Braking And Down Shifting

Wondering what gear I should at least be down shifting to loaded. And how to get slowed down to downshift without using my brakes to much. Basically need help approaching stops loaded

Anticipate your stops as far out as possible. The further out the more time you have to downshift. If I have time to work through all the gears I often will. Sometimes I'll skip gears, sometimes not. You can use the jakes too.

For several months you would do well to downshift every gear you possibly can... Why? Your learning... so do it as much as possible same as backing... skip the pull through parking spots as often as possible... In 3-6 months reevaluate rather you need to use all those gears or not.. Or go ahead and take that easy pull through parking spot...

But till then do as much as possible until it becomes second nature.

When I was in CDL School I usually down shifted nearly every gear when driving, didn't really need to but I was still learning and it made good practice.

Now my second week solo I usually downshift while braking with the jake on to 6th gear then I flip the jake off and use the brakes. Get it out off gear, flip the switch to the low side and put it in 2nd or 3rd while still coming to a stop. By the time I'm stopped I'm ready to get rolling again hopefully.

You normally want to get down to about 25 - 30 Mph before you turn the jake off, at least that's what I've been taught.

When I was in CDL School I usually down shifted nearly every gear when driving, didn't really need to but I was still learning and it made good practice.

Now my second week solo I usually downshift while braking with the jake on to 6th gear then I flip the jake off and use the brakes. Get it out off gear, flip the switch to the low side and put it in 2nd or 3rd while still coming to a stop. By the time I'm stopped I'm ready to get rolling again hopefully.

You normally want to get down to about 25 - 30 Mph before you turn the jake off, at least that's what I've been taught.

Try and practice without the Jake also... why? Just so you can if need be.

I drive a Liquified Natural Gas powered Peterbilt and when you flip the Jake on you get a pretty green light to look at while you accelerate down hill.. Niche ? Maybe but again your still learning and making habits so do as much as possible..