I am a "newbie" tractor-trailer operator. I've been driving for about 2 months solo.?

Question

I am currently driving a 2008 Freightliner Classic with a 10-Speed Eaton-Fuller Transmission and a Mercedes Benz Engine. My trainer @ truck-driving school taught me how to "float" the gears.

My question to you VETERAN TRUCKERS out there is this...

Is it normal to feel a "little" vibration in the teeth of the gears when you "float em" (shift w/o the clutch)?

I can get em in there w/o using my clutch but about half of the time I am feeling a "slight" vibration in the gears. Is this doing ANY damage to them? "Thanks"

Also, what is the secret to PERFECT shifting w/o using the clutch?

Answer 1

The trick to shifting without the clutch is just matching your RPM's to your road speed. You will need to find that spot in your truck as I have found it to be different in each one. You may need to give the throttle a little push to bring up the RPM's to the correct setting. Time will help you to master this. Once you find the correct match between road speed and RPMs you should be fine.