an 18 speed and use all the gears except deep reduction most of time. Deep reduction handy for traffic because i can roll along slower than walking speed and never touch the clutch fot the most part. Probably why my clutch has almost 1.2 million mi's and never been replaced.
     
  8. Mattchu

    Mattchu Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2012
    Messages:
    149
    Thanks Received:
    24
    Location:
    New Bedford, Ma
    0
    Wow nice.. :) its a whole nother thing be able to put million miles on a vehicle, before I knew anything about trucking I would of never guessed the amount of miles truckers drive... Its insane....
     
  9. Curly88

    Curly88 Light Load Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2012
    Messages:
    180
    Thanks Received:
    227
    Location:
    Rexford Mt
    0
    You will need granny gear when you're stopped on an 8% grade on dirt half way up the mountain grossing 80,000 lbs.
     
  10. Macneil

    Macneil Heavy Load Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2010
    Messages:
    711
    Thanks Received:
    426
    Location:
    Sudbury, ON., Canada
    0
    I always start out in 1st or L(13/18 speed) if I'm heavy and a dead stop. Was always taught to use the lowest gear to ease drivetrain stress and damage. I'm paid by the hour. No rush lol