The Hills Are Confusing This Florida Boy

I highly discourage shifting on a downhill. I forbid it with my student when I trained him.

Reasons:

Students have a hard enough time shifting on flat land. Since downshifting on a downgrade is even more difficult, the chances of them messing up is too great.

If you have to downshift on a downgrade. Well, you messed up badly. You did it wrong and should work to avoid that happening ever again.

Back on the subject, I had the same problem starting out. You'll get used to it. Until then proceed with caution. Some trucks actually have a feature on the dash that tells you if you're inclining or declining. Also the Rand McNally GPS has a feature that shows elevation. You could use the elevation meter to gauge if you're going up or down.

I have yet to hear any one mention the gauges on the dash. Turbo gauge is a great indicator and I use it ALOT. But you tachometer or speedometer gauge are also great for telling which way you are going. Up or down. Learn what the gauges mean depending on their reads. And since your SUPPOSE to be checking your dash and gauges ever 7 to 8 secs you should know what they say without having to think about it..... That is if your really watching the dash like your supposed to be instead of depending on the trouble lights to tell you there is something wrong.

Pay attention to what your body and gravity do. On an uphill slope you will lean back into the seat and on a downhill you will have to make yourself lean back. Sometimes it is only a subtle change but it is there if you are paying attention.

That sounds reasonable. I will pay close attention the next time. Thank you.

As guyjax said check ur gauges n if ya dnt have a turbo gauge , turn off ur jakes let her ride a bit within 3 secs ull know up or down

I think a lot has to do with what you weight is and how good your jake is. Last time I did a 7% downgrade I had 45k of cat litter on and still went down in 7th (drive 8 spd) and used very little snub breaking as that's what my mentor wanted. We did it before in 6th and it was much slower. He wanted me to do it both ways to learn.