Great Trucking Tips for dealing with Steep Inclines
These tips were pulled from class drivers.com and are an excellent source of information.
TIPS FOR TACKLING THOSE TOUGH HILLS FOR ANY COTTRELL TRAILER OWNER
* Do a thorough pre-trip inspection, and complete safety-related repairs before rolling. Are the trailer brakes frozen? Will the moisture in the brake lines freeze at higher altitudes? Do the brakes or steering pull? Do the cooling fan thermostat and the windshield defroster work? Are the wipers good?
* Know your route in detail, down to the road surface.
* Know the weather where you are and where you’re going at the time you’ll be there.
* Know your load’s weight and stability.
* Know your truck’s capabilities in relation to your load and the hill. At what rpm does your engine produce peak torque?
* Know how to chain up. How-to manuals make it seem easy, but practice if you’ve never done it.
CLIMBING
* Downshift as needed to keep engine speed at peak torque output.
* Communicate with CB and lights. Use four-way flashers under 40 mph unless otherwise posted.
* Be courteous to other drivers climbing faster with lighter loads.
* Frequently note coolant, oil and transmission temperatures. Ease up, if necessary, to avoid overheating.
* Keep moving. Starting from a dead stop on an upgrade is dangerous and strains equipment.
DESCENDING
* Plan your descent according to your truck’s limitations and capabilities.
* Communicate with CB and lights. Use four-way flashers under 40 mph unless otherwise posted.
* Adjust brakes before starting down. Don’t trust auto-adjusters.
* Never come down a steep grade in high gear. Downshift before starting down.
* Use the transmission and engine brake as much as possible to maintain a safe speed.
* Stop at the first sign of smoking brakes and be ready to grab your fire extinguisher. Very hot brakes could burst into flames upon stopping.
* Notice the weather, traffic and terrain. Have an emergency plan.
* Maintain extremely long stopping distances in traffic.
* Long slopes are deceptive. Make sure you really are at the bottom before grabbing higher gears.
Source of tips:
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