Why is it so hard for some drivers old and new to do things?

Regarding the overall question from the OP about experienced truckers finding it difficult to learn new methods, I concur that from my experience with my older brother he has become set in his ways. The example in our team driving is that I've really focused on how to drive in order to get maximum mpg and steadily improved the average mpg during my stints behind the wheel. I noticed that even though my brother would preach about mpg, he didn't change his method of driving at all during our team driving the last few months. He can't seem to shake the need to romp the pedal to maximum boost every 3 seconds when driving in traffic and seems to think that romping the pedal on uphill climbs is the only way to go....

A spray can of WD-40 on the slides can work absolute wonders. My brother and I picked up a brand new Wabash van for our company. The first time we tried to slide the back tandems was with a full load and the trailer bucked like a rodeo bronco. Broke out the can of WD-40 and liberally applied it to the slides.... and voila! Easy slide.... even brand new trailers can have a bit of rust and road grit on the slides.

A spray can of WD-40 should be in every truck, especially if you are doing drop and hook.

 

The problem with petroleum based lubricants is that they will attract and accumulate road dirt which then binds up the entire mechanism. Water is the best long-term lubricant for slides.

 

A little harsh but I see where you're coming from.

 

DIAL liquid dish detergent works great on sliders . also CLEAN them once in awhile with the pressure washer helps big time.

 

WD-40 doesn't attract or accumulate dirt. Check out their "fun facts" page. Been using it for years on the sliders and it works wonders.

http://wd40.com/about-us/myths-legends-fun-facts/