Hit The Range Today

Second day at Sage. Spent the afternoon on the range, instructor did a pretrip, then we took turns around the range. As there are only two of us, we made about 5 circuits each, with straight line backing at the end.

I did well around the course, except I never used my signals. Shifting up was np problem, had issues shifting down until I figured out I was trying to shift down while going too fast, After that, by the 5th circuit, I had it down. Straight backing, I did great.

Hopefully I can still do it tomorrow. Now to study pretrip.

The truck is a piece of crap. The seat won’t lock into position so if I hit a bump at low speed it slides back and forth, causing me to push the fuel pedal and let off again as the seat slides.

I finally figured out to push against the floor to keep it forced back when I don’t need my foot on the clutch. Lol

Grumpy

I'm glad you started. It does get better. It will also try your patience. But each day is another notch on your belt. Remember everyone of us have gone through it. (And some of us have to go back through it again after being away from it for a while), me included.

On the seat adjustment lever make sure it is in the locked position. We had an air leak on one of our trucks, what a pain that was until we changed out seat airbag that was leaking. We had to do lots of our own maintenance when I there because the mechanic the school had was on vacation for four weeks.

But cheer up it's all worth it in the end. Good luck.

It does seem to be locked, there is just about 2" of play. I think the whole track is sliding or rocking back and forth.

I don't think this truck ever leaves the range. At least I hope not, LOL.

I had originally thought I would do a diary, but so far it has been way too boring to bother.

The other guy in class said he signed up here, but he must be shy and lurking.

There is usually a handle that you screw in on right side of seat to stop that rocking although that and air ride seat on rough road does save your back

There is usually a handle that you screw in on right side of seat to stop that rocking although that and air ride seat on rough road does save your back

There is a big round knob, I'll try that tomorrow. It rocks way too much, it's like riding a bucking horse.

That seat adjustment is called the pendulum. I'm not a fan of them unless I am using cruise control on a long stretch of dry pavement. Don't be afraid to ask the instructor how to correct it. One of the first things we were taught was how to adjust the seats. Having a properly adjusted seat may seem trivial but when you get to the CDL exam with the state tester you're going to need everything as right as you can get it. You're going to be nervous enough. With a swinging seat you're trying to work the throttle to match rpm's and double clutch too. My back hurts just thinking about it.

About the diary; keep one even if it's just for you. I used an app on my phone. It's pretty cool to read through it and think, "Wow, I really did that!"

That seat adjustment is called the pendulum. I'm not a fan of them unless I am using cruise control on a long stretch of dry pavement. Don't be afraid to ask the instructor how to correct it. One of the first things we were taught was how to adjust the seats. Having a properly adjusted seat may seem trivial but when you get to the CDL exam with the state tester you're going to need everything as right as you can get it. You're going to be nervous enough. With a swinging seat you're trying to work the throttle to match rpm's and double clutch too. My back hurts just thinking about it.

About the diary; keep one even if it's just for you. I used an app on my phone. It's pretty cool to read through it and think, "Wow, I really did that!"

She was in the truck, and I was complaining about it, so it appears she doesn't know. My first drive the seat was too low, and I was getting leg cramps.

I have written down notes each day, but it is boring so far. If it gets better, I'll update.