Heavy & Steep 9% Downgrade

How to come down the mountain in a big truck.
Contact me:
[e-mail]

[@sicilianjerseygirl1]

I just came across Tennessee, Kentucky and down through the middle of West Virginia, as a new solo eastern regional reefer driver. I went nice and slow (with 43k of ice cream) in my KW just like this .. people passed me but this is the method that helped me feel safe. Thanks for a great demonstration :) your voice is super calming.

[@terrygamble986]

just take it easy and let those folks pass.

[@WTFbrownie]

I’ll hear your voice when I go down the mountain. Really calm and no big deal 🥰

[@artist4truth]

Gave me a smile.

[@Real-gamin79]

Man I'm going to truck range Monday. Our instructor said we gotta drive Catawba mountain. This video calmed me somewhat. Thanks man. Low gears and stay off the break unless needed.

[@artist4truth]

Easy peas, you got it.

[@jimmiller4951]

Hands down the best KZbin video on down hill grade technique. Good job driver

[@richardturk7162]

I hauled coal in Eastern Ky so I was used to coming off the steep mountains. The scary part was when you had to have a dozer pull you up the mountain to get in to the strip mine then hold you back coming down the mine road down the mountain.

[@allenelswick6961]

I am here in Eastern Kentucky i remember back to the days where strip job roads were built as short and steep as there was. I hated switch backs and a few of those jobs you hoped it didn't rain before you came back down the hill because you are going to slide and no berms to protect you. Much latter on the big jobs built and maintained their haul roads with gravel.

[@artist4truth]

Wow!

[@lifehappens2370]

I’m 74 and have never driven a big rig, so my opinions on the subject aren’t worth a lot, but all the way through this video you instilled confidence in your viewers. I’d be glad and proud to go overland with you.

[@SilverSurfer17]

Good video! Yeah those big grades are crazy. My first time driving a semi out on the road (with a trainer) was somewhere out in PA. We were delivering sheet steel to a mill and I was at one of those 9% grades. That was an eye opener to me. I climbed up and down those hills safely but it sure was intense.

[@artist4truth]

Not near as scary adventure as you thought it would be, huh?

[@SilverSurfer17]

Recap nope, I mean for the first bit it was but like you said you rely on the jakes to slow you and you keep your speed at a certain range. Some of the most beautiful scenery through those areas.

[@sweetjamesjones2440]

What part of PA

[@PaulRSmileyOyen]

This is well worth learning and you've taught it Right!

[@PaulRSmileyOyen]

Just did my first big mountain grade last week. East, out of Logan, Utah. 8% for 7 miles. Didn't have to use the brake Once, loaded with 42,000 of cargo.

[@ramsesofra1016]

That's the ride I've been dreading to take. Thanks man. You made it look less scary.

[@artist4truth]

Its really not.

[@ramsesofra1016]

@@artist4truth I believe you. It's all about keeping a cool head and not getting lost in your imagination.

[@lassali1427]

Its been 2 years.. are you comfortable with hills now?

[@ramsesofra1016]

@@lassali1427 Im not driving anymore and im truly comfortable with that. I aced the hills though. Thanks for the input

[@omothebarber]

@@ramsesofra1016how come you stopped driving if you don’t mind me asking

[@badeeshabazz4672]

Great video 😎I just met you out here in “Pasco Washington” and I tell you You was God sent to Me My Brother as I stated verbally to you I’ve been out here for six weeks New to Trucking and I’ve been solo the whole Six weeks and every Hill at every grade % I’ve driven down I’ve been very tense while getting down them (like 😳) From Tenn,Denver,Wyoming,Idaho,Utah Oragon,Washing state IHills all hadme Tence But Today is My Day The Lord God Sent Me You and what a great Soul You have My Brother I’m Honored to have Met you Surely in My time of need (God Will do it) Thank You again for all the Trucking tips . Great down Mountain Vid and I Shall not be tence No More Again thanks for your time “Dee”😎

[@artist4truth]

Glad I could help, nice to meet ya, yes God is good and he pits people in our path for a reason. You got my phone #, use it when needed. Enjoy the ride.

[@louisbleier6743]

Must be nice to have a Jake. I had to drive them mountains using gears and brakes. The good old days.

[@dmoney6745]

What’s the best way to do this. What gear would you suggest for 6% grade with 30,000 load

[@terrygamble986]

@@dmoney6745 I was always told you go down one less gear you went up in. always worked for me.

[@Vee6watchman]

Re: British trucks with fewer gears back in the 1970s, one book on Commercial Vehicle Braking suggested descending hill using 1 gear Lower than what is required for the same uphill..

[@johnruetz3849]

@@Vee6watchman Grades up one side of the mountain are not always the same going down the other side. As far as speed or gears go , like anything else, if it doesn't feel right , don't do it. It's better to be slow and safe than to be dead.

[@allenelswick6961]

Very good video you made and explaining going down steep mountain roads. I know of some truckers who were either in a hurry or just didn't know the proper low gear to use and let the Jake brake do the rest of the braking. For me the steep mountain roads at night time were not my favorite thing.

[@brettmacfarlane9188]

Excellent video- Very clear and calm narration, presented with great scenery! Thank you for sharing!

[@nestorluevano5891]

You are an absolute MASTER!!! Great video for a rookie driver. My nerves were just absolutely crazy and I havent even driven yet!!! Lol.

[@artist4truth]

I was a rookie when I made that video.

[@DetroitsProduct]

15mph (1+5=6th gear), 25mph (2+5=7th gear), 35mph (3+5=8th gear) & so forth. Speeds in between gears is the difference between high & low rev. To hold 20mph, you could use 6th/7th. Whatever is optimal engine rev dependent upon grade%, weight & weather.

[@prabukrishnamurthy3490]

Is this for 18 speed or 13 speed

[@dufonrafal]

Considering the vast number of engine / gearbox / axle ratio / tires configuration I don’t believe that this works that often.

[@dufonrafal]

For exemple, if you have a Cummins X15 Efficiency EX governed at 1700rpm, with an HD12 transmission, LP22.5 tires and a 2.47 axle ratio. At 35mph you want to be in 8th or 9th gear. Sure it’s close to your rule, but… now let’s say that you have an X15 Productivity governed at 2000rpm, an XD18 transmission, 24.5 tires and a 4.33 axle ratio, now you probably want to be in 14th gear !

[@DetroitsProduct]

@@dufonrafal 100% understandable but it’s called a rule of thumb. Don’t overthink Champ. In that case there is no specific correct answer. Remember…. Generally speaking. Kudos!

[@dufonrafal]

@@DetroitsProduct yes there is a correct answer : lowest gear you can use at the that speed ;)

[@ericceulemans7851]

I always say take your time. respect the road. i'm from belgium, we also have decreases of 8 to 10 percent. with a total weight of 45 tons. with that weight that you just push down. many underestimate that. I have already managed to fly many into the decor. correct gear is very important. use your jake brake. and never use your brake.... the way this man shows it is what I call professional.👍👏

[@lungonelias1836]

thank you for the vid..very calm and professional..Obviously an experienced Trucker 👍👏👏👏🔥

[@michaelrains2268]

Breathtaking vistas, proper gear @ top of grade and engine braking. Wonderful video, thanks so much! 🚛

[@darklight4815]

fascinating how that big rig can go down that steep of a grade and barely touch the brakes....nice job driver...going to try for my CDL Permit tomorrow

[@artist4truth]

Good luck. Easy Peasy.

[@darklight4815]

@@artist4truth thanks brother,just passed my CDL permit test,with tanker and double/triple endorsements too 💪

[@yurunning5574]

That calm voice of yours did help

[@jamesbrown5769]

One of the coolest videos i've seen on youtube thank you

[@wesleyshoup3936]

Great video explaining how to use the Jake brakes. I've been down that mountain before

[@artist4truth]

20mph is a little hard to conform too. My truck held best at 25-27

[@Charles_ashcraft]

Ikr I just learned something new I’m on 16 and I want to be a truck driver

[@boggy7665]

This road illustrates one reason there was so much excitement about the Pennsylvania Turnpike when it opened a few miles north of here in 1940. Roadgoing diesels hadn't been invented, and the jake brake wasn't common until the 1960s.

[@estebanamador7601]

In my country you have to see 30 ton trucks in 20-30% and really narrow roads with a 30mph max speed for a small car, heavy trucks go down at 5-10 mph. By the way, many people use Mack trucks, they're awesome with their low gear transmissions and engine braking. Greetings (Edit : what I mean is that is really amazing to see them for us truck fans).

[@s.s.secretsocietyprim2967]

Luv it!!!! So u bring ur A game!!! 🇺🇸💪

[@kimmichaud2867]

What is fun is running out of fuel on a mountain in a UHaul in a snow storm, then the 57 Chevy you are towing loses a tire and wheel and you have to drag it down the mountain slowly on snow and ice back to a town, roads closed, no available motel rooms, had to sleep in a school house! What a rush that was!

[@pedrobastos3218]

Road to hell with this happen

[@lilycherkaoui5423]

Yikes. I'm watching this because soon I will be moving and driving a Uhaul and towing my car. Difference is I'm getting the auto trailer so tires will not be on the ground, and I'm praying for great weather in april on interstate 40.

[@jwhite1686]

😂bruh said we want be using that today

[@femaleprofessionaldriver7650]

😂😂😂 “Not today, Satan!” Lol

[@winnabegobob1547]

I wish I had a teacher like u

[@jesterjake88]

Still new in the industry I try to strictly use jake breaks and low gears this was extremely helpful cause I would slow down and drop it into 8th gear on a 7% downgrade and still be using stab breaking techniques to keep speed under control

[@trainman071]

you are so calm and nonshalant a nice attitude! i like this !

[@HETFIELD]

Linehaul driver here, I dont do anything but go down and up thru London KY on 75S where I get passed plenty. Thats all the slope I want. That being said, this video makes me feel I can do this if I had to.

[@williamwarner3982]

If you are in the wrong gear, drop your RPMs to below 1000 and drop a gear. When braking, do a 10 count between applications. Best way is just like this. 0 stress.

[@ricrobinson9965]

Nope! He's correct. Don't use the brakes if you don't have to.

[@krrrruptidsoless]

I went to West Virginia decades ago and I remember there was grades in the teens. I think there was even a 21% grade. They're short though

[@scmarine843]

I would've pulled brakes and walked down 🤣🤣🤣

[@zaidchalabi1599]

dude thank you so much for the awesome video!!! i never been on anything more steep that6% and next week im going across country and will pass 9% so i wanted to know which gear and how the jakes would react this is awesome was worried 3rd stage wont be enough so im very happy with this

[@artist4truth]

The lower the gear, the stronger the Jake's are.

[@lassali1427]

Zaid.. its been a year since this comment. Are you more comfortable with hills now?

[@sportuniverse1168]

Only at night downgrades scare me🥲

[@jess500texas]

Since I'm going trucking in a few weeks, this is my biggest fear second only to icy roads

[@Vee6watchman]

Well driven, Sir! 🙏

[@IamAngelHart]

Awesome video, explaining how to keep those RPMs and all. Hands down has been the most helpful video to me yet for this.

[@jamiereid40]

Stay slow and in control on grades Stay safe Thanks for the video

[@jerryhenson3235]

Been down a lot of them. East Coast / West Coast. But when you JB not working right.. You better know what you are doing...

[@yukongoatslayer7383]

"43,000 lbs in the box..." Canatruck drivers..."Hold my beer!"

[@EarlEHours]

My first twenty years of forty years of trucking I did not have a jake brake. I think it's the best tool truckers have. Without a jake you have two things to worry about hot brakes and low air.

[@renedominguez7621]

A real PRO 👍

[@elvincortes9742]

November 27 2021 from a week ago I been driving from South Carolina all the way to i80 in to Utah from there to Oregon then south in i05 what a experience this video make have more confidence Thank you

[@brianobrian9334]

Looking foward to that...

[@artist4truth]

First place you and me are going, to the mountains.

[@intelligenceisrarethesedays]

This was a very good video. Thank you !! I learned a lot

[@melgillham462]

The thing is, those who dont give the hill proper consideration are the ones that end up the horror stories. Respect the hill, because it sure wont respect you. 👍🤝

[@mattweaver2523]

These big rigs are awesome for hills if you know what your doing. I wish there was a ramp for the 8% grade 2 miles long I went down in a 97 class b truck with a tail heavy wood chipper that didnt even have air brakes. My rig caught on fire 🔥

[@johnruetz3849]

If you have no jake , a good way to get your brakes hot is to keep stabbing them. If you must ride your brakes and you have an applied brake pressure gauge, I found that about no more than 20 psi ( just about enough to make the brake lights come on ) works pretty good most of the time. You are not getting the brakes that hot if you keep the brakes applied . Don't let up and let air get to it. Fire needs oxygen to burn . Keeping a light steady foot on the brakes should do the job if you are in the right gear. If for some reason your brakes get to hot and get to smoking pretty bad , pull over on as level a place as you can. Shut the truck off and leave it in gear and release the brakes to cool down. If the brakes are glowing hot , you can warp them if you leave the brakes applied. Sure you'll be sitting there a while waiting to let them cool , but you are still alive and you haven't wrecked.

[@rodfreess6019]

Except that contradicts conventional wisdom. If the drums are in contact with the shoes the whole time, there's less surface area to cool. If you're stabbing and going to fast, slow down.

[@v.l.7663]

The Master Trucker here great one

[@scottblah2147]

Man, when I drove starting in the late 70s, we didn't have jake brakes. It was 20 PSI on the brakes and no more and in a gear that would hold rpm at around 2000.

[@moet4519]

Mr COOL very helpful

[@alexanderphillips1103]

Thanks for this video sir

[@artist4truth]

Hope it was some form of help.

[@jean-lucpicard3012]

Beautiful view and great advice

[@jamescaliendo1030]

One thing about these new emission engines, Cummins has redesigned their engine brakes to be 40% stronger than their older conventional design...ill admit they're amazing

[@horacebob6127]

That was great cleared up alot 👏

[@juandoe5651]

I should have watched your video before driving through the mountains after I made it through Pennsylvania Westvirginia Virginia and North Carolina my breaks started squeaking I kept using the service brake and the Jake but I used the service brake more than I should have😢

[@pdxproductions7442]

Thanks driver. I just got my CDL recently and just want to do my safest. There’s a lot of things we don’t learn in training. So I refer to KZbin.

[@noahcarter1056]

Same I didn’t learn nun in training , idk how to even hook up to the trailer . Passed the test tho

[@josecarbajal1164]

I drove this at 78k lbs with a 9 speed and no Jake's or engine brake yea f*cking sucks and no way i could hold that speed limit probably went 15 to 20mph over just to save my brakes.

[@MarkOPolo456]

Great advice. Thank you.

[@traceyharding8713]

Very helpful thank you

[@darrylm3627]

Good Stuff,Great Tips😄👍🏿

[@solventtrapdotcom6676]

I'd be worried about it on ice/snow... But, this is no big deal.

[@artist4truth]

Just slow down, no biggy

[@lilycherkaoui5423]

Awesome you surely are a pro. Now what if you don't have a jake? I'm soon going to be driving a Uhaul and towing my car.

[@artist4truth]

Don't over heat your brakes. Then again your not sitting on 40 tons either.

[@lilycherkaoui5423]

@@artist4truth Thank you so much.

[@femaleprofessionaldriver7650]

I’m sorry, I might’ve missed it…. Where is this? Great video 👏🏼👏🏼

[@davidalexander3689]

I have the same truck but a 16 and automatic that works really well

[@artist4truth]

I've driven the 15, the 17, and the 19. The 19s are such an improvement, with their 12 speeds and thier erdge to move function. They are really easy to back into a dock.

[@davidalexander3689]

@@artist4truthi dont like the 10 speed i drove on of our 18s with a manual transmission 13 speed and i liked that while mine was in shop got new ones coming hope i get on they are the 12 speed autos

[@artist4truth]

@@davidalexander3689 I do have to admit I get all gritty when ever I go to pick up a truck somewhere, climb in it and is a manual.....YES!

[@davidalexander3689]

@@artist4truth well thanks for all great videos i have driven from 1995 till now i appricate you

[@patricksamuels725]

Wonderful video 👍

[@lavonedavis9307]

Where is this....so I can avoid it🤣🤣🤣

[@adventcliff2040]

Thats skill for you.

[@hotshotbythemile2811]

Great 👍 Video be safe out there.

[@dodge33445]

Just watch out for the black dog!!

[@DJSTOEK]

Thank you!

[@loganwill-ut2ge]

Its why follow safty driving if youre empty loaded truck infront of you glad hand might come off hes locking up know you cant jump in hammer lane cause empty flying upon you always drive safe reason for speed limit

[@MrStingray186]

Great video tks

[@artist4truth]

Your welcome

[@CapJunkyyy]

I edge to your voice ❤️

[@truckingwithtobee]

Damn, and I thought my 6% mountain was bad. I keep my Jakes set at high. And in seven low when I go down the mountain pass that I go down every day.

[@johncalvo1743]

What setup do you have? Tranny? Engine? Rear ratio?

[@jerrykinnin7941]

I'm in an auto shift Cummins. With Jake. But it's not right. The Jake's don't come on till 8th gear and they go off at 35 mph. I'm trying to talk the boss into fixing that in the computer. I haul heavy tri-axle chassis I love the manual hold on the Cascade. But that coasting till 8th gear BLOWS. I need Jake's to run down to 10 mph. And come on instantly when I'm off the gas. Then when on cruise they come on 123 and at 5 mph above set speed all the Jake's come on. The brake peddle is for emergencies and stop lights.

[@reformedartist8528]

west virginia has such a beautiful terrain to it.

[@bobbarclay3203]

Im pretty sure thisis central Pa.

[@metallika02]

I just did that one yesterday, during a storm! Scary lol

[@Dr_Reason]

If you have to use the foot brake, slow down at least two gears and try again.

[@elic.e.s8151]

Thanks👍

[@whyguitarguy1]

Thank you for this video :)

[@francisvaliente599]

The stress is not about fear or any kind the stress what I care is the diesel burn cost me a lot money. If I was company driver I will not give shit for driving in the mountain. Is super easy as long you not paid for the fuel . Fuel burn triple driving in the mountains that is what I care money 🔥. Down the hill my daughter can do and she is 12 years old

[@reggaeriderr]

Let the truck do the work

[@dontatme5036]

How would you drive when it snows or rains? Since we cant use our engine/jake brakes. Wouldn't i over heat my foot break?

[@kimmichaud2867]

Love those!

[@area51junkyard]

Haa i know this hill. I drove down there few months ago.. i did great going downhill but i did bad when you had to stop before going downhill. I was empty, i saw the stop sign warning,slowly start to slowed down but i didnt have enough braking distance so i had to press the brakes harder and i stopped. But i heated my brakes which threw a temp gauge light on my dash. And i had to wait for the brakes to cool down a bit before proceeding.. taught myself a lesson

[@artist4truth]

Isn't it cool, to say, I know where that is.

[@area51junkyard]

@@artist4truth yes sir

[@duggertrucking8606]

anybody see the little doe at 1:42 lol

[@showtime591]

My question would be how you would react if there was a car broken down on the side and there was no place on the side for them Like If it was straight roadtide places like California but there is nothing but Valley to your right

[@trucks8137]

Don't lose control

[@rutledge9016]

i remember no jake brake doin it 10 4

[@TonyRob-z5e]

I have to travel that way soon in a international 78500 weight. Any suggestions

[@dmoney6745]

What’s the best way to do this without a Jake brake???

[@wilE6764]

I've driven trucks that didn't even have Jake brakes so then what do you do?.light steady pressure on the foot brake and a gear lower than the one you went up in

[@madmarcos9716]

When I turn on the jake brake my speed & rpms continue to increase . What am I doing wrong ? At what rpm/ gear does the jake brake work best ? On my truck the green range is from 1000-1550rpms Nonetheless great job explaining in the video !

[@2020HotShotTruckingLLC]

You need a lower gear. Use stab braking to slow down enough to downshift and try again. With 15K in my trailer I can take 5-6% hills in my highest gear, low range with my 13 speed. With 40-45K I need to drop a full gear to hold it. Always go easy at the top of the hill and you will learn how YOUR truck handles different weights and grades. You can go too slow down the hills every time, but too fast just that one last time...

[@artist4truth]

This is spot on , stab brake to bring RPM@1000 Drop a gear,. She still don't old do it again.

[@realskata16]

I need a video on if you DONT have Jake’s

[@Eljefesidebyside]

Cool video now explain how to do it without a Jake brake.

[@bludworm1]

Where are you? What state, city? And which mountain?

[@artist4truth]

This was years ago. Somewhere in Pennsylvania is all I remember.

[@minns5515]

thanks

[@MarkBerg-tk8js]

Truth

[@engage4110]

How to go about it on Auto Volvo?