join discord + stuff I use for trucking life ⬇ linktr.ee/alexthetruckingguy my full day in the life videos ▶ ua-cam.com/play/PLqb3r_qeRLL7d61kF72wrlbbYrzXqb2Xq.html side note: be aware of scammers. the real creator has their name highlighted like I do. anyone without their username highlighted is not real. plz ignore the scammer. 🙂 Love ya'll 👊
@@RJ42997 I'm still not back on the road hauling yet, but i'm now driving the same kind of truck as Alex Kenworth T680. I'm having some off time as my sister is still on my mind.
Alex I drove big truck since 1988 and I can say firsthand, you can desend a hill with just the service breaks without smoking. Use you transmission, maintain proper safety speed, and serve breaks. I've done it before many times down any mountain top in the country. I've been everywhere man, 😁
Actually, Alex, you got it half-right. Going downhill, you want to not only have the engine brake on, but also be in the proper gear. Remember, most trucks are still stick-shift, so you can actually hold the same gear going downhill. So if you have a 10-speed, depending on the grade decline and the length, you'd probably drop from 10th to 9th, maybe 8th, depending on the decline. It also depends on your load, as the heavier you are, the more torque vs top end you need to maintain control. But as for the guy who had the smoking brakes, he definitely rode the service brakes downhill. The problem is, he heated those brake units up so hot, they started melting and, over long enough time, could catch fire -- and that's if they didn't simply fade to the point that they just don't work any more. Which, by the way, is the purpose of those run-off ramps: To stop an 80,000 lb truck with no brakes. It's why those run-off ramps are loaded with sand. The truck may get dirty and be a pain to recover, but that's a hell of a lot better than losing the load, the truck, or even the driver.
With an automated transmission one can hold the proper gear also. Unless the company/owner has disabled manual mode...in which case find a different company.
Rule of thumb for the mountains is 1-2 gears lower doing down from what you climbed in. Also for braking is the 5/3 or 3/3 in the US, 3 seconds on the brakes to slow or maintain 3 mph.
I was going downhill in VA with Jake brakes at speed limit. Was passed by truck with brakes smoking. When I got to bottom of hill, Speedy Truck was on side of road with cargo scattered everywhere. Drive safe Alex
@@williamjohns765 Idaho says, "hold my beer." lol No one talks about steep hill in Idaho, because most truckers only cross the panhandle, or the flat areas in the south. But driving North and South on US 95 makes everywhere else look flat.
Hey Alex, I was so inspired by your journey that I have taken the first steps to get my CDL A. I currently have my permit and can’t wait to start trucking. You’re a big inspiration in showing what a rookie trucker looks like! Take care and be safe!
Im from North Carolina (45 minutes from Charlotte). There are tons of hiking trails in nc. It is a very beautiful state. Its So cool you where close to me. I just started watching your videos. Truckers are amazing yall deliver all the stuff we have im thankful for yall truckers stay safe.
You are a defensive driver which is very good. I suggest you inform yourself concerning the brakes etc. Very important stuff you need to be 100% sure about.
I like how you add the stops into the vid and the backing up into the bays. Could help some people learn from it. Even if you mess up yourself. Enjoyed the vid man
The fear that truckers have of the DOT is incredible and they know why because of the corruption of the DOT when they do an inspection they put or invent a reason for you not to escape a fine just like that
Before going down a long downhill grade you should downshift to a lower gear and use your engine to control your speed. If you need to use your brakes you need to use the stab method to not over heat them. That is use brakes, let up cool brakes then use brakes again.
I know exactly where you drove through. U went through I 77 in fancy gap, that stretch of highway is known for its tall mountains, runaway ramps, and steep hills.
hi Alex .enjoy your video. I would say you drive like old school ( like truck driver should ) . I'm in my mid sixty's. I like your attitude keep up good work. Keep on trucking.
Great driving on I81&77. Traveled many times visiting family. Down hill runaway ramps are used a lot. We always saw truck tracks in them. Patrol Staties every where.
If you're prepass is red, go in the scale unless it's closed. Green prepass: bypass all scales unless you have hazmat or a permit load. Brakes can smoke for many reasons. I drove for a company that specd the trucks with no jakes. You had to slow to the correct descent speed well before the hill and always got hot enough to smoke before the bottom of hill. Once took a steep road in Quebec in my own truck with an empty flatbed. It was so steep & winding that brakes smoked . Not bad, but definitely got hot many times on the way down. Happy trails
I haul oversized like that one that you passed. The reason he wasn’t slowing down to let you over is because he weighs more than you do when you’re fully loaded and it takes several minutes to get back up to speed. If we slowed down every time someone wanted to slide in front of us we would lose a lot of time and we’re already limited to daylight hours only in most states. You were going down Fancy Gap. Everyone was passing you because they can maintain their speed. Honestly I can maintain mine pretty easily there too. The guy who’s brakes were smoking likely had been riding his brakes for a while. You might know this, but when you’re headed down steep declines like that and you have to use your brakes it’s best to use them for a few seconds and then let off for a bit. Doesn’t look like he did that lol.
Many things can cause brakes to smoke when descending a mountain with the jake brake on. Many jakes don't hold back the same and many brakes, even though self adjusting, just don't adjust equally with others. Also new brake lining will often smell and smoke until they are seated well into the drum. I remember driving a Mack down the same mountain (Fancy Gap, I-77) and I might as well have been dragging a ten pound rock or dragging a tennis shoe out the door, for all the good the jake brake was doing. Keep up the good work. ~Mountain Man
I miss driving on i81, as a Hot Shot Driver going from NC to PA it's such a better ride than taking 95, that scale near Roanoke is always open too lol and I have seen many a truck losing their brakes on i77 coming into NC and use the runaway ramps, it can be a disaster for sure. Great video keep on trucking
"I gotta pee when I get out of the truck" check your prostate to see if it's enlarged. Probably when you're sitting down, the weight depresses the prostate in a way where's it's "normal", but when you stand, the enlarged prostate causes an urgency to urinate. Probably harmless but you should check it out with your doc the next time you get a check up.
Fancy Gap is definitely a scary place to drive, even in a car! Be careful if you go through and it’s foggy, you won’t be able to see a THING! Too bad you couldn’t spend some more time in Southwest VA. It sure is beautiful! I enjoy living here!
As an Army Mechanic, I can confirm that using the service brakes on steep downhills instead of the engine brake does cause the brakes to smoke. As you hit the brakes, they turn kinetic energy to heat, and after a certain point it will burn the brakes out causing brake fade. Eventually they stop working and you got yourself a Class A Code Brown. We had a 8x8 fueler with a trailer, weighing about the same as a fully loaded 18 wheeler, do this in Slovakia. The driver didn’t know what the engine brake was and nearly lost their brakes in a convoy fully loaded with Jet Fuel. My advice to anyone on the road is to know what your vehicle can do before you find yourself beyond saving.
Many reasons for hot brakes... 🔥 Sometimes Owner Operators will use trailer brakes only if they are using someone elses wagon so they dont use their tractor brakes.... Or some axles could be out of adjustment while other axles are snugged tight. Of course the snug shoes will heat quick because they're doing all the braking... And yes, some trucks don't have "Jakes" which will heat brakes too.
Is it weird I just spent all day driving up and down I-81. Took a load from Stuarts Draft, VA to Palmyra, PA And I'm now on my 10 hour rest break and I'm watching you do the same thing for 20mins?
It’s either drive line or drive wire that gives you a bypass at the waystation and you’re supposed to take it. I bet your tablets hooked up to that. I know a lot of the truckers have using that on their phones. That way you don’t have to stop at weigh stations.
You can use the service brakes on hills, but you have to be cautious. After you heat them up enough to cause smoking you can land yourself in a lot of trouble. I recommend what you are doing, use the Jake Brake.
Going to fast for the weight on the wagon and the step down grade, Always get to know how the ship (truck) you are operating, like how the jakebrack ( engine retarder) works going down grades with a load grossing 78 to 80 thousand pounds and also always get to know the mountain grades. Safe travels.
This kid is going to get his truck taking away one day... dot is not playing with you UA-camrs making videos while the trucks moving its reckless driving... f.y.i. there was a truck driver from Tennessee who was driving and recording at the same time has camera fell off his hat and it fell behind the brake pad trying to pick it up from the floor of the truck he lost concentration last control of the wheel and jack knife the truck... for you UA-camrs record after driving you guys are gonna look real stupid when you lose your job...
@@jamesborden4805 I'm sorry I was typing in a hurry, yes JAKE BRAKE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT NOTICABLE ABILITIES TO CALL ME OUT, YES I TAKE FULL RESPONSE ABILITY.
The bypass means that you can keep going even if the scale is open that’s what it is for so that even if the scale is open you still have a chance of not having to go in and the bypass has all of your trucks information so they know everything about your truck
9:25 you are partly right. a factor you didn't add; energy from him speeding is a contributing factor. at 55 his brakes probably would not be smoking as they are at 69mph down that hill. I'm not a math guy just an auto tech. but someone else online probably knows the coefficient of friction and numbers for semi's brakes at what speed/weight/& hill grade
Oh. This is my neck of the woods. I live just outside DC and I have made weekends around throwing my boxy VW down I-81 and through the mountains of WV via VA/WV route 55. I’m sure that was a nice drive.
Most likely, smoking brakes are several factors: • Too high speed • Not using the Jake brakes • Riding the brakes and/or poor brake method Combine any of those with heavy loads and it'll get worse. I used to drive 18 wheelers myself. When I used the brakes to slow on hills, I would slow down about 10 MPH somewhat gradual so as not to use the brakes too hard then let up. Ex. If my target MPH was 40 I'd apply brakes at 45, drop gradual to 35 and repeat. And I would use Jake on high in most cases. I would not hit them and slow very quickly. This will heat up the brakes and drums otherwise. Also I was driving manual 9, 10, 13 speed transmissions. I will get in the right gear at the top to help control speed. I used to do a similar route to what you've shown here, except I was coming past Allentown, PA on I-78, typically coming from Clinton, NJ to get to the TJ Maxx warehouse south of Charlotte. Then I'd return with cabinets for Lowe's Distribution Pottsville, PA.
Service brakes, ie pads and drums, friction based. Yes. Youll see smoke coming from brakes after over use. Not mentioning other reasons why a hub or wheel would smoke…….
Hey Alex love your videos. I liked this one because as a local amazon delivery driver, I used to deliver to that place all the time if its where I think it is. Right off of either Reames or Old Statesville rd. Neat.
One thing my father drilled into me is you NEVER ride the brakes even in a passenger car going down a steep sustained grade. He instilled inro me to use a lower gear to rely on engine braking.
@9:30 not right. theres no way that a drum style brake could perpetually withstand a long duration braking event like that without some sort of additional cooling besides passing air. the service brakes are not designed to be drug on for miles at a time. they are made so they can take a braking event effectively then have a cool down period. I guarantee his emergency braking distance was significantly increased having them hot a$$ drums vs having the jake on and having normal temperature brakes.
I had to learn how to drive out west in the mountains without the benefit of a jake brake and honestly I appreciate learning that way.I don't understand how folks get in a hurry it does nothing but cause problems.
How do the weigh stations work? Do you have the option to bypass the scale if you know you're underweight? What would stop an overweight load from bypassing the scales as well?
the red truck went downhill way too fast in the first place - it should have braked much sooner - the faster you move and then brake, the higher the temperatures on the disc brakes and brake pads. simple physics
Hey Alex. I am in Maryland but I travel (4 wheeler) down 81 to 77 South into Charlotte. The stretch of 77 South within 20 or 30 miles before Charlotte has the strangest down hill sensation. I am not sure if you can notice it in your Rigg but it feels almost like you are coasting with hardly any drive train assistance...I know, strange huh? Just wondering if you noticed it. NC has the bluest skies.
Always have it in the right gear going down hill. If you're too high and gain too much speed you're screwed you can't shift down and end up in neutral, jake brake right gears and slow down.
They don't always check your weight, they'll pull u on the stationary scale to check your it's and dot numbers and stuff like that, but if you get the bypass in your truck then bypass the scale, only way you don't bypass even tho you got it in your truck is if there a lighted sign that say truck must enter weigh station,
Weight is not the only reason the DOT might want to check your truck and trailer. They also keep a “score” of your company. If many have violations, there is a bigger chance that they want to check your truck out as well. Luckily, I’m allowed to pass 9 out of 10 weigh stations 😊
Alex I like to watch you here on you tube you have a great sense of humor and I get a good laugh when you are talking while you are on the road trucking. But have to ask you something so how often when you stop to drop a load and you get out of the truck and you say "I GOT TO PEE" you crack me up😄👌🤘☝💪👋🚚🕶
If you get a bypass you don’t have to pull in. Your prepass or drivewyze trumps the signs. Been driving 25 years and have had some sort of prepass since they came out.
I’ve seen you going down hills in a couple videos at full speed. You sure have a lot of confidence in your brakes being able to stop you in an emergency…
Dot told me a long time ago that when you get the bypass to keep on going they no you got it already so next time just keep on trucking because some of them get mad when you enter and you got the bypass
People think I'm crazy for doing 45s and 90s when I'm backing when there is so much room to set up for a straight back. I do 45s and 90s strictly for the practice. If I cheated all the time with straight backs, 10 years later I'd suck at angled backing still 🤣
Rule of thumb whatever gear you use to climb the hill is the same gear you should use going down the hill with the engine brake on fully.. However if you own the truck but not the trailer it saves your truck brakes if you use the Johnny brake lever and only use the trailer brakes going down 😮😊
Folding bikes are great, especially for Hazmat drivers when you can't park within a mile of where you want to go. Don't cheap out with one of those Dahons, get a Montague or equivalent.
I have always wandered hmm I wonder if Alex ever comes close to where I live I live about 35 minutes away from Charlotte so when I heard the gps and saw where you were and I knew that road I was satisfied
join discord + stuff I use for trucking life ⬇
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Love ya'll 👊
Hi how's it going watching from Broomfield Colorado
Thanks Alex! Yes, I thought that was you inviting me for a convo on WhatsApp and when he tried hitting me up for money I knew that it was not you.
@@ralphlobster awesome… Go get him! Let me know how it goes
@@RJ42997 I'm still not back on the road hauling yet, but i'm now driving the same kind of truck as Alex Kenworth T680. I'm having some off time as my sister is still on my mind.
Alex I drove big truck since 1988 and I can say firsthand, you can desend a hill with just the service breaks without smoking. Use you transmission, maintain proper safety speed, and serve breaks. I've done it before many times down any mountain top in the country. I've been everywhere man, 😁
Actually, Alex, you got it half-right.
Going downhill, you want to not only have the engine brake on, but also be in the proper gear. Remember, most trucks are still stick-shift, so you can actually hold the same gear going downhill. So if you have a 10-speed, depending on the grade decline and the length, you'd probably drop from 10th to 9th, maybe 8th, depending on the decline. It also depends on your load, as the heavier you are, the more torque vs top end you need to maintain control.
But as for the guy who had the smoking brakes, he definitely rode the service brakes downhill. The problem is, he heated those brake units up so hot, they started melting and, over long enough time, could catch fire -- and that's if they didn't simply fade to the point that they just don't work any more. Which, by the way, is the purpose of those run-off ramps: To stop an 80,000 lb truck with no brakes. It's why those run-off ramps are loaded with sand. The truck may get dirty and be a pain to recover, but that's a hell of a lot better than losing the load, the truck, or even the driver.
With an automated transmission one can hold the proper gear also. Unless the company/owner has disabled manual mode...in which case find a different company.
Rule of thumb for the mountains is 1-2 gears lower doing down from what you climbed in. Also for braking is the 5/3 or 3/3 in the US, 3 seconds on the brakes to slow or maintain 3 mph.
I was going downhill in VA with Jake brakes at speed limit. Was passed by truck with brakes smoking. When I got to bottom of hill, Speedy Truck was on side of road with cargo scattered everywhere. Drive safe Alex
Sucks to be that guy huh?
I have yet to see that yet , but Tennessee and Arizona have the worst grades I ever seen ….
@@williamjohns765 Idaho says, "hold my beer." lol No one talks about steep hill in Idaho, because most truckers only cross the panhandle, or the flat areas in the south. But driving North and South on US 95 makes everywhere else look flat.
@@88KeysIdaho White Bird and Lewiston grade anyone?
@@americanrambler4972 Right? Winchester is nothing to mess with either.
Hey Alex, I was so inspired by your journey that I have taken the first steps to get my CDL A. I currently have my permit and can’t wait to start trucking. You’re a big inspiration in showing what a rookie trucker looks like! Take care and be safe!
MISTAKE find something else to do, take the advice from 46 years of driving here, there and everywhere. The BS will burn you out
Maybe at most 10 years before automated trucks take over.
DON'T DO IT! YOU WILL REGRET it
Don't do it...The trucking industry is changing daily, and not for the better... 35 years ago it was fun, no more.
@@twinstickpete why is it so bad? I was thinking getting my cdls
You are doing a much better job entering the interstate at speed. Keep up the good work!
Great driving Alex! You are always careful and considerate. Those are great quality to have as a truck driver!
No he's a true definition of a steering wheel holder
Im from North Carolina (45 minutes from Charlotte). There are tons of hiking trails in nc. It is a very beautiful state. Its So cool you where close to me. I just started watching your videos. Truckers are amazing yall deliver all the stuff we have im thankful for yall truckers stay safe.
You are a defensive driver which is very good. I suggest you inform yourself concerning the brakes etc. Very important stuff you need to be 100% sure about.
Excellent driving.
I could never do this. Going downhill in a 1 ton truck gives me the heebys
I like how you add the stops into the vid and the backing up into the bays. Could help some people learn from it. Even if you mess up yourself. Enjoyed the vid man
Drive to your skill level and don't worry what others are doing, Do your run your way. Keep being safe, we all appreciate it.
The fear that truckers have of the DOT is incredible and they know why because of the corruption of the DOT when they do an inspection they put or invent a reason for you not to escape a fine just like that
Before going down a long downhill grade you should downshift to a lower gear and use your engine to control your speed. If you need to use your brakes you need to use the stab method to not over heat them. That is use brakes, let up cool brakes then use brakes again.
Jake brake!!
I know exactly where you drove through. U went through I 77 in fancy gap, that stretch of highway is known for its tall mountains, runaway ramps, and steep hills.
Really enjoying the videos.
Thanks and keep up the good work.
hi Alex .enjoy your video. I would say you drive like old school ( like truck driver should ) . I'm in my mid sixty's. I like your attitude keep up good work. Keep on trucking.
Great driving on I81&77. Traveled many times visiting family. Down hill runaway ramps are used a lot. We always saw truck tracks in them. Patrol Staties every where.
Hmmm...."Staties". A lotta drivers from New England use that word.
Brakes smoke when the shoes and drum become too hot, once they smoke they are only a few more degrees away from completely failing.
Thank you for the ride Alex. Love your attitude and style. You remind me of my son. He drives for Prime and seems to like it a lot. Cheers.
If you're prepass is red, go in the scale unless it's closed. Green prepass: bypass all scales unless you have hazmat or a permit load.
Brakes can smoke for many reasons. I drove for a company that specd the trucks with no jakes. You had to slow to the correct descent speed well before the hill and always got hot enough to smoke before the bottom of hill.
Once took a steep road in Quebec in my own truck with an empty flatbed. It was so steep & winding that brakes smoked . Not bad, but definitely got hot many times on the way down. Happy trails
I haul oversized like that one that you passed. The reason he wasn’t slowing down to let you over is because he weighs more than you do when you’re fully loaded and it takes several minutes to get back up to speed. If we slowed down every time someone wanted to slide in front of us we would lose a lot of time and we’re already limited to daylight hours only in most states.
You were going down Fancy Gap. Everyone was passing you because they can maintain their speed. Honestly I can maintain mine pretty easily there too.
The guy who’s brakes were smoking likely had been riding his brakes for a while. You might know this, but when you’re headed down steep declines like that and you have to use your brakes it’s best to use them for a few seconds and then let off for a bit. Doesn’t look like he did that lol.
Many things can cause brakes to smoke when descending a mountain with the jake brake on. Many jakes don't hold back the same and many brakes, even though self adjusting, just don't adjust equally with others. Also new brake lining will often smell and smoke until they are seated well into the drum. I remember driving a Mack down the same mountain (Fancy Gap, I-77) and I might as well have been dragging a ten pound rock or dragging a tennis shoe out the door, for all the good the jake brake was doing. Keep up the good work. ~Mountain Man
Jake Brakes are to be used in conjecture WITH a lower gear. Not solely . . .
I miss driving on i81, as a Hot Shot Driver going from NC to PA it's such a better ride than taking 95, that scale near Roanoke is always open too lol and I have seen many a truck losing their brakes on i77 coming into NC and use the runaway ramps, it can be a disaster for sure. Great video keep on trucking
I-81 is actually a nice interstate, sure it has a tremendous amount of accidents, but it has some decent scenery. Hell, i-95 isn't any better
"I gotta pee when I get out of the truck" check your prostate to see if it's enlarged. Probably when you're sitting down, the weight depresses the prostate in a way where's it's "normal", but when you stand, the enlarged prostate causes an urgency to urinate. Probably harmless but you should check it out with your doc the next time you get a check up.
Needs to go #3 more often, and this likely won't happen, lol
Fancy Gap is definitely a scary place to drive, even in a car! Be careful if you go through and it’s foggy, you won’t be able to see a THING! Too bad you couldn’t spend some more time in Southwest VA. It sure is beautiful! I enjoy living here!
As an Army Mechanic, I can confirm that using the service brakes on steep downhills instead of the engine brake does cause the brakes to smoke. As you hit the brakes, they turn kinetic energy to heat, and after a certain point it will burn the brakes out causing brake fade. Eventually they stop working and you got yourself a Class A Code Brown.
We had a 8x8 fueler with a trailer, weighing about the same as a fully loaded 18 wheeler, do this in Slovakia. The driver didn’t know what the engine brake was and nearly lost their brakes in a convoy fully loaded with Jet Fuel. My advice to anyone on the road is to know what your vehicle can do before you find yourself beyond saving.
Great video!
Many reasons for hot brakes... 🔥 Sometimes Owner Operators will use trailer brakes only if they are using someone elses wagon so they dont use their tractor brakes....
Or some axles could be out of adjustment while other axles are snugged tight. Of course the snug shoes will heat quick because they're doing all the braking...
And yes, some trucks don't have "Jakes" which will heat brakes too.
My son wants to be a trucker because of your videos ❤️
Thanks for taking us with you on a ride-along, it was FUN!
If you get a bypass that means you can go around scales regardless of the sign
so he could have stayed on the highway?
Yes
Is it weird I just spent all day driving up and down I-81. Took a load from Stuarts Draft, VA to Palmyra, PA And I'm now on my 10 hour rest break and I'm watching you do the same thing for 20mins?
3:16 you should always follow your truck prepass!
It’s either drive line or drive wire that gives you a bypass at the waystation and you’re supposed to take it. I bet your tablets hooked up to that. I know a lot of the truckers have using that on their phones. That way you don’t have to stop at weigh stations.
You can use the service brakes on hills, but you have to be cautious. After you heat them up enough to cause smoking you can land yourself in a lot of trouble. I recommend what you are doing, use the Jake Brake.
Going to fast for the weight on the wagon and the step down grade, Always get to know how the ship (truck) you are operating, like how the jakebrack ( engine retarder) works going down grades with a load grossing 78 to 80 thousand pounds and also always get to know the mountain grades.
Safe travels.
This kid is going to get his truck taking away one day... dot is not playing with you UA-camrs making videos while the trucks moving its reckless driving... f.y.i. there was a truck driver from Tennessee who was driving and recording at the same time has camera fell off his hat and it fell behind the brake pad trying to pick it up from the floor of the truck he lost concentration last control of the wheel and jack knife the truck... for you UA-camrs record after driving you guys are gonna look real stupid when you lose your job...
Please learn some better spelling.
@@jamesborden4805 I'm sorry I was typing in a hurry, yes JAKE BRAKE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT NOTICABLE ABILITIES TO CALL ME OUT, YES I TAKE FULL RESPONSE ABILITY.
.....too,steep,also.
The bypass means that you can keep going even if the scale is open that’s what it is for so that even if the scale is open you still have a chance of not having to go in and the bypass has all of your trucks information so they know everything about your truck
He should have one of them things in this truck that will tell him if he has to pull in or not.
@@lynzyrisingsun He does, and STILL pulled in. SMH
9:25 you are partly right. a factor you didn't add; energy from him speeding is a contributing factor. at 55 his brakes probably would not be smoking as they are at 69mph down that hill. I'm not a math guy just an auto tech. but someone else online probably knows the coefficient of friction and numbers for semi's brakes at what speed/weight/& hill grade
Oh. This is my neck of the woods. I live just outside DC and I have made weekends around throwing my boxy VW down I-81 and through the mountains of WV via VA/WV route 55. I’m sure that was a nice drive.
Sign always says that. You screen was telling you that you could bypass. You did not need to go in
Anytime I got the green light from Drivewyze, I bypassed the weight station and never had any issues 😉👍
I'm surprised he doesn't know that by now. Weird.
Most likely, smoking brakes are several factors:
• Too high speed
• Not using the Jake brakes
• Riding the brakes and/or poor brake method
Combine any of those with heavy loads and it'll get worse.
I used to drive 18 wheelers myself. When I used the brakes to slow on hills, I would slow down about 10 MPH somewhat gradual so as not to use the brakes too hard then let up. Ex. If my target MPH was 40 I'd apply brakes at 45, drop gradual to 35 and repeat. And I would use Jake on high in most cases. I would not hit them and slow very quickly. This will heat up the brakes and drums otherwise.
Also I was driving manual 9, 10, 13 speed transmissions. I will get in the right gear at the top to help control speed. I used to do a similar route to what you've shown here, except I was coming past Allentown, PA on I-78, typically coming from Clinton, NJ to get to the TJ Maxx warehouse south of Charlotte. Then I'd return with cabinets for Lowe's Distribution Pottsville, PA.
👏👏 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE ✌️ HAPPY FRIDAY
Talk to your Safety Director to confirm, but if it says to bypass, you should not enter the scale.
Sometimes I enter anyway just to let them know that I am trying to be compliant but rarely. If it says bypass, then I usually bypass.
I hear ya when passing and your saying...go go gooooo..... lol. I do that too when I'm trying to pass. Lol. 🤣🤣🤣
Service brakes, ie pads and drums, friction based. Yes. Youll see smoke coming from brakes after over use. Not mentioning other reasons why a hub or wheel would smoke…….
Hey Alex love your videos. I liked this one because as a local amazon delivery driver, I used to deliver to that place all the time if its where I think it is. Right off of either Reames or Old Statesville rd. Neat.
One thing my father drilled into me is you NEVER ride the brakes even in a passenger car going down a steep sustained grade. He instilled inro me to use a lower gear to rely on engine braking.
@9:30 not right. theres no way that a drum style brake could perpetually withstand a long duration braking event like that without some sort of additional cooling besides passing air. the service brakes are not designed to be drug on for miles at a time. they are made so they can take a braking event effectively then have a cool down period. I guarantee his emergency braking distance was significantly increased having them hot a$$ drums vs having the jake on and having normal temperature brakes.
I had to learn how to drive out west in the mountains without the benefit of a jake brake and honestly I appreciate learning that way.I don't understand how folks get in a hurry it does nothing but cause problems.
First person I seen that can talk without moving his lips 😂😂😂 freaking awesome
When Dryvewise gives you a bypass, you can bypass the station unless you are hazmat you must stop at first open weight station in a state
How do the weigh stations work? Do you have the option to bypass the scale if you know you're underweight? What would stop an overweight load from bypassing the scales as well?
There's sensors and a camera a few miles out that will tell you if you can bypass or not
@@johnchristie9904 Cool! Thanks for the reply!
I love those mountain views going into nc. Always high wind advisorys there though You passed my good old Town woodstock va!
Is it frustrating driving with the governor limiting your speed or does it take the pressure off to increase your mileage?
the red truck went downhill way too fast in the first place - it should have braked much sooner - the faster you move and then brake, the higher the temperatures on the disc brakes and brake pads.
simple physics
You passed by my house in Charlotte..... keep driving safely dude.
7:12 he's never going to let a truck out again😂
Hey Alex. I am in Maryland but I travel (4 wheeler) down 81 to 77 South into Charlotte. The stretch of 77 South within 20 or 30 miles before Charlotte has the strangest down hill sensation. I am not sure if you can notice it in your Rigg but it feels almost like you are coasting with hardly any drive train assistance...I know, strange huh? Just wondering if you noticed it. NC has the bluest skies.
The over size loader like moving a trailer that take up 2 lanes that’s bad ass
They're goingf downhill at 75 MPH so they can get enough momentum to go up the next hill as fast as possible. That's what I used to do.
Always have it in the right gear going down hill. If you're too high and gain too much speed you're screwed you can't shift down and end up in neutral, jake brake right gears and slow down.
Nice video, thank you for it. Be safe out there.
You were going down Fancy Gap on 77 where it gets windy and foggy not far from Independence where I am.
Not all trucks have engine breaks as engines get older they have less compression therefore they don't work as well
That was interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Just read a bunch of good comments .
They don't always check your weight, they'll pull u on the stationary scale to check your it's and dot numbers and stuff like that, but if you get the bypass in your truck then bypass the scale, only way you don't bypass even tho you got it in your truck is if there a lighted sign that say truck must enter weigh station,
You don't go in when it says ByPass if they want you to come in they will shut-off the transponder, and you'll get the red light.
Weight is not the only reason the DOT might want to check your truck and trailer. They also keep a “score” of your company. If many have violations, there is a bigger chance that they want to check your truck out as well. Luckily, I’m allowed to pass 9 out of 10 weigh stations 😊
Alex I like to watch you here on you tube you have a great sense of humor and I get a good laugh when you are talking while you are on the road trucking. But have to ask you something so how often when you stop to drop a load and you get out of the truck and you say "I GOT TO PEE" you crack me up😄👌🤘☝💪👋🚚🕶
Alex you are my favorite youtuber.
If you get a bypass you don’t have to pull in. Your prepass or drivewyze trumps the signs. Been driving 25 years and have had some sort of prepass since they came out.
Yep..."Obey In Cab Signals"
Those quick unloads make you forget a lot cuz you're used to 2+hrs lol
Thank you for sharing Alex
I live in NC welcome . Safe travels bud
I’ve seen you going down hills in a couple videos at full speed. You sure have a lot of confidence in your brakes being able to stop you in an emergency…
The amount of times Alex uses the hazard lights is ridiculous it's as if he loves hearing the noise of the indicators lol.
Always follow your smart pass…. If it says bypass do just that 👍
Lol that rest area the video starts off at.. I o own EXACTLY where that is. I am very familiar with that area of VA now.
Dot told me a long time ago that when you get the bypass to keep on going they no you got it already so next time just keep on trucking because some of them get mad when you enter and you got the bypass
Bypass you can stay on the hiway and don't need to enter the scale.
At times he sounds like Ray Romano and other times he sounds like Kermit the frog.
I have gone down that hill into north Carolina it can be bad if not using Jake brakes and proper down shifting
Wow, feels like American Truck Simulator but for real! 😄
People think I'm crazy for doing 45s and 90s when I'm backing when there is so much room to set up for a straight back.
I do 45s and 90s strictly for the practice. If I cheated all the time with straight backs, 10 years later I'd suck at angled backing still 🤣
3:20 if you get “bypass” you are free to bypass
Yes what you said is one reason his brakes were smoking another reason is he didn't drain is air tanks
I like how you try to be careful...
Makes me really hate that my CDL lapsed a couple weeks into the covid shutdown of america. Miss driving
That's funny he almost got lost looking for door 7 probably circled the building 7 time's 😂😂
Hello brand new driver! Keep being safe please.
9:20: Maybe he was in "Georgia Overdrive"?
If your ELD says "bypass" you can keep going, even if signage reads "all trucks must enter. I am an OTR driver, so I am typing from experience.
Rule of thumb whatever gear you use to climb the hill is the same gear you should use going down the hill with the engine brake on fully..
However if you own the truck but not the trailer it saves your truck brakes if you use the Johnny brake lever and only use the trailer brakes going down 😮😊
Great video Alex 👋🏾👋🏾👍🏾
Engine brakes are so helpful. And keep a gear lower than what you went up in.
I just got my CDL or class 1A here in Canada but correct me if I’m wrong I heard if the brakes are smoking your brakes are outta adjustment
You should get a foldable bicycle to explore the areas that you park for off duty.
Folding bikes are great, especially for Hazmat drivers when you can't park within a mile of where you want to go. Don't cheap out with one of those Dahons, get a Montague or equivalent.
Was this I64?
I have always wandered hmm I wonder if Alex ever comes close to where I live I live about 35 minutes away from Charlotte so when I heard the gps and saw where you were and I knew that road I was satisfied