Mountain Driving Tips For Truck Drivers - Handle That Big Rig Like a Pro
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Dave gives some tips and information for truck drivers, for driving safely on mountain highways.
Driving on mountain highways, is a specialized set of skills for the professional truck driver.
There are some strategies which can be implemented by the truck driver to maintain control over the truck, and retain traction when ascending or descending a mountain road.
Dave talks about how to handle an emergency situation in the event that the driver does loose control of his truck on a hill or mountain - Re - utilizing a runaway lane.
Driving in the mountains is not something to be taken lightly by the professional driver. It's dangerous terrain, even in fair weather months.
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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.
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!
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??
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!
That's right sir! Dave
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
Thanks Lee! Dave
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
Awesome advice!
Remember, a spinning or sliding wheel, is a worthless wheel...
And complacency is a killer!
10-4 on the complacency! Good to hear from you Kentucky Ranger! Dave
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...
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
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
Happy to help! Dave
Great video, you know your stuff, have been driving over 40 years, and completely agree with you
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
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.
Thank you Sam! Dave
Just because you “know the road” so you can go faster, does NOT mean you know what is ON the road!!
Also… learn how to throw chains! Spun out on a hill is NOT the best place to ask for help!!
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
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!
Your information is priceless!
Thanks Brotha!
I really appreciate all these videos you have made sharing your knowledge. You’re really helping me out a lot
Happy to help! Thanks for watching! Dave
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
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.
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.
Great tips.
Good, good advice here! I drive the Rockies exclusively year-round and this advice is solid.
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.
There's no such thing as too much following distance. Excellent video.
You sure do like to “feather” everything, are you driving a bird? LMAO. I’m just kidding. My first truck was an old International that didn’t have jakes. I haven’t watched your whole video, but in any circumstance for layman terms, one always wants to have that tractor in control of the trailer! NEVER let the trailer control the tractor. I don’t know if you have hit on the fact that most of these goons out here now drive automatics. I do not, but I could imagine that would be a whole different ball game in winter situations. Lastly, I would like to add that a CB is your FRIEND! Driving in bad weather conditions requires an ample amount of time to react. A CB lets us know what is ahead of us at ALL times!!!!!!!
You're right about the CB Daniel, but hardly anyone but the old guys seem to use them anymore. Too busy listening to their I-pods, I guess. Dave
And that is one of the problems on the road. Most of these new drivers don't turn them on, so don't know what is going on around them or ahead of them. Another example is, recently on I-95 south, a truck was dragging the spare and the sparks were flying off the wheel and it bounced along the pavement. Tried to contact the driver by CB, with no response. Pulled along side and blew the horn and waved at him, motioning toward the trailer and the driver just stared straight ahead, oblivious anybody was even beside them.
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. 😂
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!!!
Roger, I feel your pain! Dave
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.
I would test the road for ice by applying only the trailer brakes to see if they slowed me.
Commonly misspelled word: lose (pronounced "looz") as in "win or lose" or "don't lose control"
Often spelled loose, which is a different word: "These lug nuts are not tight; they're loose"
My take from this is . Always take your time . Stay focused. No one has died going to slow down a long grade
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
Well said Dave, happy Thanksgiving.👍
Thanks Patrick, you too! Dave
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
There's too many drivers out here going down the mountains faster then they should.
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.
Thank you.
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.
You’re dropping A LOT of wisdom and knowledge thank you
So 80k lbs Sir, how would your go down a 6% grade snow packed? Use jakes? If so what setting? Thank You Sir. Any other pointers please share.
Lower gear and j brake
80,000 LBS 6 percent engine brake on full setting. Go slow enough that no use or very little use of brakes is necessary.
I am a new driver starting next week ..these words of wisdom are eternals ,two years later still helping ! Thank you sir !
Thank you!
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.
Great video Dave!!! We all need a little reminder to what hill driving is all about, especially in winter conditions. Stay safe.
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!
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.
Can you interlock the axles on the go ? Or do you have to stop and interlock?
If they're true full locking axles, which most are not, you should stop to engage. Dave
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.
Thanks Dave as a rookie driver i appreciate your tips and hope you continue to release videos. Thanks
Thank you!
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.
Thanks great video
Thank you! Dave
Man, this is Gold thank you for sharing your tips and experience!!! Awesome channel.
Thank you! Dave
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...
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.
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.
I saw it one time in B.C. Looked like a scary ride and not one I'd like to try. Dave
Great Advice!!!
Thanks for the great advice
Thank you sir for the truth!!
Thanks big brother for the GOOD advise.
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
I was taught to never use your Jake Brake in the snow, especially downhill.
The Jake Brake slows the tractor only allowing the trailer to continue it’s forward motion and “push” the tractor out of the way. I believe the proper theory is “inertia”. Some Jakes only come on when the brakes are applied. The reason for this is that the tractor and trailer slow at the same pace. BTW, just a piece of advice, a compression brake was way better than the modern day Jakes.
Thank you for the video
man I was leaving weed going over that hill south on 97. my makes werent coming on when I went downhill. ended up doing 70 since then I'm traumatized doing 40 down grades!! any advice?
I'm not a truck driver (about to get my class A) but before this video started the Siskiyou mountain pass came to mind.
What if it’s 100% grades?
I love this channel, always spot on information! Hope I get and instructor like this guy! Keep on keep on brother!
Thank you Smart Trucking Com and all the other truckers out there for keeping the Country rolling
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
I used the Jake brake and got my trailer to start skidding out scared the shit out of me should I not use my Jake brake
I sure miss the old days, when we still chat on CB !
Yeah, I always enjoyed that! Dave
These tips should be mandatory to learn before getting your CDL. I freaking love mountain driving, but other drivers up there are what scares me. It's baffling seeing the way other drivers will ride your ass down the hill, and then they blow your doors off and slam their brakes around every corner. I'm surprised they don't cause more accidents.
Thinking about starting my own trucking business
I always have trouble chaining up. Either they get twisted, I can't get them to come together to get the lock link in etc.. Perhaps you could do a video on chaining up. Also on a steep slippery down hill, wouldn't it be a good idea to chain a axle on the trailer wheels so they get braking traction to help avoid jackknifing? . Do you always chain up both drive axles on the tractor? I also have never chained my inside set on either axle.
Don’t think I can say thank you enough for all the time and information you give.
It’s all common sense but for some reason common sense ain’t so common
great info
Try driving the 2 lane goat trails in BC every shift. The province is one big set of grades. For those that watch highway through hell, the Smasher was originally rated at 14% after it was constructed, we laughed at that then. Cars would blow their rads and hoses regularly. But now they say it's 6%. I don't know who they're trying to kid. The rest of the province is filled to the brim with 6% and up grades, some as long as 28 miles. The road maintenance is poor to non-existent in BC. Usually they rely on trucks to build ruts instead of plowing. The most common road condition warning here is "compact snow". That means sheer pack ice with some loose crap on top. Combine the totally unsafe conditions with drivers that have no clue how to drive trucks, much less have ever seen snow. Many times at night I've had to wonder if the truck coming at me has his bogies on his side of the line until his headlights pass me. Lots of fun when they aren't. Maybe a foot of shoulder and a big drop off, or a foot of shoulder with a rock wall. I'd easily say that at least 3/4s of the clowns on the road these days have no idea what chains are for, much less how to put them on. On my route I cross 5 mountain ranges each shift. It's very demanding, and requires a lot of skills. Guess that's why most of the trucking companies out here run ads saying no experience required, we have 10 LMIA openings. It's real fun when all the major east west highways (3) are shut down at the same time. But I'd go stir crazy on the wonderful interstates. Here almost all big grades have a slow to 20 mph curve at the bottom. Yes there are a few lousy grades down there. But one day in BC would make you see the wisdom of carrying lots of extra underwear.
I loved running B.C. but it wasn't a province to drive in a hurry. Dave
Such good information. Thank you, sir!
I heard this from a old BC trucker he told me those BC runaways are no treat because design to slam a truck into the mountain face yeah don't want that either
Never tried one but they don't look like fun! Thank you Kalvin! Dave
Semi new to trucking, new sub to your channel. Thanks for the helpful info.
I run 40 & 80 to Oakland ... my only input with all the dead truckers I'm seeing, roads bad, shut er down
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.
I hope that this isn't a stupid question, but I am going to ask anyway.
I am not a truck driver, but I have driven both manual and automatic transmission vehicles in severe winter conditions, and I have found that driving a manual in snow is easier because I can pick the gear for braking, and going up hills including steep ones. I avoid wheel spillage, sliding, and I use the engine & transmission to slow my vehicle going downhill.
Anyway, does this also apply to semis? What additional concerns or techniques are required to drive automatic transmission semis through the mountains?
Ask 10 drivers on the CB,get 10 different answers!
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
Thanks sir
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 drive 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.
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
Hey I am a rookie about to head to orientation after thanksgiving. Most everything I see says not to use the jake on snow and the like, care to explain why it is acceptable? It is a mega carrier so I will be in a newer automatic
Great advice. You just saved my life
Good day sir I have one very important question . Can we use engine brakes(jake brake) in snow for downhill ? Plz advise I confused bcz some are saying you have to use and some said never use . What is the proper answer.
Words of wisdom as usual Dave thank you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Thank you Raymond! Enjoy the holiday! Dave
Great advice for the new drivers and reminders for the seasoned veterans. Well said sir.
Thanks! Dave
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.
Can u please make a video for someone who is on a first time Rocky Mountain 🏔 crossing any advice is more than welcome 🙏
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.
Try to have your load balanced out if possible. I got heck for movibf weight to the back at a liading dock. Haad wood floor so was able ro nail down cleats and load locks before going down an icy NY hwy from Cdn. Later when tbe owner doubd our i got heck from the safety guy. The safety guy fot fired the co had jusy killed a lady in US when trailer jacknifed sheering thetop of car off. Most co or truckers dont talk about this problem. I aslo back off one brake ( which is xonsidered illegal) vut a rolling wheel will prevent the jacknife. The trailers in both occasions did have ABS braking. But often do NOT function esp in winter. And DOT inspections st that time ABS were NOT even required to be functioning. Samething as engine " jakebrake". Hook up a tractor with ABS brakes. With a trailer that had NO ABS brakes. Good idea. Then blame drivers for trying to make it safer. Yup. Safety guy got fired. Co had to deal with the law suite. I told the youngvdriver NOT to blame himself. NO had told ar taught him different. 1 403 830 4124. Maybe this utuber trucker would like to call me and discuss this. And if NIOT why NOT? 1 403 830 4124 . We now build ( like a locomotive) "emergenncy traction on ice" for vehicles. ( semi have own pressurized air system. Other concrete etc attachments for skisteers etc. Do digitial online global marketing ( utube etc) While doing your reset . 3 - 5 yr retirement plan
Thanks! Great advice
Question,. Eastbound ( Rogers pass & the snow sheds, steepest grade I think ) .. full load Eastbound, heavy snow, can I keep a medium Jake on and grab a decent gear? Preferably seven?
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.
Excellent advice for any job!
I always learn from you, everybody Should listen to you an become a better driver
I'm glad to hear you get value from the videos. Thanks for saying so.