How to Handle A Downgrade
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ค. 2012
- This has been one of the top requests i have received for the longest time. I finally got a chance to film with my student going down a 7% downgrade in Idaho. In the video you will see how to handle a downgrade with zero to minimal brake work. So enjoy the video and I hope as always that you learn from it and stay safe out in the open road.
Your Boy E The Trucker
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You can go down a mountain too slowly a thousand times, no harm, no foul, but you only go down too fast once.
+Luckystrike great point, you r pro.
Hahaha no you can go down em too fast more than once. it's not fun though
+hello world naw it's fun some times
my school did not teach me what to doo going down hill i down shifted 1 gear the truck did not have eng brake so i was hauling ass down that hill i just stabbed braking then 1mile up ahead its goes up hill i went from 90 to 30mph quick lol
Truth ####!
Remember all you new drivers out there, those speed signs on the switchbacks are for cars,in some areas if you follow the speed signs in a heavy truck you will likely be in a dangerous situation. Never up shift on a mountain downgrade under any circumstances.
why not? Rollin heavy!
I down and up shift all the time
My school is teaching how to shift down and up going down a mountain.
I drive on the Sierra's in California every winter with snow and chains. Here's a tip for the newby's… Not only do you use your "jake" but you should turn on your engine fan switch and your air conditioning (if it's cold out just raise the temperature to warm. This will increase drag on your engine as these items do. Some radiator fans come on with the jake in operation but I like to insure that it stays on during the decent. When it's a warm summer day you can open your windows, although noisy, that too will increase drag. Finally you can apply and hold 2 to 3 lbs of air if you have an application gauge to your brakes to aid in drag. Do not do this if the grade is more than 6% for 3 miles. Brake stabbing works well too if you do so to decrease your speed by 5mph each time you do it. The bottom line is you can go down a hill too slow a thousand times or more, but you can only go down too fast once! When it snows or is wet, I test the jake on flat land. If the jake sound like it abruptly stops then the wheel locked up and skidded. When that happens it's too slick to use them. By the way, anytime it is slippery with snow, slush or wet, I use my power divider (also called the axle interlock). It increases the effectiveness of the jake brake and divides the torque between the axles. This can be engaged and used at any speed but do not engage it while you have wheel slippage going on. Speaking of Jake effectiveness. Most trucking companies have a hard on about running the engine over 1800 rpm. Sorry, but the Jake really was designed for that. You'll notice no real braking at 1500-1600 rpm. I find the most effective rpm is between 2100 and 2300! Don't worry, your engine ain't gonna blow unless you exceed 2600 rpm. Let it climb to 2200 then stab your brakes to slow the truck down by 5 mph and repeat the process. Some trucks have an exhaust brake which is a different principle but also requires a very high rpm to be effective. Hope this helps.
It very much helped thanks
New information to me, thank you very much 👌
Cool,cause this my first week driving and already been thru omaha,utah,colorado n seattle.its terrifying i think ima stick to something local or regional or inner city delivery
Aviator Trucker Great advice man! 😎 I learned just by feel and adjusted my gears and speed accordingly. And damn, these guys are doing all this with less than 35k, I play with 80k+ and I’ve never been an OTR driver, got my CDL and started out in the oilfield...and what that basically means is this, these boys just threw us in the fire and you deal with it and use common sense 💀💀🤣🤣🤣
My advice is never drag your brakes, it creates unnecessary heat, stab braking is the best option
You’re a very good trainer. There should be more like you. I’ve been driving trucks off and on for two years a downgrades still frighten me because, I never got the proper training while I was in training. My trainer was more concerned with how much more his check was going to be with me on his truck. Thanks for this virtual training!
I have been down Whitebird many times, I would pick up at the mill in Lewiston. I used to stay at Hoots just for the burgers and a VERY quiet nights rest, (I would be the only truck in the lot.) This video is a great tool for anyone coming into the business, shows the right way to take a hill.
I do appreciate the feed back E & enjoy your vids greatly. By posting them you not only care about your own career but for newbie's like myself just getting started & that is commendable. From the other posts I have read, most other people appreciate ya as well... there are a few haters out there, but I don't see most of them taking the time to show new people step by step the ropes of the industry & to even go as far as showing a personal paycheck!! You rock brother & thnx again!!
I really appreciate this video, you single handedly walked me through my first time going down the grape vine on the 5 or any grade for that matter. Saying I was nervous would have been a massive understatement!! Thank you!!
I have been watching trucking for so long and I also have my class A license but I never know that you can go down a grade with out using your foot brake . That's new to me and very glad I see that . This guy is a very good trainer that's for sure . Know I'm not scared going down a grade any more by just seeing this video . Now I'm ready to do some trucking OTR . Just seeing that I feel,confident already . Thank you trainer .
This video is by far the best video I've seen for a newbie trucker like myself Much THANKS!!
I wish i had you as my mentor...
I start CDL school in about 2 and a half weeks and just looking at videos like this one, I'm getting a lot to a head start on the rest of the class already. Like this video teaches you the jake brake and really (theoretically) easy handing a downgrade can be. I'm learning not to let ANYTHING in the trucks intimidate you.
Brent W hey man this video just popped up in my recommendation and saw this comment how it the trucking job goin for ya
Thank you so much for this. I'm out in these mountains by myself and I really didn't understand how to handle the grades
Patrice Austin wow
Bro, i appreciate.... I've been driving for more than 2 years and this means nothing to me again, but you're doing a great job to teach rookies... TOUTES MES FÉLICITATIONS!!!! and greetings from CAMEROUN, AFRICA🌍
@zibotey Sly 2 years your still a rookie lol
That stretch of road looks downright majestic. Good video, great scenery.
all your videos are like going on an adventure all from the comfort of a living room. please keep them coming!
The Operator is doing a great job, I'm learning something just watching!
Thanks for the video. You sound like a good instructor. I'm subscribing.
I've retired from my first career and am going to a truck driving school next month. REALLY looking forward to it.
I remember when you started driving and doing videos. "You've come a long way baby".
Really good instructions. I had 2 trainers and all the time, down the hill, the pushed me to keep high gear and only use the breaks and jake break. Now I realize, that they only wanted to make miles no matter what.
Great video - thanks for sharing these tips. So many drivers may want to ask questions about the topics you cover, but often don't, as they may feel stupid.
Cheers and keep the videos coming.
E, this video was so informative and thoroughly explained....I would love to have you as my trainer!!
Thank you for the life saving tips.
I will like to go down those hills as a pro too someday.
Thanks!
I got taught to go down a incline in the same gear you go up the incline. Always worked for me
Over all this guy is a good mentor
Dam this is a great fckn video I need this info never been to mountains or trained on how to drive mountains this is one of the best trucking videos around
Thanks for doing this, Man America is BEAUTIFUL!!
thank its been some time its great to have videos keep speed low you live long.
dude I just wanna thank u 4 making these videos they hve been so helpful I am brand new 2 trucking but with the help of u n a few others I think im doing pretty ok so keep doin wht u do
*The golden rule:*
You can go too slow down a grade infinite times, but you can go too fast only once!
Thanks for this video. Very helpful ahead of my mountain run this week.
Another great video....Amazing how much so many people have learned from you including myself....Keep it up man & Thanks
Great job! The scenery is absolutely stunning. I have driven thru Utah & CO & it looks often like this. I am not a Truck Driver but sometimes I wish I could be. I have also driven the "Million Dollar Hwy" thru Silverton, Co. Now that is some serious driving but oh so worth it to see. Another check off my bucket list. Stay safe out there on the road. I enjoy learning from your videos.
I hope I don't junks it. This Video was spot on and I learned something. Thanks. No accelerator just jake.
wow.. I can only imagine the beautiful scenery Truck drivers see. I would probably go a bit slower down this hill just to absorb more of this view.
Also your usually so busy watching things going on that you don't really get a chance to really look at the scenery,
Some of it is. Not all of it. I enjoyed driving city.
The beautiful places are too many and nice, but if you wanna look at them it means you not gonna work...
What an awesome trainer I wish my trainer was that dope !
One of the better videos on trucking
Thanks for the video. Was researching what to do on a downgrade.
This is a great supplement to the CDL training I'm attending right now. Although we won't see anything like this at the CDL school, at least I will know what to expect.
The only man on youtube who knows what he is talking about. There is so many vids where drivers are talking rubbish about downhill braking...
my trainer was asleep and wouldn't come to the front no matter how loud I yelled, caught me by surprise, didn't know where I was and a 7degree downgrade is nothing to laugh at! I did like you just said, used my brake twice coming down! 6th gear and Jake!!!
Great video. Good gear/braking advice also for Rv'ers hauling a fifth wheel down a mountain.
except that most pickups pulling a 5th wheel don't have a jake brake.. the newer ones have exhaust brakes that do help, but they are for the most part either "on" or "off", and with an automatic they don't do that much. (my 2012 Ram 2500 with Cummins and 6 speed manual the exhaust brakes works A LOT better than the company 2013 Duramax with Allison and it's exhaust brake)
With the latest Cummins X15s, you don't even need to mess with the shifter. The engine brakes in the X15s use an algorithm to hold the truck back consistently with varying grade steepness .
Hey E, you're doing a great job! I like the way you handle guys like "ExtremeTruckerDave" lol! He probably didn't know what to do when you responded back to him with class! You're always gonna get guys commenting with "My truck does this and my truck does that and I've been driving 50 years" lol. Your videos are a great tool for the person that's interested in this industry,or the rookie driver that is still unsure of things. I myself don't have the patients for training others the way you do s
Great video man I hope I get you as a mentor out of Fontana next month you're a great teacher keep up the good work
great video very helpful for a new truck drivers like me
your teaching skills are so good bro
thank you very much I Learned a Lot Drive a Yard Dog Now for 15 years am 50 now Don't Have My CDL thinking about going to prime to Get Trained didn't Even Know what a Jake Brake Was thinking about Getting into Trucking at the End of the Year Thank you very much
I learned a lot from this video, thanks for making it.
I really appreciate this video excellent job
What a beautiful countryside Idaho. Your so beautiful I cried and want to be a trucker to see you first hand..
I'm with cr england just seen this video you are a amazing trainer just by watching this.
Went from Boise to Spokane up this route during winter....💀hate chaining up for the first time in winter. good video for beginners.
Thank you Yourboy U really helped me alot
keep making videos👍
After reaching downhill runaway velocity with all brakes on fire propelled by a multi ton overload carefully open the door and jump out of the truck in so doing impressing other truck drivers as to your daring professionalism and selfless dedication to safe driving.
Sounds like fun
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Crazy but this is correct. Too bad some of the drivers out west don't care about going down safely. They like to go full speed and hit those curves at 60 mph or more on the down grades. I can't tell you how many times I've taken my time going down to keep it safe and get passed up and cut off by other semi drivers. Great video thank you
damn man, it seems like you are a great trainer, I wish I had a trainer like you. my current trainer is a good trainer, but I think sometimes he takes these downhills very lightly.
this video is great , real life cdl class !
I do not drive truck anymore, but, I never had the "pleasure" of driving out West on those wicked downgrades, don't think I missed much. Also, I only used the clutch to start and stop...safe travels man..
Dude, DAMN good video! I'm subbed!!
Finally, someone who knows how to drive a truck.
great video as always man.. when i was driving, my trainer taught me the same way and i think it's pretty effective.. lol anyways... i appreciate your videos, im looking to gettin back in the drivers seat and rollin down that lonely highway.. lol
Thanks man for the lesson. Had me nervous but good job.
Damm o.g trucker channel before everyone started the train
This is good advice also for people driving cars with automatic transmission, they tend to stay in drive and ride their brakes. Pull that lever to L1 or L2 depending how much engine brake you want.this is one thing they never bring up in driving courses.
I never knew what those L gears were for until I got into trucking 😮
@@truckerwellnesssusa WTF! What are those lousy (non-truck) driving schools teaching then?
@@d1oftwins I actually didn't learn from driving school. I learned by silently backing my parents car out the garage and taking it out at night to practice driving😅
@@truckerwellnesssusa Uhm...kay. 😁
Hey there my name is Nick from WV,I was watching your video on how to handle a downgrade.I am going to attend a trucking school either Prime or Reohl,and I need to learn some pointers on driving a truck.I want to thank you for your video and teaching,stay cool and thank you.
Good video! I used to haul rolls of paper (46000 pound loads) for Potlatch Company in Lewiston, ID on 95 to Las Vegas every week. White Bird will make a man out of any driver. It must have been a experience your student will never forget LOL
Great video for the newbies, very informational, except slack adjusters-no matter what type don't adjust without chocking your wheels and releasing the brakes. Stay safe
I have been on that hill scary as hell driving down it seeing how steep it is, the road is next to a canyon and a big one. Good driving though.
Thanks for the video E. It was very helpful and nice scenery too. Stay safe.
Good job E. Thank you ford the information.
Great video, wish I had this training before I started, had some scary downhills in the early days lol. How about maxing out the RPM? that used to happen to me
ur a good teacher bro! hopefully i get a trainer as good as you when i get outta school on the 28th lol
Great training, glad to see you moving up at swift!!
I enjoy listening to these videos about how to do this or that in or with a truck. I find that sometimes they actually know a little about what they are talking about. But I WILL say one thing about THIS video. Very seldom will the Jake brake in late model trucks be strong enough to hold a loaded truck back on ANY grade !!!!!!!! And Personally,,, I would NEVER use a runaway truck ramp. First, if you have ANY miles under your belt you won't need the ramp. Also 90% of the ramps will tear your truck up.
Yeah,good tutorial video.I'll try to remember everything when i have to do it.
That view is one of the prime reasons I like trucking.
Great way of teaching on how to handle a downgrade. Make it fun because it isn't easy.
Great video, I had no idea how to handle a downgrade, now I know the basics. Doing driving school , should be done in 10 days
Good video. The first time I went to California I burned the breaks. Smoke all over. Have to stop wait and go down again. I was scary. First time going to California. Haven't go again.
Thanks again 4 share your knowledge.
I think the american trucking should be introduced to the intarder.What a pleasure to have it on downhill.
its called an automatic slack adjuster for a reason guys. it automatically adjusts for excess gap between your drums and shoes. very rarely will you have to manually adjust them. hitting the brakes a phew times before a downgrade to make sure there isn't excess gap is never a bad idea.
I want this guy to train me when I finally decide to drive truck
Great video man seem that your’re a great trainer !
Mainly i would look at the situation, if the entire road is covered in snow and you can't see your lane, then I would typically pull over and wait for the plows to salt the road, but if I HAD to go down it, then its just a matter of speed. Keep it at a slow speed, put the hazards on and try not to touch the brake. Keep it in a low gear and let the truck engine slow you down. But if its that bad I would highly consider pulling off and waiting, gotta make a smart call ya know. -E
Don't be gettin in any of that "Georgia Overdrive..."LOL Great vid, you make me miss the trucking life. Great job!!
Been down whitebird a few times (personal vehicle). That and Lewiston Grade are some fun times!
Yourboye, you are an excellent trainer. Wish I'd had one as good, though I had a good one, the second time :)
I recall my 1st mountain it was cabbage was nervous I had a A-Hole car that caused me to use breaks and they got a bit warm but made it down safe :) I also had a good trainer. your student did Awesome here :)
That driver seems/talks so nervously, lol. It's as if his teacher is making him go down the hill, lol.
Greatness, thank you both... :) well done... appreciated...
I think I noted that u wanted to phi check the brakes (& how we did so during out PTI 10mins prev.) Also I could have labeled this vid with 100 different disclaimers, i.e. diff trucks, diff drivers, diff methods and so on. I also mention a rule of thumb re: going up and down in gears. This is how I learned and its general practice for trucks like mine (gov @ 62) and w/speed policies. I appreciate your feedbk, but this vid is to show what i go through & hopefully it helps others.
As a new driver this looks very scary. I like to just take it easy and go slow for now until I gain more experience.
i'm glad i watch this video i learn more in youtube? than i do in school
Wow. Great video. Your a great trainer.
Great, Great video. Very informative. Thank you.
great driving , very useful info. Big time courage
dude you sound like a badass trainer. all i had shit hole of trainers and i had 4 trainers and i didnt learn a thing just on my own
Another Great Informative and quality video.... You are the best.
I know driving a truck is a lot more complicated than when driving a four-wheeler, however, I have always downshifted when going downhill in a four-wheeler, but with just enough gas pedal so I'm not breaking traction but maintaining a reasonable speed. Do trucks behave differently in that scenario?
7th gear = 25mph ( 2+ 5) | high end 55 mph ( per this video )
so every gear has a +30 mph to hit its "high end"
because 55mph = 10th gear ( low end ? )
does "high end" mean the tach has reached 1500 rpm ?
does "low end" mean the tach is at 1000 rpm ? - so 7th gear start out is 25 mph for that gear?
1000 rpm - low end
1500 rpm - high end
or his high end " red line" on the tach?
can anyone clarify this?