How to Change Gears in a 18 Speed Road Ranger

How to Change Gears in a 18 Speed Road Ranger gear box. I show you how to take off and go through each gear then how to come to a stop using the engine brakes.
Second is to show how to go up a steep hill, changing down gears as we go up, then how to go down that hill using the engine brakes.
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[@gaugenewton8605]

Such a great human you are mate.Enjoy your videos so much.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. It's great to have you along.

[@UsEr-839djsjwo68]

Back in the 1980's I worked for Eaton and Kenworth was one of my accounts. I drove many types of trucks, busses and double road trains. Anyway, it was always a point of discussion about using the clutch but the general consensus was that it's up to the driver. A good, experienced driver can change without the clutch and the transmission will be fine. There may be extra wear on the selector forks or the sliding clutches but usually, if the driver knows their stuff, this is minor. A bad driver will wear the forks and dogs vey quickly causing gears to not engage effectively or jump out. One exception is the range change from low to high and back again. This change is synchronized so the clutch is needed to break the drive or you'll get a bad change. This is because the internal synchro works by speeding up or slowing down the gears and shafts to match their speeds so it engages without crashing (which is what you're doing by using the throttle). If they're still connected to the engine via the clutch, the synchros can't do their job. So, while you can move the gear lever and change the ratios without disconnecting from the engine, just by releasing torque by taking your foot off the throttle, the range change relys on a full disconnection to work properly. Otherwise, a brief pause as you go through neutral may help. But the range change system is designed to use the clutch just as a full synchro box is. To get a good compound change with gear shift movement, splitter change and range change without the clutch is a mixture of skill and luck. Back in my day we didn't have 18 speeds only 13's had the splitter but the 18 speed is basically the same in terms of operation. That's my take on it anyway.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

That's great. You certainly know your gearbox such is great.

[@doriankeating1963]

Good info Bazz , I was going to suggest that , about the down shift into the lower box,, I learned in a 13 speed round the corner overdrive box RR , with the flat top shifter,,, you can go back to the 1st gear slot in intermediate which is about equivalent to a gear in-between lower 4th and 5th which was good for going up the Tawoomba pass and Brisbane ranges in my old road boss. Was really a 4000 with a roadboss bonnet . Cheers.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very good. Thanks

[@lucasgroves137]

Thank you, Eaton man, interesting to hear about the ins and outs of the range change.

[@ahmetgundar6889]

Good luck, it's a pleasure to watch you, I wish you safe driving.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very nice. Thanks

[@berserkwarrior69]

Bro, thanks for your videos. May I suggest that it might be something to consider not to wear socks while driving, maybe crocs or something loose fitting as to not put pressure on your blood vessels. Stay safe and keep on truckin' 🤙

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks but I can't wear anything else beside sneakers or sand shoes and they're known elsewhere.

[@michaelboyce7079]

Pulling onto the shoulder of the road to let cars get around you can sometimes work as a very accurate indicator of the intelligence or otherwise of the average motorist. I can remember doing this on a steep hill in Queensland years ago - and all of the 20 odd cars behind me followed me onto the shoulder of the road! You just can't do any favours for some people! 🤣

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

It's a bit like sheep. They all follow the first car behind you. If that first car were to just overtake you then they all would have too.

[@chuckmaddison2924]

Extremely interesting. A lot of people have no idea what's involved. My son did Perth Sydney and back each week with a road train, good pay, but not easy. A special call out to the South Australian police for all the tickets.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ticket. No good

[@Garde538]

I now have my truck licence thanks 👳‍♂️

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very good. I'll see you out here.

[@cat793cdumpy]

Nice video John. Great explanation and demonstration and great camera views to back it all up. Love watching a professional at work.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks William

[@sniper10666]

An explanation of type of gearbox as there are variations of them and what gear you started on and how many gears you are jumping at a time for the people who know nothing about trucks, I myself am a truck driver but nothing over 10 gears is my limit but thanks for the insight

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very good. Thanks for watching.

[@roberthughes1134]

Thanks John, that was wonderful.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh very nice. Thanks Robert

[@BobHumphries-ml4sz]

Hi Johno nice video bought back lots of memories driving old trucks in the uk keep safe regards bob

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Bob. I guess they're all automatic over there now.

[@manjulamail]

That’s a great one mate. You got one of the best truck with best gearbox configuration. Can’t get better than that. Thanks for the video, safe travel mate

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very good. Thanks again

[@corinschick8172]

Great video thanks. I appreciate all the camera angles.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Corin

[@stevenmifsud7496]

This is why iv all the love and respect for both not only the driver's but I myself love these trucks and the sound of them and with that well done to all you trucks job well done and keep up the great work 😊😊👍👍👍👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks heaps for the support

[@MetalMania3DTV-TAS-AUS]

Awesome, brought back loads of memories 😊 I appreciate your videos Johnno, have a great weekend👋 Cheers🍺🍻🍺🍻 KC 🇦🇺🤝🇦🇺😎✌👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks. I'm NG home. I'll be home by tomorrow evening.

[@MetalMania3DTV-TAS-AUS]

@@RoadTrainAdventures my pleasure mate anytime and ok got ya, take care and safe travels 🙏👋👍🇦🇺🍺🍻

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

👍

[@shamelesskindness]

Of all the times I check the recommendations, in which I very rarely do!!! I come across your video!!! Excellent to see a rig in action, by a true driver. My father used to Brisbane- Sydney- Melbourne- Adelaide-Perth journey, he drove for Peter Jackson cigarettes. Used to have to call home base every 15 minutes if in case he was robbed- wasnt ever robbed!!! He’d return to Melbourne after Perth then would travel inland back to Brisbane with an forklift on the trailer. He would stop in at farms with cars he liked and would offer a sum then bring the car home and refurbish it back to new. He was the hardest worker I’d ever met, and his car revamping skills were absolutely brilliant.. Many years ago he gave my brother a truck driving lesson, smashing through the gears with no clutch used!! But he didn’t mention how it was done, my brother and I were dumbfounded!! Cheers for memories..

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks for your story. Yes when you practice at changing gears like this it looks easy. I don't know anyone who delivers smokes now but no doubt they would have new gps tracking for their trucks.

[@shamelesskindness]

@@RoadTrainAdventures most definitely, he drove semis for 33 years and not 1 accident- in a semi nor a car. With the car refurnishing he had done absolutely everything. Strip it to a bare bone and start from there. Never used bog or filler as he seen it as cheating and lazy!! My brothers and I had been given our first cars by him- eldest brother had an xy gs- Dad had the phase 3!!! My other brother wanted a hr premier- delivered and bought back to life!!, I wanted an lj grt- not an xu1 as I love the xu1 but the gtr has a certain flair about!! But I still got the 202 with triple webbers!!! The craziest thing to car he done was put the 202 in a ford escort panel van until the gtr was ready for it- back when road worthies were only done once then lads would go nuts!! My bothers leant the insides of a car- interior, motor etc. While I learnt to panel beat and paint. Both of my brothers drive rigs and I went down the musical avenue!! But I still know how to panel beat and paint in 2 pack!! Thanks again..

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Sounds like you got some good stories to tell. What musical instruments do you play? I play bass guitar and keyboards/piano.

[@shamelesskindness]

@@RoadTrainAdventures yes just a few stories, I’m only 50 though, 60 is a good age to write a book!!! Nice selection of instruments you play. I play guitar and bass, plus keyboards. I do write music but I’m not a singer!!!

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh very good. It's a great thing to be able to play an instrument.

[@ken_worth]

Hey there John, thank you for this informative video. I watch and enjoy all your videos. Always good driving, stay safe 😊

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very good. Thanks again

[@ken_worth]

@@RoadTrainAdventures very welcome 😀

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

👍

[@Thepigfromthepot]

Great to see the clutch used as it should be and smooth as glass shifts

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very good

[@gpm9333]

I learnt on a 15-speed road range. Enjoyed it very much. Great video mate 👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

You'd be a great driver then.

[@Thepigfromthepot]

Much like me I learnt with a 15 speed over drive in an old Detroit powered kenworth heavy rigid

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

@@Thepigfromthepot Very good

[@andrewholm3775]

Like watching your videos johnno I'm learning new things all the time and hope I can complete my dreams of driving a prime mover with a single trailer Keep your posts coming and stay safe on the black top

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Andrew

[@DirkSilverwolfLinnemann]

Hey, Johnno, fantastic video. I admit I didn't understand everything at once... May have to watch this 2/3 times... But thank you for this intersting 'How to'. 👍🐺🙂

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Dirk. Yes sometimes we have to watch things through a few times to understand everything.

[@MrJayGridley]

thats how i was taught to drive, by a farming electrician haha, i sure do miss those open dusty roads. good video mate enjoyed the trip down memory lane

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Sounds like you got taught right.

[@user-ne1hg3pi2b]

Great show try going from top to bottom box at higher rpm on hard climbs .Take the motor just past the governor when shifting ,the gear will fall in

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

👍

[@paultube11000]

thanks kindly, I have a Heavt Rigid but only for synchro, it was very educational. Great driving.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Paul

[@busterevetts1864]

Great video, used to love the manual box and slip shifting.. Been driving an automatic for the past 5 years. I think now over here if you spec a manual box on a truck you pay extra these days.. Times have changed.. Kepp the great videos coming..

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes. Auto used to cost more, more it's standard.

[@garyquelch888]

Excellent Johnno thanks for that😊

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Gary

[@busdriver8610]

Hey mate, lovely video really appreciate it. Just doing my license at the moment, still struggle a bit going down in gears haha but gets better everyday. Thanks for the video.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes it's all about practice watch is hard when you're paying so much for lessons.

[@simonmarshall180]

Trucking done right. Old school. I’d love to see you’re comparison with a a MaxiTorque ad also a 20 speed Spicer. All of which I may drive any week. I didn’t learn anything from you but it’s great to see someone do this to show the world. Cheers from Ropey on the UHF. Or on the ABC Quizzes. Well done sir. 🎉

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Simon. I've never driver a spicer so I can't say much about them and I doubt I ever will now.

[@vlfreak]

great shots john, thanks for the vid. i miss the growl when shes pulling hard on a hill, used to travel with my old man as a kid, T650 / 3406 @ 425 / 15sp RR. 🍻

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh very nice. This truck does sound nice when taking off.

[@mattluszczak8095]

I think going to lowbox your changing gear and range so everything is slower when you whip it up gear. That loaded you might want to go to 3rd overdrive. Allways feather clutxh going up or down from or to low/high high/low boxes

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

No clutch for me under any circumstance. That won't end well.

[@MarioVanDerMaas]

yeah. Its all abouth the feeling with the truck and the weights. I liked the heavy weights. Our total weight was 45 tons. I loved that. Even in the mountains. You have a new steering wheel. Vey nice one.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes the new steering wheel is good.

[@MarioVanDerMaas]

@@RoadTrainAdventures The DAF had the same steering wheels as the old ones you had before. Over time they will wear out and crumble. That even rubbed off on your hands. You will no longer have that problem with this beautiful wooden steering wheel.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes that's what happened to my old one. It's nice when they're new.

[@wra64dashcamtruck]

Another great video john. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks heaps

[@mikehall3380]

Marvellous work 👏

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Mike

[@user-ne1hg3pi2b]

John’s try the higher rpm when going from top to bottom box if that doesn’t work sometimes the air selector on the g box gets lazy . Disconnect spaghetti line on selector on g box and spray a little wd40 inside , it will make the selector a lot quicker .My gearbox man showed me this trick years ago.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

The gear selector moves fine but I'll try that.

[@ivanmilja9441]

Great 👍 video John you make it look so easy I guess that’s years of experience

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

👍

[@markrowe-su3be]

Johnno another excellent video,

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Mark

[@doriankeating1963]

Every truck has a certain way it responds to being driven,, the key is to find the sweet spot,, when all the running gear seems to mesh smoothly,, going up and down. Much better fuel economy and far less wear and tear on all the components can only be a good thing, not to mention keeping it safely planted on the road and upright. Many times, "most i would say" times its a car driver that causes a situation where the truck driver needs to react to save the lives of the occupants of the car and our own, and the rig, so bare in mind that we can be driving quite good and have someone else put all we learnt about how to react into place, and have to fight like hell to save everyone and eveything. Keep your distance and be vigilant and aware of your surroundings , you may need to park it in a hurry out of harms way. This was a good example of driving smoothly in this rig,, obviously there are a few methods to changing gears and operating the rig in near optimum performance, if you need to force it, then its usually not right. Happy motoring and stay safe.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks for your comments. Yes your right in all you said. I made a video on how we need to ask create good driving and response habits. This means that if someone pulls out in front of us, or first reasoner needs to be the right one.

[@raymondbradley6788]

Thanks, Johnno, awesome video brother👍👍👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Raymond

[@raymondbradley6788]

@@RoadTrainAdventures you’re welcome Johnno, have a great weekend👍👍👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks. You have a great weekend too.

[@GBtrucklady]

Yay! Bindoon is where my sister lives 😂 Hopefully catch up when I’m there. Just been told, Chittering Roadhouse is not far if you’re passing through.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh wow. Well I pass there when I to and from Perth.

[@jamesparsons8477]

Amazing work

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks James

[@wayneschenk5512]

Great video good detail and skill.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Wayne

[@Paul-zr5sq]

Beautiful driving. ❤

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Paul

[@dperk1757]

Loved watching that, thanks

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks heaps

[@rickbonnici]

Good video Johnno, nice explanation 👍🇦🇺

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks again Rick

[@jimmydcricket5893]

Nice & smooth.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Jimmy

[@MrMofo01]

True trucker right there. Gr8 vid thx.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very nice. Thanks heaps

[@martinharris5107]

Great information thank you

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Martin

[@martinharris5107]

Your most welcome bro keep them coming

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Will do

[@johnmettam1573]

Great video mate, thanks

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks John

[@robertmccallum3960]

Great video. Keep it coming

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Robert. Will do

[@jonathand1654]

Great show

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Jonathan

[@mattluszczak8095]

Nice bud thanks for the video!!

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Thanks Matt

[@Andre-yu3qs]

Fantastic, with a European truck and a manual gearbox, you had to use the clutch for every gear and often double clutch! Thanks for sharing.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

That sounds like a synchromesh gearbox.

[@Andre-yu3qs]

@@RoadTrainAdventures Yes, it's synchronised! That's how I got my HGV licence (I've never been a professional). Now it's all automatic, but some models from some manufacturers still have a manual gearbox as an option.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes I see

[@siberg6257]

​@@RoadTrainAdventuresZF gearbox, my father has a 2009 DAF 6*4 with a 16gear ZF gearbox. Young drivers aren't able to drive it, here in France all new trucks are full auto...

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes. That's no good that lots of new drivers can't drive a manual.

[@boeyyx]

Nice work mate, i would of loved for you to instruct me to drive the roadranger!

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Boe.

[@tsunamis82]

Clutch packed up in an XK120. Drove for 300km changing gear by revs alone. Had to take off in 2nd gear though after a stop. Those were the days.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes. My clutch stuffed up once and I had to start the truck in gear.

[@seanworkman431]

The slave cylinder on my F100 died out on road between Noosa and Sydney at night so I floated it to a rest stop and then in the morning gave it a bush mechanic rebuild on the tailgate. Worked for a bit but then to take off from a stop I'd have to put it in low with the ignition off then hit the starter and away we went. Some have a drivers license and some can actually drive.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh yeah. Good stuff. When my clutch went I had to stay the engine whilst in bog gear and then I was away.

[@KellyanneGill]

Thanks for the tag Johnno

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Anytime. Stay cool there.

[@KellyanneGill]

@@RoadTrainAdventures a little bit hard when you have no air con, and temps are in the 40s

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

It's 43 today and tomorrow at my house in Perth. No air conditioning? Why is that?

[@KellyanneGill]

@@RoadTrainAdventures owner didn't want to install it when the building was built

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

@@KellyanneGill That's a deal breaker for me. I love my air-conditioning

[@Pahal-1988]

Informative video 👍👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Pahal

[@mmmmdeliciousbacon]

That was amazing to watch. I can't believe you only use the clutch once to take off and from there not to change gears 😳

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

That's it. I'll grind it off I touch the clutch.

[@Tangaroa775]

Especially when you miss gears going up a hill that’s why you need to use the clutch 😂

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

When you get used to not using the clutch, there is no difference. It's just easier without the clutch.

[@christianmagno984]

​@@Tangaroa775 supporting Nazis/marxists satanists still!? God bless Russia! Little Russia/Novorussia and Donbass people and lands going back to the free and Christian motherland.

[@tim211100]

​@@Tangaroa775 I think your mistaking how these gearboxes work and comparing it to your corolla ... In a car or even some Mr trucks we use sycro boxes which essentially means the gears are synchronised to mesh easily, that allows plenty of room for error , these boxes are not synchronised they're open mesh meaning you can change gears without clutch and it does no harm much better then grinding the main gears in the box and less wear on the clutch and braking system.. just helping explain the difference.. once you understand trucks are not the same machine's although similar then you'll be right .. I might retire doing this for now I'm enjoying the local jobs keeps me close to the family and less stress ..

[@noordhup]

it's called a progressive shift when going up through the gears, also i was told by a mechanic it's best to break the connection between engine and gearbox by partial use of clutch as if you don't do it right you will wear out the bearings in the box quicker.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

This may be in theory as I've been driving like this for years and never had a gearbox problem.

[@67katman]

Another great vid Johhno, but you lost me after 3rd gear.. 😂😜😂

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ha ha.

[@jessicawang1740]

Great stuff

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Jessica

[@user-ne1hg3pi2b]

In the old days 350 cumins grossing 60 t coming over blue mountains on bells road 15 speed r.r always went from top to bottom box at 1900 rpm .Try taking the motor just past the governors when going from top to bottom box on a hard climb ,the gear will fall in smoothly

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

👍

[@306champion]

There are those who operate a truck and then there are those who "Drive" a truck. The driver feels and understands the box, the split, the engine and the need to or not to exert things, you mate are the driver. I myself was only an operator for some time and came unstuck a couple of times on big hills, but then we live and learn, lol. In other words I was a cowboy.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Maurice. I'm sure you would be good too with a little more practice.

[@doriankeating1963]

You are to be commended for your honesty, and it sounds like you have learned the difference between the 2,,, it only takes one mistake for it all to go pear shaped ,,,,, and often enough it's usually someone else in a car that causes us to have to work hard to not only save them, but also ourselves and the gear ( rig ) as you know buy the sounds of it. Keep safe ...... cheers.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very true

[@306champion]

@@RoadTrainAdventures I did get a lot better mate, lol. But my health saw to my retirement, on top of that I had a run of near miss head-on's with cars (no fault of my own), I just had enough in the end.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes I see. I hope you're enjoying your retirement.

[@samstergti9812]

This is intriguing to watch. Here in England we use the clutch on every gear, a real different way of driving. However, I only haul max 44t, might be different on the heavy haulage side. I'd say use the clutch to go down from high to low, all the mass is pulling/pushing on the gearbox, making it hard to shift down. Great video 👍

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Are you using a road ranger or synchro gearbox?

[@trentfrancis4646]

Tell him to float his synchro mate@@RoadTrainAdventures

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

@@trentfrancis4646 ha ha

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

@@trentfrancis4646 ha ha

[@stefantrnacek1394]

Very informative video.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

You'll be driving in no time.

[@stefantrnacek1394]

@@RoadTrainAdventures I have driven them. I used to do B Doubles from Perth to Brisbane. It is good to see you showing people how it is done.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh OK. It wasn't done the best. I think I'll do another one in a year.

[@dpd6401]

Great video mate

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very nice. Thanks Campbell.

[@arthurmowatt8256]

great video iohn never new you just used the throttle to change gears on a road train stay safe

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Arthur. Yes it's as simple as that.

[@madaxe79]

We had roadies in all the trucks growing up, I was driving cabover acco’s with roadrangers before high school, but I’ve never split gears like that. Guess Ive never pulled that much weight to need to.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

And there is no need to spilt unless you're heavy.

[@jess-cr7fo]

Great vid

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Jess

[@ThePaulv12]

There's more than one way to skin a cat and I must say I've never seen such economical shifting of a Road Ranger without the clutch. You've made a high art form out of it I reckon. I've been in trucks with drivers that drive without the clutch and I cannot believe how they kid themselves their technique is good. Hard on the equipment is about the mildest description I'd apply. Anyway I'm a lowly clutch user. I seem to manage - rather well in fact. Maybe I'll grind a gear or even miss about 1 in 1000 shifts, there's always some situation that catches you out and your rhythm is lost. That said I do a fair bit of city driving in traffic and a fair bit in large country towns. I drive both single and B double tankers. Liquid is very challenging in traffic because not all tankers are baffled as you'd expect. There are reasons why they don't have baffles and that is with baffles they can't be cleaned adequately with the internal sprayball which could be problematic if carting liquid foodstuffs, milk that sort of thing. The one thing they can do to minimize surging is put multiple unbaffled tanks the idea being you can fill 2 tanks completely full and one partially. Good in theory, but human nature being what it is, what do you think happens? - Well each tank has a different product doesn't it, none of which fill any tank LOL. Anyway the liquid gets what's called tank slap when partially filled - usually 2/3rds or less. The liquid slaps the back of the tank, then the wave surges to the front, hits the front bulkhead then repeats. It makes gear shifting pretty interesting. When you're in gear in traffic you can watch the tacho rise and fall with the surging of the liquid and you get good at timing gear changes. Forgetting tankers, the way I shift is the way Eaton Fuller recommend on their website with an exception - I now never ever use the splitter for any reason without going into neutral and doubling the clutch either upshifting or downshifting. Too many times I've used the splitter as the Eaton Fuller website recommends and the gearbox has gone into neutral, spun the gear train up and made it impossible to get any damn gear without coming to a complete stop. Very embarrassing for a professional driver even if I'm the only person around. The other day I was in a truck from one of out other depots and I decided to use the splitter the way Eaton Fuller recommend since it was a nice shifting gearbox and thought let's try on this truck and see what happens. I wish I hadn't. I moved the splitter, gently depressed the clutch and all I got was neutral yet again, in traffic and loaded. Luckily it didn't spin up the gear train too much and I managed after 10 attempts in 5 seconds to find a gear and it didn't even grind. FFS! Splitter use by the book is BS! It might work on a brand new gearbox.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks for your story. Very interesting. As I don't use the clutch I've never had those issues you talk about. I've spoken to the guys at Eaton who tell me I can change without the clutch. The only issue is if I drive over a couple of hundred kilometres, such I do every day. They recommend pressing the clutch every now and then just to reset the church pressure.

[@akmaljonboyquziyev6941]

Hi John, I’m from Uzbekistan, I’ve been dreaming about Australia for a long time, I’m also a best man like you, sorry if I wrote incorrectly what you advise, I don’t know English, I can work for you, thanks in advance.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Australia needs more good operators but you need to be in Australia before you can apply for any jobs. You'll also need to learn English. There is no way you could drive around Australia without English.

[@genegene447]

I had to teach myself to shift gears with a road ranger and never use the clutch after taking off from a stop or at an intersection never grind gears one thing you forgot to mention is don't hold and push pull the gear lever just guild it to the gear you want with the palm of your hand gently and with the correct rev matching it basically slides on through

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh yeah. It's hard to think of everything as I drive.

[@genegene447]

@@RoadTrainAdventures all good mate thought I would comment to help build other drivers confidence in driving like this you done well in the video it wouldn't be easy thinking of everything

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Very nice. Your comments are always welcome.

[@genegene447]

@@RoadTrainAdventures I learnt to shift gears no instructions working as a yard worker in a yard so massive you had to go into top box or the would take to long before getting a non synchronised transmission truck licence then when I was getting my licence had to double clutch I said to the instructor that I think it's counter productive to double clutch when you know how to shift without the clutch

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh yeah. I hear you. At least now we drive how we like.

[@Mortskram]

Thanks Johnno. Very interesting. Id love to know how you made the switch to changing without the clutch. I drove back in late 70s on a 6cyl V8 Deutz with 6spd and split diff. No way I could change without the clutch on that and when I did drive a Roadranger box I never had enough time to learn to do it sans clutch

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh wow. That sounds tricky

[@cat793cdumpy]

I spent 10 years operation 400ton loaded cat 793s at the Super pit. I should have done road trains as well but 71 I am now to old to learn this difficult job.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh very nice. It's good to be retired too though. I can't wait until retirement... I think.

[@wmclare]

I would love to see you do that in a manual Argosy. They are cable operated gears and not many master it. Some try a stick extension but that just looks wierd. I think I passed you east of Norseman on Tuesday. I stopped in Norseman and a Lumbars truck came in with 10 stud wheels on the front trailer and spiders on the rear trailer, which is what you usually have but it wasn't you. Think you were the next one.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

I used to drive an Argosy. Yes they're harder. Any cable gears are although the K200 are better to change gears in. I left Perth on Thursday so no that wasn't me.

[@wmclare]

I was heading east on Tuesday when I think I passed you and you were heading west.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

I didn't leave Perth until Wednesday so that was probably one of our other drivers.

[@0o0oDaNNo0o0]

Incredible 😅

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Ha ha. Amazing

[@MrLleone2]

Even with my 26 years of experience as a truck driver in France and throughout Europe and Eastern countries. I'm going to need Jonno as my instructor for a month of training to be able to drive in Australia

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Wow. I wish I could drive all around Europe. I don't know why but I have a fascination with European countries. So you follow Sherralin and get truck channel? She drives all around Europe from the UK.

[@MadDog101]

When ya wanna take off from a standing start flick the turbo timer off. Then pre-load the shifter gate in the gear you've selected (forward or reverse) by placing gentle pressure on the gear stick. Now while ya doing that turn the key off ,as the engine goes to stop it will jump into gear & at the same time flick the key back to the on position so the engine don't cut out. While this is all happening you are feeding steady throttle into it ,but not so you jolt or kangaroo it as the key is flicked back on ,make sense? The clutch pedal is never touched! I had this done to me with a block of wood put under the clutch pedal in a 81' model Louisville 350 Cummins by the driving instructor about 35 years ago! I was not allowed to go for my driving test untill i had perfected this.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Wow. That would take some practice.

[@MadDog101]

@@RoadTrainAdventures about a dozen goes & every trucks different. So i look forward to seeing you have this cracked in next weeks show ?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Mmm. I'm not sure if I'll get to do that.

[@raymondrysdyk8630]

Great content Johnno mate...(:=()

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks heaps Raymond

[@lukeday87]

Hi Jono seen you at the globe pub in Deniliquin tonight wanted to say hi but unfortunately you were on the phone the whole time so didn't wanna be rude. Maybe next time 😊

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh wow. That was a last minute decision to go there. I always like to meet people but yes I get it. Maybe next time.

[@johnjordan4647]

Hey Johnno thanks for the video Mate. Very informative. Just a question when you are floating the gears at what revs do you ease it into gear, about 1400 🤔

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

It depends what great I'm in. When I'm taking off then I keep the revs down low and change around 1300 - 1400 then let it rev more as I get faster.

[@bruceparr1678]

I would love to see you demonstrate emergency braking.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Mmm. That would be a tough one in case something bad happened whilst doing that.

[@andrewmorgan4306]

Great video John i understand full gear changes on a RRanger but is the split change in a 2 speed diff or a joey box on the output of the RRanger box ?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Andrew. The split is just a part of the gearbox.

[@stevenloynds3691]

This was a good video I've been out of the saddle a while and was planning for a return soon....I actually learnt something today when going for my license I was taught the double shuffle the clutch with road ranger I wasn't shown any other way so was a bit more work as you can imagine...in my experience I've only ever driven 18 speed Eaton fuller box and seems the norm I haven't driven anything else so cheers I honestly didn't know you can run up and down the box without the clutch.... I can't wait to put that into practice....question what I was taught would that of that been harmful in anyway to the truck with double shuffle.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Thanks Steven. I'm glad that I was able to impart some knowledge to you.

[@stevenloynds3691]

​@@RoadTrainAdventuresquestion would double shuffle been harmful in anyway to the truck...with the Eaton fuller box

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

I don't know for sure so I won't give you my answer.

[@stevenloynds3691]

@@RoadTrainAdventures I'm obviously aware of the clutch pressure switch you only have to push the clutch all the way after a complete stop like putting into gear to take off and after that to change gear half clutch if I was taught by an old school so must be OK....

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yeah I'm sure it's OK. I've spoken to the people at Eaton Fuller who say there is no problem not using the clutch.

[@TheCumminspower59]

I would say regardless of what speed the truck will hold itself going down hill you don’t want to over run your brakes if you come around the corner and there’s a wreck across the road you not only have to be able to stop your 80,000 kgs at 60km but you also have to do it on a 6% grade which is a lot different then when your on the flat ground. I run the mountains in canada with what we call a super B it’s basically a B double but the back trailer is just a tandem we gross out at 63,500kg I’ll come off a 7% grade at 40kph and watch a single trailer unit who was driving almost 80-90kph running just their Jake’s almost light it on fire trying to get slowed down before they run into the back of you. Their Jake’s hold them but it’s to fast for a emergency stop

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes I hear you about the reason to go slower down hills. I guess you have to drive to the condition and if you can see up ahead.

[@grahamverrall9274]

Enjoyed your last episode, just wondering when your next one is going to come out?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

It's been very busy the last few weeks. I've taken the footage but haven't had a break to edit. Next weekend is my sons birthday so I am having that off so I will get to finish the next one then.

[@KYLIEMUIR]

Great video Johnno. Hey did you ask Ken about going for that drive yet?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

I just got off the phone with Ken. Yes I asked him before but it's highly unlikely.

[@turbolife5912]

I ask you to use split screen and show the gear movement with your throttle etc

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes I thought about that idea after I had made it. I'll have to make another one.

[@siberg6257]

I never imagined there are steep roads in Australia.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh yes. We have lots of hills and mountains.

[@Towball]

I see your driving the Automatic again no clutch 😁😁

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yeah for sure. I can't use that clutch.

[@Rob-on-the-Road]

Hello pal, (Just subscribed) I've just watched Sherralin's video, she said it was a twin splitter and I said it was a roadranger. The one I drove was a thirteen speed 4 over 5 only split in top range obviously the 18 splits in both ranges? Also you can only 'float' a constant mesh gearbox not a synchromesh (Volvo , Scania and ZF) ?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Hi and thanks Rob. Yes this is an Eaton Fuller 18 speed constant mesh. I'm not sure why she kept saying twin splitter. I tight that's just what you call it over there.

[@Sacengine72]

Hi John, How do you find gear shifting with the Jake still on, I find I mostly (always really) leave it off until needed?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

This truck it doesn't affect me. I leave it on. As long as you change quickly it won't affect the engine.

[@peterlosangelos4108]

Can you do mix this in once in a while, love to hear the engine

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yeah for sure

[@bogged2theeyeballs695]

Johnno, how much boost do these engines run and what are the EGT's climbing a hill like that when loaded?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Boost is around 200 to 220 and 450 degrees for egt

[@rhomernovaesgomes9299]

Hello, I don't know how can I say in English, but I will try: for example, when you change gear 5th from low to high, do you only tap once a throttle? Is this way to change without clutche? Great video congratulations.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

No. Tapping the throttle is only needed when going back down to a lower gear.

[@tkinvy9750]

Do you have cruise control on that truck for the long stretches?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh definitely. If that stopped working I wouldn't be happy.

[@JustPete65]

Is this typical for a road ranger gearbox?.... Love your work

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Yes. You can drive like this for all road ranger, in fact most people do.

[@FuManchu5ltr]

Hey mate, what’s the gag with trailers? Does your transport company own the trailers used? Or do drivers pick up a trailer and do some paper work? Drop a trailer etc.?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

All the trucks and trailers are ours.

[@FuManchu5ltr]

@@RoadTrainAdventures what of the return trip? Does a load have to be taken somewhere only when a load is found to take back? That would be hard. Or is it normal to return with empty trailers?

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Well let's say I leave it yard in Deniliquin with a road train and go to Perth. I then unload both trailers then ring the boys to see what he has next. He'll then tell me where and what to pick up on the trailers I have.

[@fedvoxavoxa]

Hey Johnno! I’m seriously considering getting into trucking and I’m very exited to learn 18 speed, My very serious and heartfelt question is… are you not allowed to drive bearfoot? 🤔

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

To be honest I don't think there is a law about that so if you want to, I'm pretty sure that's OK.

[@arturkwiatkowski6037]

Nice KZbin channel, I also like Polish channels about truck drivers' work in the US: "bezruch" and "MZNurek".

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh wow. Thanks I haven't seen many European truck channels.

[@arturkwiatkowski6037]

Bonus from Poland: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iV66gZmPrputgNEfeature=shared@@RoadTrainAdventures

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh that is not good

[@flyingpaddy7525]

Now this is controversial I know but I was taught by a lad driving since the late 60’s . Doing lowboy work up over a 120 tons with an 18 speed this lad Jim taught me to come out of 5th and go to crawler position on the high spilt with both switches. Run that till she drops another bit and then go for low side and she meshes in lovely.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Mmmmmm. I would never use that great. You don't even need to spilt the bottom box. Unless you're starting up a steep hill there just isn't any need for that. You're just keeping the revs up unnecessarily and you'll find your not going anywhere.

[@flyingpaddy7525]

@@RoadTrainAdventures You wouldn’t use it going up the box but if pulling a grade coming down the box there just seems to be a big gap between 5th and 4th and crawler position on the high side acts as an intermediary when chugging up a couple miles of grade. Again I wouldn’t mention this around a group of drivers unless I knew them all or I might be accused of Witch Craft. Came to your channel through Miss Ballard. Like how you explain everything. I used to drive in Europe out of Ireland but went back to the US and driving here since. Hauling logs and equipment these days. Safe travels.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Awesome. Miss Ballard. I'll have to check this out. I take it that's a KZbin channel?

[@flyingpaddy7525]

@@RoadTrainAdventures you know her , where just talking to her at the truck show. Sherralin Ballard. Long Distance Lorry Driver.

[@RoadTrainAdventures]

Oh sorry. Yes I got it now. I know her first name. We made a little video of me loading a road train then going down the road.