Any Truckers out there?

[Odin]

HI!...I am a little slow @ business so taking a class #1 course with all the bells and whistles for tractor/trailer.....sure appreciate what truckers do for a living now!....doing ok but still having a little trouble backing up and timing my double clutching on downshifting, any advice/tips mucho appreciated.

[jerseymutt]

Not a trucker but I didn't think they even put manual trannies in trucks anymore, Especially ones that weren't syncro'd. Good idea to take the course though.

Mutt

[4thChild]

The only time I touch the clutch is to stop. I use my left foot to apply the brakes and feather the throttle with my right to slip it into gear when downshifting. I drive an 18 speed and shift it like a 13 speed in normal conditions, and I hit every gear on the way down. It takes a little practice, but you will develop your own style and never grind a gear once you get on the road. I never did get the hang of double clutching, and I never have used it. Oh yeah, almost 18 years of driving and I still can't back into tight spots at truck stops. Go flatbed, there's not alot of backing up involved!

[Odin]

Originally Posted by 4thChild

The only time I touch the clutch is to stop. I use my left foot to apply the brakes and feather the throttle with my right to slip it into gear when downshifting. I drive an 18 speed and shift it like a 13 speed in normal conditions, and I hit every gear on the way down. It takes a little practice, but you will develop your own style and never grind a gear once you get on the road. I never did get the hang of double clutching, and I never have used it. Oh yeah, almost 18 years of driving and I still can't back into tight spots at truck stops. Go flatbed, there's not alot of backing up involved!

Ha! thnx....I actualy can shift pretty good without clutch but the instructor says the examiner won't let us do it, have to double clutch for exam.....oh well like most things in life practice, practice ....at least I haven't burned out the clutch like I did when my Dad first taught me to drive a motorcycle when I was 8

[hardrock785]

What 4th child said. Ground speed and rpm it will shift it self