How to Downshift an 18 Speed: Truck Driver Skills
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- Опубликовано: 4 ноя 2014
- Downshifting an 18 Speed Transmission is a little more difficult than up shifting, as the driver needs to get the feel of the truck and speed and synchronization becomes more important. It's an important skill that requires proper technique and lots of practice.
We use the clutch when downshifting. It is easier on the truck, and it's easier on the driver, particularly the new driver. If you use the clutch, then you won't miss a shift, which is very important if you're also using the downshift process to brake. No need either to use the foot brake.... can throw off the timing.
Dave goes through the process and gives some tips for downshifting with ease.
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Thanks for proving you can be a "real trucker" without having a shifter rubbing on the headliner & all the other costume clothing some wanna be truckers feel they need to fit the part. Good job on keeping it real!!
Never be in a hurry best advise Dave
Now FOLKS, HERE IS A "REAL" DRIVER INDEED and EVERYTHING HE JUST SAID IS THE ABSOLUTE "TRUTH"!! You couldn't ask for a BETTER demonstration than this and the ENGINE/ TRANSMISSION SAID it ALL. NO GRINDING OR FORCING whatsoever and that JAKE sounded BEAUTIFUL & PERFECT!! 😃👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👌🏾👍🏾💪🏾❤💯
You like Hickok45 of trucks. Thanks for video.
iloverebeccachambers hahahaha totally
iloverebeccachambers lmao
Yeah
A Canadian Hickok45. That's funny.
I thought I was the only one thinking that. 😂
I was surprised by your comment that down-shifting without the clutch involves "a lot of fooling around." I can't say that was ever my experience. I found that the moment I lifted my foot off the throttle, the truck would slide right out of gear. A quick tap to the throttle, and it would fall right into the desired lower gear.
Thumbs up for finding something that worked for you though.
Dave, i enjoy watching your videos and learning something new, especially rewatching some videos just to reinforce the lesson that your teaching. Everything that you have posted is very benefical and I've learned from you. Keep up the good work. 👍
Oh my gosh I love this man. Very informative, straight to the point, doesn’t get off subject, and so knowledgeable. I’m currently in school for my CDL I’m nervous everyday and this video just put a lil ease on my mind cause I’m thinkin you have to break and that’s the thing about bein a beginner you’re gonna wanna always use the break but I found out today that you don’t need it cause for one it will increase your speed and two you gotta be confident in what you’re doin with a clear but alert mind. Good luck to all the Veterans and rookie drivers
This guy here gives the best explanations I've ever seen especially bcuz I already know how to do all of this what he is explaining!
Thanks for the great advice. You would make an excellent teacher. I just started driver training and I never drove a manual before so upshifting and downshifting is foreign to me. Thanks again. Taking your time seems like the key, don't know how many times I rushed to down shift only to miss a gear or stall out. I must be giving my instructor some headaches lol.
Super clean ride and very smooth driving! Thanks for the tips ur videos are great
Timing, Timing, Timing. And a Dad that drove for 38 yrs. There's that sweet spot when rpm makes love with speed. You'll know it when you find it.
so many shifting videos that never actually talk about the mechanics and the RPM's. Great video, I like how you mention the Jake, braking, rpms and variations in each motor. Very instructional and well done.
Reminds me of my professional driver training
The only thing that could be better is to use a more solid camera mount when filming from the back seat.
Scary to think there are new drivers on the road who can't downshift properly. Not saying I haven't missed gears but it can become downright dangerous if you can't catch a gear when you need to. My worst experience was missing a shift in an old IH tandem with a 466 on a steep uphill. Came to a dead stop and had to use the deep reduction to get going again. That sucked. After that I started to downshift early to the gear I knew I needed so as you said I wasn't in a rush
Brilliant clip thanks guys...just been landed a task to take some newbies through this stuff but personally been long long time since been there/done that. Helped enormously! Cheers
Love your video's. I am at trucking school now and it really helps. I hope to become a skilled driver not just a person who holds a steering wheel. Keep up the good work.
andrew elliott I try to pass on what I can. Remember though, I'm not a certified trainer. What I show in my videos is what works for me personally. If anyone can get some value from it, that's great. (Dave)
They work for me. I take all the information I can. Could you do one on pretrip?
Smart-Trucking.com What is the switch you are flipping on the dash board in the video? Yes, I know nothing. lol
S Mueller Looks like the Jake toggle switch
Somehow I missed this video. Great description of what's going on, and killer jake sound.
Thanks for the great tips mate. Much appreciated. Love your simplistic explanations and calm manner. Cheers from New Zealand 👍👍
Thanks! Cheers to you sir! Dave
Great video. I just finished my first week of driving in my cdl school. Just starting to get the hand of down shifting though I'm still thrown off when I miss a gear. It's starting to get easier though. Definatey giving yourself time is key. My instructor likes me to apply some brake just before downshifting which helps.
In a 10 speed which is becoming the most common I recommend only downshifting to 7th then clutch the truck into neutral once your at 12-15mph and then stoping. If light turns green look at your speed and find the right gear and off you go.
I've been driving "shoot".... since in High school "89" and I don't know how to double clutch. Always just floated. Dad just taught me to float and just do it.
Good video...👍
I was taught to shift without the clutch with my CDL instructor at work been doing it before I got my CDL as well in my personal vehicle
been easy down shifting was a chore to learn but I got it now
to each his own thumbs up on the experience and lesson given
note I'm not a supermarket just a good ole country boy
Late to the party but THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! You are someone I would watch and not just immediately dismiss 10 seconds into the video. This is a post I made on another channel and is in no way shape or form meant to be directed at you.
Floating. Also known as how to take a couple hundred thousand miles off of the life time of your transmission. As discovered by Swift and Werner using hundreds of trucks/drivers and extensive real world testing. I was taught by the best. He would shift that tractor so smooth you would think it was the best automatic transmission you had ever been in. Clutched and partial clutch every shift/split. Pulled Super B (140,000#) throughout B.C. for a very long time using a 15 double over. I could always tell when in a company truck some (__________) had not used the clutch as it would pop out of gear under heavy load from the teeth being rounded. Up until the day I sold my truck, the transmission would "snick" into gear.
Thank's for the PROFESSIONAL demonstration Dave. Respect to you from a younger version! It makes me laugh when I see these ''experts'' insisting that it is easier/better blah, blah!! shifting without the clutch. Anyone can do that, but is it best practice?; damn right it's not. You should be getting paid for all this experience and skill you are sharing, honestly. Thank you for trying to tutor people properly.
Thank you Benjamin! Dave
Wow. This was very smooth and informative. I hope this helps me on my exam next Friday.
using a 18 speed box as a delivery truck around town./between suburbs.being a real steep learning curb for a first timer(1st week) still polishing the teeth so to speak but thanks to your video finding it alot easier
I'm new to this game. 36 years old and just completed my first week of driving with a load. I have been having a hard time down shifting compared to up shifting. I am going to try the clutch method for it. The other 2 drivers at this company tell me they haven't used the double clutch since cdl school, so maybe i need to double clutch and get my own method. I guess what works for them, just may not be working for me. Thank you for this video sir! You may have really, really helped me out alot. Time will tell.
Love your videos. You convey your knowledge so well, I'm not even in a CDL school right now but I hope to find a good one and become a skilled driver soon.
Thanks for the advice your videos are always informative.
The jake brake on your pete sounds awesome through those big straight stacks
Thing that messed me up learning to downshift was 5th to 4th and remembering where the range selector has to be
Really enjoy your videos. Love your insight and wisdom. Wonderful attitude and patience... Great content!
I like this video it make me feel better about using the clutch for up shifting and down shifting thank you sir
Thanks for your videos! I’m currently taking a half-year college trucking diploma at the CFTR in Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, QC. Can’t wait to try these tips out later in the week during practices.
sweet video. I could up shift without clutch fine but like you say I hated to miss a shift while slowing down so I usually doubled clutched while down shifting
I am and still are very good at double clutching. One day I was going to be hired by a fuel company who frowned on using the clutch because it puts more wear and tear on the clutch then not using it. Also remember that new people who don’t understand the clutch brake will wear it out or break it, especially if it is a two-piece clutch brake. I talked to drivers who have driven over 750,000 miles without a transmission issue not using a clutch but when I went to diesel mechanic school the driveline teacher was Adamant especially the parts that would wear out on the auxiliary box of a 13 speed by not using a clutch. In my personal experience I find some trucks like a clutch and some do not. I think the manufacturer recommends using the clutch but you must do what your company want you to do or if you owned the truck do what you think is best until you have to pay for a repair. Then you can see what would’ve lasted longer using a clutch or not. One of the things I noticed in your video and downshifting was you did not explain the utilization of the clutch with the splitter button. Most new drivers don’t understand the up or down shift of a combination shift when it involves the use of a range selector and a splitter. I would hope to see that you explain the shifting technique of an 18 speed from A-to-Z utilizing the clutch and not utilizing the clutch while doing a range shift and a split shift. Thank you for all you do!
You'll make a world class teacher on driving trucks god bless
I’m glad this guy was driving on the surface of the sun
thank you for this. im learning to use the 18 speed at the moment, and this video is a great help, just time and practice and I will get there.
Glad to help, thanks for commenting! Dave
Thank you for sharing your personal experiences and knowledge, kindest respects & regards; sir...
Dave knows his shit. Never get over these "super trucker" thumbs down. Dave and I have both spent more time backing up than many have had going forward.
Missed a gear down shifting up a hill today peak hour Sydney traffic 😅 thanks for the video
Awesome relaxing advice
I noticed at the start of the video you were going off highway 11 over to the 124? That's awesome I love coming across videos in northern Ontario areas!!!!
Yeah, I love the driving up here. Virtually no traffic except for holiday weekends in the summer and pretty scenery everywhere. Thanks for watching! Dave
I have started playing with heal toe downshifts when in town. Similar to heal toe in a sports car, just lower and slower. Basically, I brake with my heal/side of the foot on the brake and my toe/opposite side of the foot on the throttle. Idle down to about 1000rpm, little clutch, slide out, blip throttle, slide into the next gear. Sometimes skip a gear if slowing more quickly. On rural roads and interstates I pretty much just use the throttle when downshifting. No brake or clutch. I am always playing and trying to incorporate driving techniques I picked up from other driving styles. Some work in trucks, some do not.
I have gotten the hang of upshifting but I still need to improve on downshifting. Hopefully I will get the hang of it this week.
Great informative video.
Thank you so much .. I really like your videos
sage advice. number one reason learners struggle is leaving too little time to get slowed down. Just had my first lesson in an 18 speed truck and loved it. It is so easy IF you give yourself the time.
Excellent video.
There has been so many topic's on double clutching, floating gears, and so on. but bear in mind that the clutch is there for a reason, and it is not only for coming to a stop or for taking off. ever hear when you start your truck up and you noticed that when you press on the clutch the engine sounds smooth with all that rattling gone, yes that is the sound of a damaged release bearing. meaning, going down hill engaged in lower gear will result in the gear nob popping into neutral.
Floating gears is only for drivers who have mastered that art. And it is not for everyone. we have driver who drive Fuller transmissions for 5 years and still cannot get it right. knowing the sound of the engine is just like a musician. Hitting the right note on the exact moment. you don't have to keep looking on the dash for the speed or the RPM. you can actuality hear it.
I hardly ever use the jake, pretty much only if I have a good size load or in bad weather. I would only generally double clutch while down shifting it seems to just work easier. I love those Cats since I rarely would clutch while up shifting..just raise the tach and listen. After a while you get to doing it automatically. I am getting back into driving rigs after a 7 year break. I do miss it sometimes which I never thought I would. I like your videos, your a great teacher!
I like watching this man video. Informative and accurate
Nice vid. great info. Thanks for sharing.
thank you! Dave
As you said there is no reason to downshift without using the clutch, however downshifting without the clutch in my opinion is the mark of a true trucker!
Thank you for sharing! Great lesson!
Thank you! Dave
that sweat sound of that jake
I love your photes your are one person to learn from you have a good nature and gritt a wish I would have trained with you I had somebody with no will to train but to use me thank you for your time!!!
+az0991554 Hey, thank you! Dave
Lol I noticed on a lot of the OTR trucker videos Ive watched a lot of truckers drive with their shoes off. Saw you had yours off too. Doesn't it feel awkward at first? I figured youre obviously used too it from your video but awesome video and thanks for passing along your knowledge. I am still learning and ive had my permit for a while now and when I drive with my uncle on the weekends I always use the clutch. lol Havent even attempted to float but like my uncle said and in my opinion I rather learn how to drive and learn good habits. Cool to see you still use the clutch on downshift and seeing that builds my confidence up knowing that its ok to use the clutch and who cares what ppl think about being a rookie and all as silly as that may sound. Really like your videos! Also with my experience so far Ive learned to be patient and thats what I been picking up on youre videos.
thank you for watching! I've always driven in my socks or bare feet, depending on the season, I guess I'm just used to it, but i found when learning that it gave me a better feel for the clutch. Also, I suffer from being a bit of a clean freak. Dave
I like to float the gears also you recommend using the clutch, over here in Jersey many owners recommend you not use the clutch, I also own two truck and don't recommend using the clutch I mean you have no choice on first and reverse but other than that the clutch is not needed, remember the more you use the clutch the extra cost when it goes.
TWISTED - I agree with you 100%, don't use the clutch or jake brake when downshifting, many people are loosing their jobs because of the clutch usage.
Rather the clutch than the gearbox, physics has it the gearbox casings like to fracture when you got 80k lbs jamming on them without a clutch.
I don`t know about clutch costs, but I do know a 18spd isnt cheap, or any transmission for that matter.
ToreDL87 you're only jamming on them if you don't know how to drive.....
great video. all that's needed is a 1-10 compilation for sale.
Thanks very much. That's a great video. Great tips. Taking me a while to get the clutch rev clutch rhythm down.
You'll get it.... it takes practice.... don't rush the process. When everything lined up right and your speed is right.... just a few fingers and the stick will slide in nicely. Keep at it.(Dave)
Thanks. Still a stone cold newbie here less then 6mos. Haha
WillDogJones1 That's quite all right. It'll come. It does take time. (Dave)
you make it look way easier than it is, getting there soon
loved your video very nice
Thank you Dave
You're a good Man. thanks for the video
Thank you sir! Dave
Great job
Hi Dave...I agree with you on some trucks. I got so used to shifting without a clutch. I don't remember it being called floating. I knew it was I didn't clutch. My uncle was an O/O. We drove for the same company for a while till he bought his own. He thought clutching for other than stopping and starting was a mortal sin. I learned to drive before we worked together. i started out on an old cf freightliner. The guy who owned the truck taught me to shift without clutching. I guess that's when I got into "floating". The last truck I drove though almost hated floating. It was a ten commandments issue. That truck hated shifting without the clutch. So anyway, I got good at shifting without clutching but I think you have it completely correct when you say it depends on the truck.
I always found it that way. Whatever the truck seemed to like best was the way I drove them. Dave
Always good videos
Thanks! Dave
Thanks Dave, very good and it’s very informative sir.
Dave: I have a question for you sir?
I’m interested of getting a cdl but I need your advice?
nice video. I got here trying to just figure out the splitter. lolseriously a nice vid though. I figured it out, but damn it was intimidating at first. my dad taught me to double clutch my first car.- probably because he didn't want to put a clutch in it. (the downshifts) Thanks for the great vid.
Thankyou for that a cool man you are..cheers.
Congrats from Costa Rica
Nice narrow cab to make it convenient for you to reach across and make adjustments to your passenger side safety mirrors when you're by yourself
I am in the process of learning to up shift and down shift a 13 and sometimes a 18 speed tractor trailer it is very challenging but i need to keep trying because i want to be a good and safe driver it is very important and a dream to me.Down shifting is giving me my most challenging time.
Yes, it's more difficult for sure.... timing is the key and practice.
Del Sharron u .uk N.Y.
I'm starting getting my driver's license for trucks and semi-trucks. I'm brazilian, I live in Portugal and I'd like to say that I love your videos. Thanks for you availability!
Thank you sir! Dave
Juciêr Júnior jump ew
Driving around parry sound? Beautiful area
Great Video. Subscribed.
Thank you! Dave
Well done
what a legend
What Kind of truck do you drive very nice thought me well thank you
Thanks that well excellent info
thank you 4 your vids.could you tell me a little bit about your truck.I'm look'n for a new truck.I'll appreciate your help.
I love the video
Awsome video
Thanks! Dave
When you downshift do you split low up to high tyen to low then down a gear in high then low again?
Do you always leave the clutch completely before the second clutching ? Or do you hold it half way back and re press It when putting it in the gear.
True professional
Dave, I like your explanation and advice I wish my old man would have been that patient with me when I learned many years ago. I was taught by the braille method not by the explanation method...Lol
Powder River Ya, I hear you there. I find as a rule, parents aren't very patient teaching their kids to driver period... LOL
***** teach their kids to drive (typo) (Dave)
Do you have to split the gears on a 13 speed or can you do it the same as you do an 18 speed?
Very nice......
Thank you.
Hello there, two questions if I may. Is the clutch on the new 18 geared units harder to push down than an old model box truck? Also, if you are driving a bobtail can you dispense with the grey button altogether? And I've driven box trucks, no problem, but the clutch got a little tiring after 1000 miles or so and I never was able to get the floating gears thing just right. I'm trying to understand the difference from a box truck, other than the greater number of gears. On a bobtail, I seems to me you don't need more than 8 really so maybe that simplifies the whole thing huh?. Thanks.
Question 1 - depends on the weight of the clutch spring.It can be adjusted. Question 2 - Yes. Bobtailing definitely requires fewer gears. Dave
yeah if driving over the road double clutching is fine. As a rookie driver though like myself and being 6'4"tall and driving a cramped up mack triaxle dump truck, your leg cramps up from shifting 1 million times a day. OTR guys shift up to speed and get to stay there all day long. dump truck guys like myself are in traffic all dam day long and it wreaks havoc. I was forced to float gears my first week in the truck because no leg room to stretch out and having to shift and getting cramps all day. You can understand that. cant you. floating gears is a life saver for a guy like myself
We have a Mack where I work. You almost have to bring your knee up to your ear to reach the clutch. Our mechanic says that's how Macks are.
Very nice video! Here in Europe, all newer trucks have syncros or automatic boxes, so sadly this technique of double clutching/float shifting is becoming obsolete. I'd really love to drive a non synchronised truck one day, must be a very cool experience.
+nutellabananenmist it is, it's old school. Dave
+nutellabananenmist Floating is the best it's quicker and less work. Once you have the skills to float gears it becomes really fun and a game of sorts. Shift with the clutch now and again to keep your leg strong for parade traffic.
Nice Pete. I love my '15 389...hate this PACCAR engine however. She's strong when she's running, and a nightmare when she breaks.....too many electronics to go haywire.
Are the engine problems you are seeing mostly the sensors themselves? That's what I'm hearing. Did you know there was a beautiful brown 359 that ran California back years ago called"Swamp Fox"? Dave
I've been practicing downshifting in a highway, but my dad is like my instructor.. (pfftt lol, kinda doesnt suite him even his a 1a licensed) .. i practice downshifting in traffic lights and i forget what gear im on when i downshift bcause i have to drop rpm to 1000 then clutch it and i forgot to rev up to 1300 .. it sure makes me nervous thankfully i wasnt practicing with trailer on... and my dads truck is an 18 speed eaton fuller 2008 freightliner cascadia
me Also just can't remember what gear I'm in
looks like you are in a nice truck going by the cabin. In a more urgent braking situation would you still go down the gears of just use the brakes? In an emergency situation just getting on the brakes or still automatically using the gears as well? Thanks.
In a panic stop there's no time to drop gears. I try to always be back far enough from what is front of me that I have time to downshift and brake at the same time. Dave
Your truck interior looks amazing. Looks like the Cadillac of trucks.
+Corey Dontworryboutit Thanks, I figure if you gotta live in it you better like it. Dave
My first day of driving school was yesterday and they want me to double clutch upshifting but when downshifting they want me to go clutch neutral then float it into the lower gear with the throttle and im having a hell of a time its brutal. Any Tips?
I drive a newer kenworth with a x15 cummins. I will usually lug 8high down to about a grand or so then jump all the way down to 7low lug that all the way down then jump over to 5high. That way I don't need to use the foot break the truck slows faster and their is less gears to miss
Question, how would you brake in a stop light? Where you need to stop more rapidly, due to being more close to the stop light?
when downshifting through the 18 speed...are you doing all tje splits as well? I've heard for your road test you need to go through them all both up and down...looking to get my class 1 soon just want to know
Doubt they'll test you on an 18 but honestly it's probably up to the road test guy as to whether or not he'll make you go down through every gear. I would think not though, in most cases. Dave
I got a question it’s warily important when you shift down for RPMs do you shift on 12 or 10