Mountain Driving Tips For Truck Drivers - Handle That Big Rig Like a Pro

[@burkevinell]

My advice to younger drivers is too do what's comfortable for you, you can go down too slow many times, but too fast once may be your last.

[@markknowles8159]

38 year veteran Driver-Master of mountains and grades in winter time- HUMBLE, HUMBLE, HUMBLE- Around the next curve going up or down can be a jack knife, spun out cars or rigs or a big pile up. I don’t have any control of the the other motorist. I treat then all the same- They don’t have a clue!

[@AMERICANCRPNTR]

Rookie driver here and I appreciate your advice more than I can put into words. I’m learning more every day. A good driver is always learning

[@allthings7154]

Thanks to an 'old school' KNOWLEDGEABLE trucker who doesn't mind taking time to share these priceless/ life-saving trucking tips with the newbies ... Many of them that we NEVER hear in trucking school or from our trainers

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy to help! Dave

[@chooseyethisdaygodorafalle9972]

I’m not a big rig driver. Semi trucks are just too imposing. But the way those people, men and women handle these things, especially in slippery, iced and snowy roads and in rain; is 100% admirable. You are the best drivers out there. Maximum respect.

[@brookerleerich]

Great tips Dave.....if only some of the super truckers out there would take the time to watch your video......some need that reminder. Thanks again

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Lee! Dave

[@wattyh1]

i have been trucking for 25 year's and this is the best advice i have ever heard. thank you for your fantastic advice sir

[@MikesGarage96]

Ran into people not chaining up in a snow storm in Vermont. Signs were up. Truck in front of me wasn’t chained up and spun out, blocking the entire road. 2 trucks behind me weren’t chained up either. State police showed up, wrote each of them a $1,500 ticket

[@michaelbortz5845]

There's no such thing as too much following distance. Excellent video.

[@JohnSmith-ok9sn]

Thank you, sir, for a good advice. I am still a rookie, only 14 months total, but, one thing I've learned well is to humble down. Do NOT think you have seen it all, you never have. Nice and slow, and, also, Humble does the job!

[@SmartTrucking]

That's right sir! Dave

[@Wagabondofthestars]

I am a new driver starting next week ..these words of wisdom are eternals ,two years later still helping ! Thank you sir !

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@IAmSuperPerfect]

And what if you're with a trainer and he's yelling at you cause you're only doing 45 down an 8% grade and to go faster??

[@Riserharnesssam]

Good, good advice here! I drive the Rockies exclusively year-round and this advice is solid.

[@samo8204]

You're one of my favorite YTers. I love your style and the knowledge you give is VERY valuable. Thank you for passing it along.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Sam! Dave

[@fireye2012]

Make sure to unlock your diffs when going downhill on ice or you might plow strait ahead when trying to turn....I learned that one the hard way and kissed a guardrail. Black ice when rain starts to freeze in spots here and there especially at night I think is the most scariest stuff I ever encounter in over 40 yrs of driving trucks. One night pulling a set of empty double tankers on I-5 in Oregon going through Roseburg I crossed a concrete bridge and all hell broke loose in a second.....I will never forget the thought that went through my mind as I was riding a spinning merry go round of jack knifing tankers completely out of control at 60 mph........."Hang on yer gonna crash hard"...........slid all the way across that bridge totally out of control and by some miracle of sorts it all straitened back out perfectly on the other side. I took the next exit to clean the shiite out my pants......(metaphorically of course)....I was amazed I come out of that one unscathed. At night in winter I'm always on the lookout for the sparkling crystals of death that start forming on the side of the road informing me its starting to freeze and thats its time to slow down and pay even more attention.

[@jcrowe3065]

My take from this is . Always take your time . Stay focused. No one has died going to slow down a long grade

[@Last-Varangian]

I really enjoy watching your videos and hearing the advice you give, even though I've been a driver for 38 years now. You sound similar to the old guys that I learned under, with a few changes to accommodate modern equipment and current issues. One of the earliest things I was taught was to never think I had been doing this long enough that I couldn't learn something from someone else, even from a guy who has been driving less time, simply because of different experiences. Thanks for taking time to make these videos.

[@KentuckyRanger]

Awesome advice! Remember, a spinning or sliding wheel, is a worthless wheel... And complacency is a killer!

[@SmartTrucking]

10-4 on the complacency! Good to hear from you Kentucky Ranger! Dave

[@choppwhite4189]

You’re dropping A LOT of wisdom and knowledge thank you

[@Peterbilt-vr8cw]

Thank you Smart Trucking Com and all the other truckers out there for keeping the Country rolling

[@pogveteranar9415]

Don’t think I can say thank you enough for all the time and information you give.

[@randypurtteman1183]

I love your channel. Being an old and now retired trucker I can verify that what you say is true. Trucking back in the day did have all the problems you mentioned in the video you posted on that subject but all the plus side were there too. That situation just doesn't exist any longer with the mega carriers, just in time delivery (where you are a traveling Warehouse) Ang government intervention, which has reached epic proportions. There isn't. any respect out there any longer for the skills required to be a "Knight of the road", not even from within your own industry. In short, the professionalism is gone. That's why I retired.

[@orionthesion182]

Thanks Dave as a rookie driver i appreciate your tips and hope you continue to release videos. Thanks

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@alfonsoponce1381]

Thank u for the advice been driving 7 years wish I would of known about ur videos wen I was driving in the mountains it was very scary wen I first started doing it I’m from TX so it was very new to me my legs wouldn’t stop shaking.

[@leyendaclub1431]

My trainer said “NEVER” use engine brake in bad weather. In rain or snow, but every video I have watched everyone has used the “Jake Brake.” Doesn’t make sense.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

I really appreciate all these videos you have made sharing your knowledge. You’re really helping me out a lot

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching! Dave

[@matthewjoyal4088]

I drive north of Hinton and Jasper Alberta every day. Great advice.

[@SmartTrucking]

Beautiful area!

[@Evanc33]

Great video Dave!!! We all need a little reminder to what hill driving is all about, especially in winter conditions. Stay safe.

[@bryanlettow4389]

I'm not a truck driver (about to get my class A) but before this video started the Siskiyou mountain pass came to mind.

[@rogermarkeson2403]

With the comments coming in it does show how little this new bunch has been taught. I spent 16 months in and out of the bunk running double with an old timer learning how to drive on ice - - Mt passes and all the other shit before he would turn me loose. That was 60 years ago. I'm still alive and still trucking because of him. I made an offer a couple of times to try help someone of the new bunch but was told I needed a teaching degree. I asked who I was talking too how many years and miles he had on the road and was told NONE!! I said NO WONDER WE GOT THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE!! HE HUNG UP This is not a joke, it is life and death. Seams what I read on u-tube --TRUCKING-- the thing I have spent well over 60 years at is a JOKE. Makes an old man want to cry. It's not a business, it's a side show!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Roger, I feel your pain! Dave

[@ghostscantkill]

If it helps any, I would be more than happy to have the instruction. I'm new to trucking, but spent 25 years in industrial concrete, had my OSHA 30, and was well versed in safety. With that said; I have a healthy respect for the potential dangers out there. I see unsafe driving OTR everywhere I go. The "new bunch" you mentioned are the ones that went from flipping burgers, cutting grass, and you name it. Then they heard they'd be able to make better money driving trucks. Their training didn't do anything but teach them to hold the steering wheel and go too fast regardless of conditions. My overall driving style is safe, and productive. Not bragging or trying to put other folks down for trying to better their situation in life. Just wish they were better made aware of how best to drive based on conditions.

[@Bugs11000]

I drive in Bc. I'm often on the coquihalla. This year it was bad, a lot of black ice. Lots of accidents. Sadly, Lots of drivers are non-professionals. Lots more cowboys out there than professionals drivers. I see often drivers going down the coquihalla around 60m/hr on black ice. There's no way in hell that they have the control of the truck. If a moose or a deer comes out on the road they're screwed. When this happens they're not professionals drivers anymore, they press down on the brake pedal and hope for the best. Depending on the weight of the trailer I mostly go down hill around 45m/hr and if I start to lose control I pump my brakes lightly and gain back control of the rig. I also use a technique to brake for deer or any other kind of wild life on the road. I pump my brakes lightly three times. Because of the high beams, they don't see me, but believe me, they hear me. For deers, it's funny, as soon as they hear the air coming out of my brakes they spring out of there.

[@levis6945]

God bless the men and women who do that everyday God bless you i have nothing but love for you all stay safe and keep on trucking ...For the young folks IT AIN'T FOR EVERYBODY...

[@normangilbert1236]

Great video, you know your stuff, have been driving over 40 years, and completely agree with you

[@danielcristiangarcia2881]

You need to have your own school sir or something you give really good advice . Your my virtual trainer I watch and re watch everything. I follow your instructions but then yet I get honked at by other truckers when I'm not even in the hammer lane

[@kennethfillmoreCoolCatKen]

Really enjoy your videos Dave I have been retired since 2006 with a Spine injury now I have prostate Cancer but I sure miss the Trucking

[@Rob-on-the-Road]

I remember one driver telling us how he was on compacted snow on a down hill, he was losing traction, hit the 'jake' and stalled the engine. Became a giant toboggan without power steering. Luckily he had a ploughed snowbank on the shoulder to run into to stop it.

[@codys.3946]

I'm really grateful for this channel. I'm scheduled to start cdl school next month and trying to learn and prepare as much as possible. Always grateful for the advice and direction from experienced people. I've been a cnc machinist for over 12 years and my best advice for the new guys was always safety and patience first and foremost.

[@SmartTrucking]

Excellent advice for any job!

[@eddgong]

I been diving since 77 retired in 2010 , theres always something to learn and only a fool thinks he's got it all down . You sir put into words that make people understand I wish I had that ability ....theres a lot of cripple and worse know it al;ls .......Man I could never run team no f'n way

[@proudcanadian9816]

Just came across this video tonite Dave. Even though it's 4 years old, the valuable information will NEVER go out of date. I've only been on my own for 4 weeks going into my 5th. The one thing that terrifies me is having to drive the 401 in a blizzard. I'm based in Prescott and will probably be running the Montreal, Belleville, Trenton runs. There's a few really scary hills around Napanee and Kingston that I am NOT looking forward to lemme tell you. Please feel free to put out another winter driving in trucks again. I'm sure there's always new stuff out there that could use mentioning and teaching. I really enjoyed watching this video Dave, and I am DEF saving this video to watch again as we move into the fall. Thanks for your effort

[@k-singerentertainment7722]

Great advice for the new drivers and reminders for the seasoned veterans. Well said sir.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Dave

[@alechamid235]

Thanks big brother for the GOOD advise.

[@williamvangorden44]

My experience for Driving down the mountain you should hear these people. I picked the slow lane first time on the mountain. Using my Jake brake stab, breaking work and good. Everything great. Hen I hear over the radio somebody squawking. Oh, you're driving too slow driver. You're gonna get s into an accident. I'm doing 40 miles an hour. Good control, no problems and for the life of me. I can't understand why that person was behind me. In the Slow lane First time going to California and coming back. But they don't tell you this in school. You have to find that out yourself so. What the expect I mean? I'm glad that all of a sudden, my. Test started coming back on what to do in the mountains and. How to handle the speed and driving safe It wasn't any weather condition. It was sunny Day that day but I did not wanna ride blind Going down the mountain in an 18 Wheeler. Cause I didn't know when or how to approach curve because first time there And once I got my bearings and everything was going well. The next 3 or 4 times wasn't that I did keep it under 55 Or tried to keep it at 55 with 39000 pounds. My experience I think it was challenging what made it safely down the Mountain On the West Coast side and on the East Coast as well. That's where I cut my teeth. Oh, in West Virginia. I believe it was. I think that was the most scariest thing I've ever done. Because of the. A mountain walls on either side of the highway. It's just enough room to get down and hope nobody's coming up. That's gonna hit you. What year that was? A very interesting time for me prepared me very well for the westcoast. But made it to our destinations every time so. For those that are interested and excited to get their c d l Beware of The conditions the Road and wins. If preferably you wanna To be heavy going across country. If You are going To pick up an empty and drive it across country. Beware of the winds these are things that are very important. Because those winds are no joking. There is there is a tremendous amount of stress that is going to show itself when you're out there. But if you can handle stress. If you Feels unsafe pull over. Make it home to your love ones and be safe.

[@ernestoramon3700]

First time down a hill was 8% with NO jake brake max speed was 25mph. I was gross weight 77k. Before the hill down shifted to 6 turned the fan on ac aswell to create braking on the engine. I would just brake firm when rpm would reach 1800 down to 1400 let go continue so. Be safe!

[@rookievanlifeexpediting9398]

I recently found some wicked downhills runs on rt 153 NB in PA from I80 to the 219. There were stops at the top specifically for the 18 wheelers to get set before proceeding.

[@veraleroy1587]

min 5. The Desk you have there.. is great. ! I always like your videos

[@justonemore514]

One piece of advice I could give, is if you have a 4 axle heavy haul tractor, You need to lift the drop axle. Now the D.O.T. man will disagree, but it's not his butt in the ditch. You need to get the weight to the drives and steer axle. And always keep your fifth wheel lubed up good in bad weather. If you chain, chain both dive Axel's. Don't get yourself in a ditch from being lazy. I see guys spun out all the time because they only chain the back axle. That might work in the Midwest, but in the Northwest on a steep grade and heavy load. Not!! Just watch a episode of Hiway through Hell. 400 dollar tow up on guys in the ditch with no chains, or one axle chained.

[@MegaTraker]

I have driven in the rockies BC on the kokahalla tell you if you climb in a low gear you should come down on the same gear it worked for me.

[@MoisesJha]

Man, this is Gold thank you for sharing your tips and experience!!! Awesome channel.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@travissk5036]

Your information is priceless! Thanks Brotha!

[@williamvangorden44]

The first time I went down the mountain in west Virginia. There was also a cop also sitting down at the bottom of the mountain In this little small town that was there .Where the speed limit Decreased. That's where he was.

[@whyguitarguy1]

I always take corners and hills slowly as other truckers seem to fly right past me.....I bet they talk so much crap about me on the CB. 😂

[@gustavosolisjr]

Great advice. You just saved my life

[@nflisrigged1395]

Go up I-90 west in Montana Gets big up there towards Idaho

[@joemaxxcapri1799]

Thanks for taking the time to explain that all these tips are very helpful I’m still a beginner I have under me like 3yrs with roll off trucks I’m thinking moving up to tractor trailer

[@robertpeel6791]

Play in BC with weights up to 140,000 lbs and grades up to 17%. Best advise if one road is snowed in take the route that is not.

[@John_Lukas]

Great tips.

[@nehemiah3550]

Thank you 🙏

[@SmartTrucking]

Any time! Thanks for watching!

[@keithhicks1403]

I drove in the mountains the first time for Swift transportation I drove an automatic truck I didn't drive as manual truck I had a Jake break I think the mountain I was on was 6% and it was for 20 mi I had a time getting up the mountain but when I went down the other side I was going 55 to 65 I was keeping it at a steady speed 10 mph range fast and slow but I was still scared I was watching what I was doing and I was paying attention

[@jorgerenelucero]

GREAT TIPS ...... VERY USEFUL..

[@ILovedThe90s1]

Thanks for the great advice

[@willburkeiam201]

Good sound advice Dave.

[@alexpowers3697]

I grew up in the snowy throes of Highway 80 in the Sierras. I always thought it would be terrifying to use a truck runaway lane. I never saw a truck in one but Im sure they were used.

[@SmartTrucking]

I saw it one time in B.C. Looked like a scary ride and not one I'd like to try. Dave

[@normangilbert1236]

I sure miss the old days, when we still chat on CB !

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, I always enjoyed that! Dave

[@billygoat7094]

Just learning a whole bunch from your channel!....be in the seat in January. Excited, but taking it with a grain of salt as I want to learn the proper way...thank you!

[@TheDuglas63]

Dave, You truly are my savior, Thank you for all these videos. Douglas

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for saying so Douglas!

[@kikapoo7820]

I'm not young driver but not young in age lol but new . I did my first mountain drive I was sweating but drove slowly

[@rezatiktak9140]

Thank you for this video ❤

[@ericgrosvenor67]

Very helpful info, in the video and in the comments. Much appreciated

[@lupus052]

Thanks! Great advice

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

As always great information.

[@dennislarson4960]

I've never done true mountain driving (aka, Rockies, though a little in the smaller Appalachians), so thanks for the helpful tips. My one question: considering Colorado Rockies [i.e., I-70 or other roads, which can be 6-7% grade for 15+ miles]... in bad weather and poor road conditions, even if trying to maintain a slow speed going down, what do you do if you're losing traction while using the Jake? As I see it, the only option is to cautiously apply brakes and lower the Jake setting... which increases your speed... and multiplies your predicament. Maintaining control becomes an ongoing tension between brakes+speed+traction+hill angle. And then brake heat/fade...

[@jayontheave]

Was just in Utah & Wyoming.

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

I love this channel, always spot on information! Hope I get and instructor like this guy! Keep on keep on brother!

[@yevgeniyi5488]

Such good information. Thank you, sir!

[@SharonDenise333]

Thanks for the information.

[@Durahan82]

The 81 interstate Highway , between Syracuse and Hazleton can be a pain in the winter with a Heavy Load .

[@doublebreasted1422]

Semi new to trucking, new sub to your channel. Thanks for the helpful info.

[@kingcomments]

Excellent advice

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@macme2000]

thank you for helpful advice

[@renedominguez7621]

Your my hero Dave

[@oscarr.camacho7257]

Great Vid, thanks dave.👍👏

[@g41thomas]

I always learn from you, everybody Should listen to you an become a better driver

[@SmartTrucking]

I'm glad to hear you get value from the videos. Thanks for saying so.

[@TroubleActual]

Like listening to your stories and advice. I'm only 45, but i cut my teeth with old school guys like you. Oversped my Cat 3406 in West Virginia on a 9% grade on a 2 lane in the dark with only low side of jakes working. Replaced the head and #3 cylinder pack. Not a good feeling! Literally at the moment trying to stop and the money it cost me. Keep giving out advice and videos. Thanks

[@oscargarza602]

your just like me very safety. thanks for your vidioes it helps others.

[@mickelvarnum8937]

I am 56 and just studying drivers manual and watching your video's love your tips thanks.

[@madbear3512]

If you start to roll down hit hit the theader pedal

[@jayperez5166]

Great tips dave, just made a new subscriber,keep it coming.

[@SmartTrucking]

Will do Jay! Thanks! Dave

[@raymondbradley6788]

Words of wisdom as usual Dave thank you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Raymond! Enjoy the holiday! Dave

[@codypaul2495]

I'm driving in Williston North Dakota now

[@jesterjake88]

I live in Arizona I try to get a local position before the mountains start to ice up I simply refuse to drive in the winter if I can avoid it much respect to you guys who risk that white death 🫡

[@ericlietsch994]

Good advice on being slow and steady. One thing, I won't be able to do is to listen to CB Radio. I have a hearing impairment.

[@SmartTrucking]

These days you're not missing much Eric, in the way of the CB. Dave

[@scottmueller5995]

One thing I used to do in winter was back off the trailer brakes some so it would be harder to lock up . ( Pre ABS ) And goes without saying kept my mind way out in front of the truck !

[@ZR1KingOfTheHillZR1]

I have done the same, before descending a long grade that slick.If I had to run chains, I made sure to throw a drag chain or two on the trailers curb side axles, where you can take advantage of any scratch along the shoulder, then back-off one wheel brake set on the left. A rolling wheel will have traction regardless of the road surface and help keep the trailer following straight, if you miss-happen to lock up the trailer using the spike.

[@redsoldierftcarson]

ZR1KingOfTheHillZR1 I was taught to do the same.

[@kirkjones9639]

I haven't seen it mentioned. Always make sure you have enough chains, to put drag chains on your tandems. It may be a pain in the ass but. drag chains can save your ass, when going downhill. I learned to drive log trucks in the Cascades, in 65 never put one in the ditch. Knock on wood. Be safe out there.

[@truckuhmike2622]

First time tanking a tanker down grape vine I could not maintain 20 mph with jake break got to heavy on break burned my breaks out and pulled off side of road and slowly came to a stop thank god I was at the bottom and came to a stop I had no control of breaks and since that day I will never under estimate a mountain been up and down that mountain a few times

[@zaidchalabi1599]

im new and just started going mountains last 2 weeks on I-70 by utah i went on 6th gear all slopes lol it was so slow and hazards on all the way was so damn scared but went by easy using jakes and 6th gear only 2nd stage 3rd stage jake would actually stop me its cool but people are assholes always flash lights and sound airhorn forcing you and stressing me out you start thinking something is wrong

[@part380]

Much obliged.

[@Lone_Wolf_91]

Thank You I started to doing long trips from NB to California and ou boy first thing was do ppl even drive tbose hills on winters xD Did my first winter east part of usa and it aint mountains like those on west but looking forward to as I want to get experience here and there

[@blessedhebrew9289]

I noticed you said something about applying brake pedal. Just when did super truckers start using brake pedal? Too many drivers never apply their brake pedal even when bobtailing. They just burn out their trailer brakes.

[@TyMapp]

Great Advice!!!

[@kalvinlabuik3366]

Thanks Dave 👍👍