I Am Stalling The Truck From Standstill

Hi Guys, I just completed my 2nd week (week one was class room for permit prep) of training and I have developed a bad habit of stalling the truck when trying to move from a standstill. A sure fail on the test.

I am in a 2006 international 10 speed. The instructors have us start in 4th as we have empty trailers. Early in the week I was hitting it fine, but all the sudden, I am stalling the truck about 50 % of the time now when starting out from a stop. I think this started right after my first drift back, thus making me make damned sure I am hard on the brake at any stop. Now I just don't seem to be getting off the clutch and brake smooth, I panic, hit the gas and stall... I stalled her 3 times in a row today.

Any advice for a now spooked new driver?

Start in a lower gear.... even with the empty trailer its easier on the truck and you.....the other part is that you just have to be more gentle on the clutch ..... in 4th from a standstill with a empty trailer it should hold as long as you dont 'POP' the clutch out but gently "roll" out of the pedal...... holding the brake wait until you "hear" or feel the truck start to "pull " against the brake..... let go of the brake and the truck will slowly start to roll .....slowly continue to roll out of the clutch....... stay patient it comes with time and good luck

Lower gear is the first thing but you said the instructors want you to start out in 4th so here is what you need to look for. Sounds to me like you are staying on the brake too long. Watch for the truck to start to lean to the right because of the torque of the motor. That is when you want to slowly release the brake and let out on the clutch at the same time. The reason being is that when the truck starts to lean to the right the clutch is starting to engage. It is not a big lean and you can miss it but it is there. If you are old enough to driven an old muscle car or pickup with the raw carbureted power and revved the motor the car would twist to the right, you will know what I am talking about.

Try starting in 3rd, some people have trouble with 4th, others can do it just fine. I am one of those who can start in 4th except on a hill but not everyone can, you gotta be able to ease the clutch out really carefully and slowly. so if you're having trouble I would try starting in 3rd, or 2nd or 1st whatever works for you.

Also make sure you don't have it set in high range... no matter what gear you start in, if it's in high range you're gonna stall. I have made the mistake a number of times of coming to a stop and thinking I was shifting into 4th but because I forgot the range switch I was actually in 9th... no way I can start from a stop in that high of a gear. when you come to a stop, put that lever down then go into 4th (or 3rd, 2nd, 1st)

hope this helps

Everyone is right about they are saying, I had the same problem when I first started out,I was used to a gas 4 wheeler where you had to lead the gas as to not stall the engine.

Had a Trucking buddy show/tell me hey look, there is so much Torqure in the Diesel that you don't need to lead the RPMs to get the truck rolling.

Ya if the trailers empty you could Slide the clutch out and get it rolling in 4th,,,, but here's the deal , the engine has so much torque that I was told that to just slide the clutch out with out touching the accelerator,,, the truck while roll out without stalling,, depending on load, 1st, 2nd, third, or 4th,,, what ever you learn what the truck wants ,,,

Definitely start in a lower gear. Also, when you have one foot on the clutch and one on the brake, slowly begin letting out the clutch until you just start to hear and feel it grab. Hold that clutch steady right there and release the brake. After releasing the brake, pause for at least 1/2 of a second before letting the clutch out any further because air brakes don't release instantly the way hydraulic brakes do. You have to give the brakes a chance to release before you get rolling.

People get way too caught up in starting in higher gears or skipping gears on the way up. You don't want to get in a hurry with anything out there. You want to focus on staying relaxed, driving smooth, and taking care of the equipment.

And think about it - you're not going anywhere any faster that way. Be serious! You're driving a big, slow, tortoise for God's sake. Is starting in 4th instead of 2nd going to get you there faster? If by 'there' you mean a burned up clutch, a tired left leg, a truck that's bucking around like a bronco, and a stressful experience then heck yeah that's the way to get there.

Start in 2nd gear and seriously take a deep breath and relax before you get started and clear your mind. Don't overthink it! Remember, you already know how to do this. People start overthinking it, they start doubting themselves, they tense up, and it all falls apart. Just relax, pop it in a low gear, and focus on moving slowly and smoothly. Don't try to rush the truck forward. Slowly release the clutch until it starts to grab, let off the brake, pause 1/2 of a second to let the brakes release fully, and very gently let the clutch out the rest of the way.

You can start in 3rd gear once 2nd gear becomes easy and consistent.