Truck Driver Skills: Shifting an 18 Speed: How to Skip Gears
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ธ.ค. 2013
- Shifting an 18 speed. This video gives a demonstration of how to shift an 18 speed big truck, along with a bit of advice to help a new driver. How to skip gears, when going through all the gears, isn't necessary, depending upon the situation.
Best advice for smooth shifting? It takes loads of practice. This demonstration features a 35+ year driver, with a 2004 Peterbilt 379, with a 475 Cat engine.
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I've got some decent headphones on and I am admiring the low rumble of that diesel engine with each shift.
We're learning these 18 shifters at driving school, aswell as wheel loaders, proper cargo securing and all types of forklifts, only 3 weeks in and loving it so far!
I drove 13 speeds for many years. When I first started I took my Dad with me for a run. after awhile he got in the driver's seat and showed me how to drive without using the clutch.
After that and all my 30 years of driving I never used the clutch only for first and reverse. you listen to the motor and you get used to your speed it all blends in. great video sir.
canvids1 Wow must be a pretty handy skill
That's some Jedi stuff
So why do they build the clutch if people don't use them...it is a huge mistake not to use the clutch...you are forcing the gear.......
You aren't forcing the gear. If you match the revs properly it goes in effortlessly. I've only been driving around 14 months, and about 10 of those were in an automatic. I only use the clutch for starting and coming to a stop. (Or if I have to slam on the brakes and don't have time to go down my gears) ... The clutch still has it's uses if you're going down hill too fast for the gear and you can't get it out using your RPMs. but, I can go hours without touching the clutch a single time.
Paul Martin dude you could grind your gears
I've only just started my CDL training so I'm still deep in the book for another week with plans to get my instructional permit on Friday. That said I enjoy these videos, it's both calming and educational to watch you since you and my instructor are both very much a like in mannerisms.
I drove a much smaller truck last winter but it had the exact same shift pattern as this. It was a 18 speed kenworth flatbed.. and like it is said in the video a few times you really don't need all the gears. I typically kept the truck in the "high" half of each gear and always started in 3rd because I simply never carried enough weight to go lower. basically with an 18 speed you have 8 speeds that are split into HI and LO on each + a full low which also has a HI and LO. At first shifting this truck was very confusing but after a few weeks of practice it became quite easy and extremely fun to drive around, even in the city. This video makes me miss my truck driving days!
'Each (transmission) has it's own personality'....that's a perfect way to put it.
I can't tell if this would drive me nuts on long hauls or be the only entertainment available
Feathering the throttle and using a thumb and index finger to shift, another facet of being cool on your stool! Excellent advice, you're an industry treasure, thank you for sharing the knowledge!
I had to learn how to drive manual shift when I went to truck school to get my class a cdl. About 90 percent of the time you are thinking about shifting, downshifting, clutch, rpm, and not to forget to split when you go higher.
I just started driving an 18spd mated to a DD and it's been difficult learning the sweets spots when loaded with 70k+ especially when running up or down mountains it feels like I'm not doing it as efficiently as I could. This is my second week with the truck and it's getting better. I'm not forcing gears or grinding much, it's just a little more difficult than the 9spd or 10spd I'm used to driving.
"Relax", he says. Good advice! If I get my nerves frazzled by something, I can't shift worth a hoot, but if I stay calm and relaxed, like I'm on a Sunday drive, shifts go smooth as butter. BTW, I'm usually pulling very heavy loads (94,000-103,000) with a Series 60 and a 10 speed, so I don't have a bunch of power, or a bunch of gears to play with. Each shift has to be on the money.
After 10 years working on heavy equipment I have transitioned back into trucks, they sure have changed since I started 30 years ago. Back in the day you either had a 855 Cummins or a 3406 Cat and the only Detroit out there was a two stroke. These guys I work with now don't even know what a two stroke Detroit is, I guess that's showin my age a bit. Now I'm learning all the emission crap and everything has road speed limiters set in the computers, what a pain in the hind parts, you can't even do the speed limit. So I'm also learning how to drive again to some extent, boy how I miss a big cam, we used to turn them up for guys running cross country. They could run 110 all day long with 80K on their back and blow smoke all the way. That was back when they made real diesel fuel. Now most everything only has a 10 speed, it's a wonder truckers make any miles. I never split the bottom half, usually just run the high side empty or bob tailing, I don't do much with trailers mostly power units, inframes, clutches and regen issues, every now and then they give me a brake job they need done right away I mostly do heavy line work.
Dan Cage
Yes Detroit made a 53, 71 and 92 series two stroke engines. Nothing like the sound of a Detroit two stroke, and if it didn't burn a gallon of oil and leak a gallon of oil a day it wasn't running right. Back when I first started turning wrenches I worked for Central Florida Transit, I started out in the cab shop then moved over to coach buses. They had American Eagles and a few Belgium Eagles with Detroit's. They had just got a brand new MCI with a 6V92 twin turbo that was the shit. We used to take the smoke limiters off, it was a small piston with a linkage to the fuel control rack, it was held off by oil pressure to keep you from being able to go right to wide open. They would blow a trail of black smoke for a block or two, but they got on down the road, good times. That was back in the mid to late 80's.
oh man those big Cam Cummings where a sight to behold I saw one pulling a 110k logging and the Cam sound it was making was sweet music
I'm going to give this rant a 9/10
I'm no longer driving but when I did I drove every transmission out there. I want to present a case for automatics, you are always in the right gear, always in the power band, and you aren't even thinking about rpm or shift points. When I was training new drivers this was the thing they always had the hardest time mastering. With an automatic you never have to think about your gears, you can spend all your time watching the road ahead and avoiding accidents.
Call me lame but I think that's cool.
thanks, me too! Dave
Same here. As someone who doesn't even know how to drive stick in any vehicle, I think shifting looks and is impressive. Sure would like to learn someday....
If I have an 18 speed, and I am getting up to speed so fast I can't use all the speeds, should I have a shift line starting from a 2L of: 2L->4L->1M->3M->2H->4H, for example?
Jimmy you are lame.
+Ellenor Malik no I don't think you go backwards in number(since if all ears were needed it goes (1-2-3-4-5L-5H-6L-6H-7L-7H-8L-8H), he is leaving the high-lo switch in a single position until cruising so basically he was going 1-2-3-4-5L-6L-7L-8Lthen hit the switch and let off throttle to go 8H and get 9 speeds fine for most loads and roads
This guy treats his truck with more love and tenderness than urban guys treat their girlfriends with care
everyone's all clutch this clutch that.. I only use it when I go from neutral to reverse or first ! any truck is easy to figure out. I've never had a problem
+sanman . . . yea, me too. Never clutch it.
Sound like a rookie to me
Broke a clutch cable in my commuter car... drove it for 3 weeks without a clutch cable.
This may be an older video but i love the interior of that truck man, very nice
Thanks Cody! Dave
im in my third week of CDL A school and i love that i understand what hes talking about
This is one of those videos you watch but will never need to know
Shifting an 18 speed is a diffficult task! Great advice.
Hahahaha. and buddy is swapping clutches every year. on the bright side his left leg will look like the hulks arm after a trip through a big city! keep on Billy big riggin bud!
Not a trucker, I drive a ram 3500 dually, but these tips have helped me shift my 6 speed nv5600 transmission with a cummins engine in front of it better. The nv5600s really like to be double clutched or a slow single clutch movement. I've shifted without the clutch before but don't often, I've heard that it's bad for the syncros and due to the helical gears and not straight cut the clutch helps mesh everything together smoothly. Shifting smoothly also seems to net better mpgs.
I drive a water tanker . its a 3700 gallon straight truck that pulls a 6000 gallon tanker on a dolly. Starting on a hill I usually split all the gears in low range and in high to make it over the hill fully loaded. Every truck drives different. Your right. You just have to take your time to learn the truck
I’ve driven trucks with many different types of transmissions. The Eaton fuller 18 speed is hands down my favorite.
That Catepillar engine sounds just AMAZING! :D
Daniel Driver Yea, she purrs real nice.;)
Nobody who is starting out is never going to scrape a gear. A little of that won't hurt anything. The important thing is like he said not to try to force it. It looks harder than it is because you're thinking that people have to know the exact RPMs to do it, which they eventually pretty much do. But when you're starting out you can learn to just put easy pressure on the shifter as the RPMs are getting close and it will fall into gear at the right RPMs.
That was cool that you took the time to do this video. I'm sure that along with many of the Drivers who have watched who already know how and/or do it differently, there were many who didn't know and this was helpful to them. But either way, taking the time to do it at all to possibly help someone out is generally very cool. Be Safe out there Drivers. Thanks for doing what you all do! Merry Christmas!
I passed my Z now I'm on to Class A training wooohhooo can't wait !!!
Thank-you! Even with the same specifications, every truck shifts differently. Cut and dry, that's that. Don't beat yourself up if you are having trouble, as a new driver or whatever the circumstance. But do NOT hit our roads if you are unsure. I am 23 and grew up in the heavy transport world, I still went to a driving school to obtain a CDL. Ask any other driver that you meet any question or for any help you are in need of. It is a brotherhood, and unless they are totally crass and hardened individuals... They will help you as best they can. I hope I helped at least one future veteran driver. Cheers!
I have a 18 --- but call it what it is --- a glorified 13 speed
hey! a trucker on TH-cam who actually knows how to shift!
I'm very excited I got my permit this morning and I'm going to trucking school this coming sunday. I can't wait to master the beast 😆
Congrats! Get some time under your belt and you can go anywhere
Rimon Shamon Ill be graduating on the 8th of Dec. I can not wait
Sea Tac Assassin best wishes my test to drive in 2 days
Rimon Shamon Same to you man keep me posted if you do not mind
Finallllllly I got my license
i like the double clutching, such a smooth driving and then the sound of the v8
I drive an automatic Prius.
Adam Richmond you are tree hugging 🤗
Adam Richmond can't say I've heard of a manual prius lol
Adam Richmond gay
impressive
Priuses aren't automatic. They're single-speed.
Makes it look easy,seamless! would be confusing as hell to me until I got used to it!
I'm in a different and reasonably high-paying profession, but I wish I could get a job driving these part time, like 1-2 days a week.
Jimmy Baggs so , what high paying profession are you into ?
These wheels don't turn for chump change that's for sure.
I like splitting the high side makes for a smooth ride I wont split the low 4
It really takes quite a bit of practice to drive a manual properly. My uncle that has driving for 28 years and he can drive any truck perfectly, he said he didn't become proficient until around 5 years in, wow. He knows drivers that have been driving for 10 years and still don't shift correctly. This is why, Volvo, Mack and a few other trucks come standard as automated transmissions because they are finally at the point where they met or exceed the efficiency of a manual without the need to have drivers spend years getting it right. Soon, all trucks be automated and it will be rare to see manuals and ever rarer to see 18 speeds.
That's why I'll be purchasing a glider kit lol...I will never drive a automatic
Baty Inc You should also replace your computer with a typewriter...or even better, just use paper and pencil...
neil78b yes sir I'll do that right away! Such a great idea!
Bradley Griggs
Then you don't need to be a mechanic if you can't handle working on a Auto Shift transmission, lol. Leave it to the younger smarter generation, looks like its time for you to retire old fellow.
#RoarRangers. will be around for a loooooongg time brother..
A true craftsman. Loves to teach and knows how to teach it. I’d love to have you for CDL A. Thank you for your kind lessons. See fam, life is about learning and then sharing that knowledge. THAT is gratifying AF.
Very cool, always wanted to know how an 18-wheeler shifts.
No no sir it's a big compliment on the way u explained and also I know you'll make a great teacher...god bless
I have been driving for 10 years and had automated trucks.. I got a 18 speed truck since yesterday and I love it. Still need some practice for sure but I love it!!
Gotta have a manual transmission to go trailer truckin. Dave
It was very interesting and helpful. Thanks a lot!
That's a beautiful cockpit!
I had to shuttle a KW sleeper rig to one of our yards at a different terminal. I thought the truck had issues cuz it'd go no faster than 55... I later found out what that lil red switch was for. I had more gears to play with. Haha I've been driving 12yrs but my exp with different brands of tractors has been limited to Freightliner, International and Sterling daycabs being a company driver.
2:30 this guy knows his shit!
For an experienced driver I'm surprised you're using the clutch!
Nice cabin. Thanks for explaining.
This driver uses the term "Splitter" when he means "range selector"
Splitter = Split between "L" and "H" on a given number.
Range Selector = Change the Range of the H on the shifter....ie from 1-2-3-4 to 5-6-7-8.
So at the beginning he shifts to 4L, then Range Selects up to 5L (not "splits")
Then at the end in 8L, he correctly uses the word "splits" to describe reaching "top gear" aka 8H aka 18th Gear.
I must say this, I am not a truck driver but I love this video. I learned something new today.
Thanks Alex! And thanks for watching! Dave
Appreciate the time you took to make this video.
Awesome, very knowledgeable....like it a lot. Good job, keep it up.
I was told 45 years ago not to use the clutch, only to start or stop. Don't need to know how to shift anymore anyhow with all the new drivers using auto shift, and auto everything else.
Very good teaching! 😀👍
The hardest thing driving a truck to me is double clutching, and your doing it flawlessly! I can't do it so I just float all the time. I just can't get the double clutching down at all. Nice smooth shifting!!
Great info, thanks for sharing!
After over six months of truck driving experience I can say that the older trucks, especially those with CAT motors and 18-speeds are a dream to drive. The newer trucks, even those with manuals, are just a pain to drive. I had a 2013 Peterbilt 388 for a time with a 425 Paccar and 18-speed and it needed to be shifted between 1400 and 1600 rpm or it would lug the motor.
Now I'm driving an 01 379 short hood with a 525 MBN CAT single turbo with an 18-speed, pulling close to 100,000 pounds up hills with little effort at all, and have a shift range between 1000 and 1600 rpm. Way more flexible and way more enjoyable to drive, since I don't have to "think" about the shift, just "feel" it.
Those Paccar motors are more fuel efficient and mechanically reliable, but at what cost, really?
Still love your videos Dave, and coming back to them after some time now I'm starting to realize I picked up quite a bit from you and other TH-cam truckers when I first got interested in getting into the industry. Thank you.
+Zeviander Good to know. Glad you're getting some value from the videos. Any requests, be sure to post and we'll do our best.
Thank you for your video. I liked your tone and how to enjoy your vehicle
My company kept me on a manual for three months before they finally gave up on me learning how to drive one. Now I drive an automatic rig. I told them when I started I wanted an automatic but it took three months to force them to give me one.
im still learning how to drive my 10 speed! rockwell ... volvo truck! I pull my rv with it! thanks for the tips.. im just now starting to float the gears still trying ..
most guys just float going up so besides the few super truckers full of bs dont worry about going down too much ;)
Thank you for the detailed explanation, I did not know they were split.
Being a young bloke i always tended to want to rush through the gears.especially metropol work.stop start at the lights.but realise how much that takes out of you over the course of the day.Mindset is important.Relaxed now that i am older and my understanding of life, Driving has become smooth and quite rewarding.All i gotta deal with now is listening to the heartbreak on channel 40.ha ha. world owes me a living crap the ferrel truckys love to dish out.
Awesome! It's really sad that by next year, all the trucks will be automatics :(
Great video great teacher n the way u explained how to gear up n gear down,your normal and I wish I had u as a teacher on learning how to shift god bless
Great Video!
Love your quote. "Each truck has different personality"
Not really a quote, its the dead truth. Every truck has a personality of its own. What may be completely normal in kne truck maybe something else in a different one. We have all volvos in the fleet I drive for, and the same model, no two trucks are the same. Maybe it has to do with who drove the truck before me. And their skill level, however every time I get into a different truck, it takes a little bit to figure it out.
+Chris Loomis Agree with you 100%, I think its the driver before I get to it, my wife says how can you shift them gears without grinding them, i say baby its easy......
Funny to see it shiting is the same as here in Europa.Driving a MAN TGA 350 and has the same switch in front of the poke for splitting and left side for splitting again in high for the highway.As you say i wants shifting slow at 1200 rpms.Nice vid,thanks.
I worked for Presley Peter built and it was fun driving trucks.
You are such nice manner gentlemen and great educator. Please make us more video. I learned a lot from you....thank you sir
Thank you! Dave
I recently started learning to drive a Class 1 vehicle (semi) and the Volvo used by the driving school has 18 gears. I was shown several ways to go smoothly through gears and one of the methods taught is to shift up and down without using the clutch.
+John Anderson I'd like to try that but I don't have the balls yet :D
+Darren Boss It's pretty simple dude you only have to know your engine rpm range to safely do it.
Good tips.I have to guess you have driven twin stick transmissions.I took my A test in an R-mod Mack,Triplex trans in 1978.Went otr enough to know I wanted to stay closer to home.Worked at a County hiway dept for 32 years in minnesota.There was plenty of whiteknuckle moments,no accidents,close calls for sure.Your videos are good,good info.Take care
Glad you are getting some benefit from the videos. White knuckle moments.... LOL.... I hear you there!
I know this guy has a lot of experience and it surprised the hell out of me to see him using the clutch. 20 years experience here and been shifting without a clutch for all but my first month. It's the only way to shift if you're a truck driver in my opinion.
to me, this video just shows ME how YOU shift. it doesn't tell me what you are looking for, when you are shifting. I put an aweful lot more into my instruction when I am teaching. Your experience with shifting makes it look so simple, and students become very frustrated when they cannot shift like that. Yes with time they will get it, but when you explain the fundamentals of shifting, they will pick it up soooo much faster.
Love your videos, really need one on twin trannys loike a 5 and 4 or 5 and 5 and how to shift both with no clutch. I use to be able to out shift anyone with single stick,never could out do the auto. Reitred not,but have not forgotten. Thank you Sir for memorys.
Very good. I liked your articulation
I like the plain ole fuller 10 speed , after all is said and done & by passing the extra gears on a 13 , 15 & 18 I think that is the point I'm making. Like yourself I have driven all of those & a couple of old Duplexes along the way but I'm not so blind to know Heavy Loads require different applications. Keep on Truckin Driver.
1H-3L-4H-6L-7L-7H-8L-8H is possible with a 63500kg road train, 8 gears is all you need on the prairies, 9depending on wind and weather of course) but when you're empty, you can do with 4 or 5 (3L-4H-6L-7H-8H or "DOGLEG L-6L-7H-8H when Bobtailing)
To Clutch or not to Clutch. This is the question of my Discontent. Just kidding. I just never have used it for anything but to start moving from a dead stop.
I really enjoy your videos
thanks for the tips...
Cool video. Someday, I hope to be a trucker as well.
i didnt know hickok45 drives semis on his spare time
at 1:00 he did not split it at all! he just went from low range to high range! the splitter is the grey button in the side of the gear lever that is operated by your thumb.
he did ..i think there are two splitters..if u listen carefully u hear the clicking sound..the first spilt is done by using the middle and ring finger on the lever under the shift nob..the second split is done by the thumb on the side of the nob..i think I'm just learning
+Rob1 Alpha Unruly....He only split 9th into high.
Thanks
That sure is sweet how you hold your foot on the clutch pedal. You must like changing throwout bearings.
+BKKGringo Never had to change one, my foot is not resting on the clutch pedal. Dave
+Smart-Trucking.com wow never a throwout bearing during the life of a truck that's amazing.
+Smart-Trucking.com I know you're a good guy Dave, really appreciated the truth about low pay vid, been telling that tale about pay going backwards for years myself.
Great stuff,real heads-up on just about everything.......
Vincent Knox Hope you found something useful, Vincent.
Good teacher great tutorial,,,, keep posting Sir?
I've been shifting for many years, I know the " Sweet Spot " ...Trucks and the women..
Great Video Bruh.
Cheers
I love the inside of your truck, you obviously look after it
It's a priority for some, not everyone.
;)
Hi Dave. I would like to offer my own thoughts. You are right in my opinion not needing to split every gear on an 18 unless pulling trains, triaxle or other heavy loads. That being said there is the old saying "don't use it, lose it " With so many improperly trained new drivers if they are taught to skip gears they will be dropping drive shafts, blowing bearings in the tranny and the list goes on. I drove an 2000 379L with c15 6nz 18spd for nine years. I was hauling as a rule no more than 75000lbs on five axles. If I started out on a hill I would always split first. If I started out on flat land I would go from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th then 4H then 5 and split all the top side. Shifting making the most of the gears the truck felt to work less and less stress on the truck itself. Believe it or not I always got great fuel mileage and as you stated always look for the sweet spots and I always shifted in my sweet spots. Now about the comment of mechanics advising to always use the clutch...again, use it or lose it. Most trucks now are self adjusting clutches. If you do not use the clutch it will begin to actually seize. A text book mechanic will tell you to always double clutch every gear. A good mechanic with greasy overalls will give you the straight goods. If your clutch is self adjusting make sure to double clutch every 40th shifts. I don't know about you but I am not going to sit there and count all my shifts lol. Call bs on me if you like but I'm telling you straight up. I had 1.9million kms on my last truck when I parked it and the clutch was never touched. I would (obviously) clutch on take off or when putting it in first. My rule of thumb was to always clutch going into 4H and clutch from 4H into 5 then after that clutch when only splitting into the high side splits. Great video and stay safe out there.
I like what you said pretty good advice
very well said.
I try to do the same the lowest gears i shift with out clutch high gears double clutch really work for me
thank you from downunder not a truckie but enjoyed that - yes i miss my work 5 speed manual toyota utility, got so i could do just about anything with it - even get bogged ! haha
I only used the clutch,for tacking off or backing.Just sayin.
+trevin maurer (harleyking13) are you sure he wasn't hitting the gas
I know most dont feel the need to use the clutch, but if you do, it will last 3 times as long.
Owners manual says to do it that way, I don't consider it necessary.
Double Clutching is something you should practice when you first learn to drive these things. After that it's time to start practicing without the clutch and once you get the hang of it you'll never need to use it to shift again.. Except under certain circumstances like climbing a steep grade or in bad conditions it helps to use the double clutch technique. That's just what 5 years of Commercial driving has taught me.
calling BS on a clutch user getting more life out of anything vs someone that can drive.
Love it great video
I drove 10 and 13 speed wireline trucks in the oilfield and you're absolutely right, no two trucks shift the same, they're all different. Driving up the hills and mountains in West Virginia and Pennsylvania in a 26 ton telescopic boom truck with a 275 horse Cummins is not fun. Thanks for the insight!
Thanks for commenting! Take care. Dave
Robert Keeton do you have any advice for driving novice looking to get a cdl? I applied for an oil field job and there is a very high chance I will need to learn to drive a truck
NSixtyFour The best advice I can give you is to study that manual and get as many hours behind the wheel as you can before going to take your test. It's not going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile is. Practice is going to be your best friend.
Robert Keeton thanks a million sir.
great video!
this truck looks so noble
Andy Bodnar, you may have misunderstood the intent of my post. Yes I do know my shit, but a lot of drivers/steerer, have not been taught well on all aspects of engine and driveline management otherwise you wouldn't see comments on these videos like "why are you using the clutch to change gear" and "you have to go through all the gears in the box"
I have years of driving experience on the RTLO 18 speed box and I say it is the best box in the world. One of the main reasons I say this is because of the ability to change fewer gears. Sometimes as few as four changes to get up to highway speed if light and some down slope. I am from New Zealand and for most of the driving conditions over there, it is not practical to try and change gear without the clutch as you can not neutralise the load on the driveline to get the box out of the gear that you are in. Sometimes when having a bad day you end up stopped on the hill because you cannot change gears quick enough. Just to finish off, this guy in the video is saying and doing things correctly so thanks to him and keep up the good work.
awesome driving. man I wish I could do that as effortless
It's just practice Jay, you'll get that way too. Dave