How to Handle A Downgrade

[@exilfromsanity]

You can go down a mountain too slowly a thousand times, no harm, no foul, but you only go down too fast once.

[@bracsim]

+Luckystrike great point, you r pro.

[@kahwndry2012]

Hahaha no you can go down em too fast more than once. it's not fun though

[@justinedie191]

+hello world naw it's fun some times

[@Outdoors806]

my school did not teach me what to doo going down hill i down shifted 1 gear the truck did not have eng brake so i was hauling ass down that hill i just stabbed braking then 1mile up ahead its goes up hill i went from 90 to 30mph quick lol

[@rachelrolandaharrisboyd7128]

Truth ####!

[@Freeontheland2030]

Remember all you new drivers out there, those speed signs on the switchbacks are for cars,in some areas if you follow the speed signs in a heavy truck you will likely be in a dangerous situation. Never up shift on a mountain downgrade under any circumstances.

[@adamtheede2575]

why not? Rollin heavy!

[@shottava9314]

I down and up shift all the time

[@christopheryanoski6899]

My school is teaching how to shift down and up going down a mountain.

[@aviatortrucker6198]

I drive on the Sierra's in California every winter with snow and chains. Here's a tip for the newby's… Not only do you use your "jake" but you should turn on your engine fan switch and your air conditioning (if it's cold out just raise the temperature to warm. This will increase drag on your engine as these items do. Some radiator fans come on with the jake in operation but I like to insure that it stays on during the decent. When it's a warm summer day you can open your windows, although noisy, that too will increase drag. Finally you can apply and hold 2 to 3 lbs of air if you have an application gauge to your brakes to aid in drag. Do not do this if the grade is more than 6% for 3 miles. Brake stabbing works well too if you do so to decrease your speed by 5mph each time you do it. The bottom line is you can go down a hill too slow a thousand times or more, but you can only go down too fast once! When it snows or is wet, I test the jake on flat land. If the jake sound like it abruptly stops then the wheel locked up and skidded. When that happens it's too slick to use them. By the way, anytime it is slippery with snow, slush or wet, I use my power divider (also called the axle interlock). It increases the effectiveness of the jake brake and divides the torque between the axles. This can be engaged and used at any speed but do not engage it while you have wheel slippage going on. Speaking of Jake effectiveness. Most trucking companies have a hard on about running the engine over 1800 rpm. Sorry, but the Jake really was designed for that. You'll notice no real braking at 1500-1600 rpm. I find the most effective rpm is between 2100 and 2300! Don't worry, your engine ain't gonna blow unless you exceed 2600 rpm. Let it climb to 2200 then stab your brakes to slow the truck down by 5 mph and repeat the process. Some trucks have an exhaust brake which is a different principle but also requires a very high rpm to be effective. Hope this helps.

[@frankjdm4636]

It very much helped thanks

[@otonielaburtobermejo4774]

New information to me, thank you very much 👌

[@lamarfwm1039]

Cool,cause this my first week driving and already been thru omaha,utah,colorado n seattle.its terrifying i think ima stick to something local or regional or inner city delivery

[@AK47HEAVYMETAL83]

Aviator Trucker Great advice man! 😎 I learned just by feel and adjusted my gears and speed accordingly. And damn, these guys are doing all this with less than 35k, I play with 80k+ and I’ve never been an OTR driver, got my CDL and started out in the oilfield...and what that basically means is this, these boys just threw us in the fire and you deal with it and use common sense 💀💀🤣🤣🤣

[@stoneyislandranch9783]

My advice is never drag your brakes, it creates unnecessary heat, stab braking is the best option

[@msmothertruckinnana6772]

You’re a very good trainer. There should be more like you. I’ve been driving trucks off and on for two years a downgrades still frighten me because, I never got the proper training while I was in training. My trainer was more concerned with how much more his check was going to be with me on his truck. Thanks for this virtual training!

[@bikerut]

I have been down Whitebird many times, I would pick up at the mill in Lewiston. I used to stay at Hoots just for the burgers and a VERY quiet nights rest, (I would be the only truck in the lot.) This video is a great tool for anyone coming into the business, shows the right way to take a hill.

[@Railer61]

I start CDL school in about 2 and a half weeks and just looking at videos like this one, I'm getting a lot to a head start on the rest of the class already. Like this video teaches you the jake brake and really (theoretically) easy handing a downgrade can be. I'm learning not to let ANYTHING in the trucks intimidate you.

[@watersplsh7100]

Brent W hey man this video just popped up in my recommendation and saw this comment how it the trucking job goin for ya

[@ziboteysly318]

Bro, i appreciate.... I've been driving for more than 2 years and this means nothing to me again, but you're doing a great job to teach rookies... TOUTES MES FÉLICITATIONS!!!! and greetings from CAMEROUN, AFRICA🌍

[@jordannelson6739]

@zibotey Sly 2 years your still a rookie lol

[@gsxrbengazi5869]

I really appreciate this video, you single handedly walked me through my first time going down the grape vine on the 5 or any grade for that matter. Saying I was nervous would have been a massive understatement!! Thank you!!

[@amiragraceministry401]

Thank you so much for this. I'm out in these mountains by myself and I really didn't understand how to handle the grades

[@det3135]

Patrice Austin wow

[@jathomas0910]

I wish i had you as my mentor...

[@CBrown-rx6yn]

This video is by far the best video I've seen for a newbie trucker like myself Much THANKS!!

[@agems56]

This is good advice also for people driving cars with automatic transmission, they tend to stay in drive and ride their brakes. Pull that lever to L1 or L2 depending how much engine brake you want.this is one thing they never bring up in driving courses.

[@truckerwellnesssusa]

I never knew what those L gears were for until I got into trucking 😮

[@d1oftwins]

@@truckerwellnesssusa WTF! What are those lousy (non-truck) driving schools teaching then?

[@truckerwellnesssusa]

@@d1oftwins I actually didn't learn from driving school. I learned by silently backing my parents car out the garage and taking it out at night to practice driving😅

[@d1oftwins]

@@truckerwellnesssusa Uhm...kay. 😁

[@chromo48]

That stretch of road looks downright majestic. Good video, great scenery.

[@flipd2830]

wow.. I can only imagine the beautiful scenery Truck drivers see. I would probably go a bit slower down this hill just to absorb more of this view.

[@scttiedsntknow]

Also your usually so busy watching things going on that you don't really get a chance to really look at the scenery,

[@edwardjr1562]

Some of it is. Not all of it. I enjoyed driving city.

[@ziboteysly318]

The beautiful places are too many and nice, but if you wanna look at them it means you not gonna work...

[@labrat748]

After reaching downhill runaway velocity with all brakes on fire propelled by a multi ton overload carefully open the door and jump out of the truck in so doing impressing other truck drivers as to your daring professionalism and selfless dedication to safe driving.

[@FRESHKIDD23BRO]

Sounds like fun

[@NEEKZ81]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ynmamflm]

I remember when you started driving and doing videos. "You've come a long way baby".

[@Triplex5014]

*The golden rule:* You can go too slow down a grade infinite times, but you can go too fast only once!

[@ignatiuslaurent58]

I have been watching trucking for so long and I also have my class A license but I never know that you can go down a grade with out using your foot brake . That's new to me and very glad I see that . This guy is a very good trainer that's for sure . Know I'm not scared going down a grade any more by just seeing this video . Now I'm ready to do some trucking OTR . Just seeing that I feel,confident already . Thank you trainer .

[@jimdurkin7895]

I do appreciate the feed back E & enjoy your vids greatly. By posting them you not only care about your own career but for newbie's like myself just getting started & that is commendable. From the other posts I have read, most other people appreciate ya as well... there are a few haters out there, but I don't see most of them taking the time to show new people step by step the ropes of the industry & to even go as far as showing a personal paycheck!! You rock brother & thnx again!!

[@FromTheRuff]

Over all this guy is a good mentor

[@prettylittlephotons]

E, this video was so informative and thoroughly explained....I would love to have you as my trainer!!

[@hagfan78]

Hey E, you're doing a great job! I like the way you handle guys like "ExtremeTruckerDave" lol! He probably didn't know what to do when you responded back to him with class! You're always gonna get guys commenting with "My truck does this and my truck does that and I've been driving 50 years" lol. Your videos are a great tool for the person that's interested in this industry,or the rookie driver that is still unsure of things. I myself don't have the patients for training others the way you do s

[@jamescampbell2]

thank its been some time its great to have videos keep speed low you live long.

[@mariuszgwizdon]

The only man on youtube who knows what he is talking about. There is so many vids where drivers are talking rubbish about downhill braking...

[@renedominguez7621]

What an awesome trainer I wish my trainer was that dope !

[@yourboyethetrucker]

Mainly i would look at the situation, if the entire road is covered in snow and you can't see your lane, then I would typically pull over and wait for the plows to salt the road, but if I HAD to go down it, then its just a matter of speed. Keep it at a slow speed, put the hazards on and try not to touch the brake. Keep it in a low gear and let the truck engine slow you down. But if its that bad I would highly consider pulling off and waiting, gotta make a smart call ya know. -E

[@btqy]

I hope I don't junks it. This Video was spot on and I learned something. Thanks. No accelerator just jake.

[@conservativepersonnel8458]

Damm o.g trucker channel before everyone started the train

[@madtruckamax3341]

Dam this is a great fckn video I need this info never been to mountains or trained on how to drive mountains this is one of the best trucking videos around

[@triathlongeek]

This is a great supplement to the CDL training I'm attending right now. Although we won't see anything like this at the CDL school, at least I will know what to expect.

[@intelligenceisrarethesedays]

Crazy but this is correct. Too bad some of the drivers out west don't care about going down safely. They like to go full speed and hit those curves at 60 mph or more on the down grades. I can't tell you how many times I've taken my time going down to keep it safe and get passed up and cut off by other semi drivers. Great video thank you

[@BigMoney23223]

all your videos are like going on an adventure all from the comfort of a living room. please keep them coming!

[@norbertodanielhernandez1763]

Really good instructions. I had 2 trainers and all the time, down the hill, the pushed me to keep high gear and only use the breaks and jake break. Now I realize, that they only wanted to make miles no matter what.

[@jamesberlojr.9594]

Thanks for doing this, Man America is BEAUTIFUL!!

[@leonaforman2433]

With the latest Cummins X15s, you don't even need to mess with the shifter. The engine brakes in the X15s use an algorithm to hold the truck back consistently with varying grade steepness .

[@tomsfruitstand6821]

Finally, someone who knows how to drive a truck.

[@cleipotzful]

great video very helpful for a new truck drivers like me

[@ladonnad.steele2470]

my trainer was asleep and wouldn't come to the front no matter how loud I yelled, caught me by surprise, didn't know where I was and a 7degree downgrade is nothing to laugh at! I did like you just said, used my brake twice coming down! 6th gear and Jake!!!

[@daveeverett8739]

I got taught to go down a incline in the same gear you go up the incline. Always worked for me

[@jamale.jamison6499]

The Operator is doing a great job, I'm learning something just watching!

[@23yovet]

its called an automatic slack adjuster for a reason guys. it automatically adjusts for excess gap between your drums and shoes. very rarely will you have to manually adjust them. hitting the brakes a phew times before a downgrade to make sure there isn't excess gap is never a bad idea.

[@bluehappyscrap]

This guy your boy the trucker is a real professional, very rare these days.

[@TruckerTom309]

Nice job. I wish I was still on the road.after 40 years I had to retire because of back problems. To all new students, listen to your instructors and aim high in steering. Stay safe.

[@jamesharris4652]

Jjjkkk

[@chsepaul]

What you mean aim high steering?

[@TruckerTom309]

chsepaul It means Don't look at the end of your engine bonnet but the horizon of the road. Spot the hazard before you get to it.

[@LibertyLeslie]

What a beautiful countryside Idaho. Your so beautiful I cried and want to be a trucker to see you first hand..

[@Reverend-Race-Horsey]

That driver seems/talks so nervously, lol. It's as if his teacher is making him go down the hill, lol.

[@truckone289]

U are the only driver on the tube to explain it right. On ur truck Highend of 7th-55mph. Highend 6th-45mph. So you need 6th. Also brake test. Use jakes settings All new drivers should know what gear and rpm=speed. I don’t knock swift drivers. U have to learn somewhere.

[@leamoore8388]

Jeff, never use the jake in jce or snow, you just have to shift to low gear prior to the downgrade

[@davelindstrom6005]

The instructor already said that, right in the beginning, before he had the driver pump the brakes to make sure they were adjusted properly.

[@TheAshenRider]

It's cheaper to replace a clutch than an entire transmission if the rookie student isn't floating the gears properly. Also, not using the brakes on a downgrade isn't about saving money necessarily. It's about not damaging the brakes. When you're that heavy using only the brakes will heat them up to the point of malfunctioning very quickly, and not using the jake is a good way to fry your brakes and wind up using one of those ramps that he pointed out.

[@lorenzocorrealeon]

this video is great , real life cdl class !

[@TheSolarmechanic]

One of the better videos on trucking

[@MsDisco7]

dude I just wanna thank u 4 making these videos they hve been so helpful I am brand new 2 trucking but with the help of u n a few others I think im doing pretty ok so keep doin wht u do

[@williamdavidson4576]

Great video. Good gear/braking advice also for Rv'ers hauling a fifth wheel down a mountain.

[@dundonrl]

except that most pickups pulling a 5th wheel don't have a jake brake.. the newer ones have exhaust brakes that do help, but they are for the most part either "on" or "off", and with an automatic they don't do that much. (my 2012 Ram 2500 with Cummins and 6 speed manual the exhaust brakes works A LOT better than the company 2013 Duramax with Allison and it's exhaust brake)

[@TheNastyBone]

Im not Trying to be funny but this guy reminds me alot of Radio...But I see he is going to be a good trucker thanks to E

[@Sawblade2009]

Thanks for the video. You sound like a good instructor. I'm subscribing. I've retired from my first career and am going to a truck driving school next month. REALLY looking forward to it.

[@tallman11282]

You actually use more fuel in neutral than leaving it in gear. The rotation from the wheels keeps the engine going when it is in gear while in neutral the engine has to use more fuel to keep it running. Also, the biggest reason to keep it in gear on a long and/or steep downgrade is to control your speed. If you're in neutral there's no resistance from the transmission to limit your speed which means you have to use your brakes, which on a long downgrade can burn them out totally.

[@ibex3454]

your teaching skills are so good bro

[@lleazott]

Great video for the newbies, very informational, except slack adjusters-no matter what type don't adjust without chocking your wheels and releasing the brakes. Stay safe

[@eugeniorivera5522]

Awesome video. Man been driving 10 yrs never new how to handle a downgrade great explanation I went to CDL school paid 15k didn’t even teach us these little things that are really safety issues thank you once again

[@Winterstick549]

That view is one of the prime reasons I like trucking.

[@currentresident2757]

Nice video, complicated explanation of a simple procedure, but important. I'm the one who pulls you out of the ramps on this hill and the one 65 miles north of here. There is no ticket in Idaho for making the smart choice and taking the ramp in a 'hot, fading brake' situation. I've cleaned up some really bad messes made by guys who avoided the ramps (all 6 of them) thinking he would get a ticket. Instead he spread that truck all over a whole city block at the bottom.

[@BigRoadInc]

Great video - thanks for sharing these tips. So many drivers may want to ask questions about the topics you cover, but often don't, as they may feel stupid. Cheers and keep the videos coming.

[@yourboyethetrucker]

I think I noted that u wanted to phi check the brakes (& how we did so during out PTI 10mins prev.) Also I could have labeled this vid with 100 different disclaimers, i.e. diff trucks, diff drivers, diff methods and so on. I also mention a rule of thumb re: going up and down in gears. This is how I learned and its general practice for trucks like mine (gov @ 62) and w/speed policies. I appreciate your feedbk, but this vid is to show what i go through & hopefully it helps others.

[@garethifan1034]

In Europe you never 'idle' the engine overnight to keep warm or cool. You use your built in 'Night Heater' which uses a minute amount of Diesel from the truck's tanks. Pre programme your ideal temperature and forget about it. You're as warm or as cool as you need to be. The thought of running the engine all night would bring most bosses to tears over the cost of wasted fuel.

[@salomonshi]

I really appreciate this video excellent job

[@scummybagger4213]

I enjoy listening to these videos about how to do this or that in or with a truck. I find that sometimes they actually know a little about what they are talking about. But I WILL say one thing about THIS video. Very seldom will the Jake brake in late model trucks be strong enough to hold a loaded truck back on ANY grade !!!!!!!! And Personally,,, I would NEVER use a runaway truck ramp. First, if you have ANY miles under your belt you won't need the ramp. Also 90% of the ramps will tear your truck up.

[@cerbulcarpatin4830]

I think the american trucking should be introduced to the intarder.What a pleasure to have it on downhill.

[@KevinBarakauskas]

Another great video....Amazing how much so many people have learned from you including myself....Keep it up man & Thanks

[@pkqkennywood]

who ever told you that you are adjusting your brakes by fanning them ( pumping) is going to get you killed. your brakes aren't moving if they're set. what if there is no jake? when was the last time you put a hand on a slack adjuster? Steep downgrade procedure : check traffic test brakes before the crest of the hill.. select gear lower than what you climbed. proceed.. You should get some east coast mountains under your belt, these switchbacks will test your skill. stay safe

[@btownmxer]

Downgrades are measured in percentage. If it is a 6% grade that means that for every 100ft you drive the elevation drops 6ft. On a 7% the elevation drops 7ft for every 100ft driven and so on.

[@avelrage]

Thank you for the life saving tips. I will like to go down those hills as a pro too someday. Thanks!

[@255-southcarolina8]

thank you very much I Learned a Lot Drive a Yard Dog Now for 15 years am 50 now Don't Have My CDL thinking about going to prime to Get Trained didn't Even Know what a Jake Brake Was thinking about Getting into Trucking at the End of the Year Thank you very much

[@RedBerryatHomesteadHopes]

Great job! The scenery is absolutely stunning. I have driven thru Utah & CO & it looks often like this. I am not a Truck Driver but sometimes I wish I could be. I have also driven the "Million Dollar Hwy" thru Silverton, Co. Now that is some serious driving but oh so worth it to see. Another check off my bucket list. Stay safe out there on the road. I enjoy learning from your videos.

[@patrickellison4884]

I don't see him using his West coasts and taking his hand off the wheel. Thank God for power steering and you didn't have a steer blow out. Trainer. Your balls hang lower then mine. Doing what you do brother. I don't have it in me to trust someone to not kill me well I'm getting my sleeper time. God bless you 🙏

[@dannygarcia489]

I'm with cr england just seen this video you are a amazing trainer just by watching this.

[@DarleneYoungartist]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful ahead of my mountain run this week.

[@MrBlazerman72]

Good video! I used to haul rolls of paper (46000 pound loads) for Potlatch Company in Lewiston, ID on 95 to Las Vegas every week. White Bird will make a man out of any driver. It must have been a experience your student will never forget LOL

[@apocyldoomer]

I do not drive truck anymore, but, I never had the "pleasure" of driving out West on those wicked downgrades, don't think I missed much. Also, I only used the clutch to start and stop...safe travels man..

[@sampearson6016]

dude you sound like a badass trainer. all i had shit hole of trainers and i had 4 trainers and i didnt learn a thing just on my own

[@valentinsanchez960]

i'm glad i watch this video i learn more in youtube? than i do in school

[@CarlosSanchezREI]

Thanks for the video. Was researching what to do on a downgrade.

[@DizzyWhisper64]

Great way of teaching on how to handle a downgrade. Make it fun because it isn't easy.

[@stevenunya6275]

Who do you work for? You are an awesome well educated trainer. I would be honored to have you train me

[@MrPhoward01]

Great video man I hope I get you as a mentor out of Fontana next month you're a great teacher keep up the good work

[@careditor]

Thanks man for the lesson. Had me nervous but good job.

[@supermodelatlanta1354]

Girl just when you think know you have no idea 🤫🤫🤭🤗👀🦻🏾👁💁🏾‍♀️

[@broussard79]

Went from Boise to Spokane up this route during winter....💀hate chaining up for the first time in winter. good video for beginners.

[@patemery8539]

That's on White Bird, isn't it? I go to ID every winter to see my family. I travel HWY 55/95 all the way from Boise to Lewitson. When I drove 'Big Truck' I went over White Bird many a time. I love driving a truck for a living & not a day goes by that I don't miss it. Safe truckin' to you all...

[@TheSexsar]

Good video. The first time I went to California I burned the breaks. Smoke all over. Have to stop wait and go down again. I was scary. First time going to California. Haven't go again. Thanks again 4 share your knowledge.

[@dewitt4029]

I recall my 1st mountain it was cabbage was nervous I had a A-Hole car that caused me to use breaks and they got a bit warm but made it down safe :) I also had a good trainer. your student did Awesome here :)

[@renzo7503]

Dude, DAMN good video! I'm subbed!!

[@angelface0428]

I’m in cdl school now and this is the most frightening to me

[@angelw8791]

Zakiyyah Johnson shit me too

[@Katmandu2]

@@angelw8791 Me three !

[@iGxCarnage]

Me four

[@markevans2725]

I'm in CDL school in Coeur d' Alene Idaho and this is what makes me excited,,, Cities and lots of cars scare me

[@MrCrywolfe]

Hey there my name is Nick from WV,I was watching your video on how to handle a downgrade.I am going to attend a trucking school either Prime or Reohl,and I need to learn some pointers on driving a truck.I want to thank you for your video and teaching,stay cool and thank you.

[@CloakedRaven]

not a good way to start.. compounded the brakes while parked on a hill, and pumping the brakes does not adjust your auto slack adjusters.

[@Samuel-I]

Joel Moross ... right. Pumping them does NOT adjust them. Full floor depressions on a charged system with properly functioning slack adjusters DOES do the trick. Those little pumps he was doing were worthless... and from what I caught without rewinding.. it looked like he had the brakes set, so it REALLY WAS worthless.

[@JudyGurl]

I lived that adventure in the summer of 2011. Enjoyed it but I must admit, it's good to be home in a 9-5'er.

[@Freeman_Actual]

It may surprise you to learn that the more weight we carry the better the traction we have and the faster we can stop. It's an empty trailer or a tractor without the trailer that you need to be more concerned about.

[@injun65]

I want this guy to train me when I finally decide to drive truck

[@samusamusa2387]

Thank you Yourboy U really helped me alot keep making videos👍

[@tiggersnacks4585]

I learned a lot from this video, thanks for making it.

[@hammer1994]

Thanks for the video E. It was very helpful and nice scenery too. Stay safe.

[@mariogonzalez2805]

Just got my class a, going a a ride along today to see if I like the long haul, been worried about the grapevine here in California this was a lot of help

[@imjusheresoiwontgetfired45]

Mario Gonzalez grapevine was a bitch for me as well but soon got the hang of it but it will make you weak in the knees.....lost my brakes 2 times

[@Katmandu2]

@@imjusheresoiwontgetfired45 How did you get the truck out of the run-away ? What did your company have to say about all this ?

[@imjusheresoiwontgetfired45]

@@Katmandu2 had a wrecker pull it out for me.....which went as a stroke against me but was never disciplined or anything