Hill Driving In A Lightweight

Got a question regarding hill / mountain driving in a lightweight. I've been out here training in a full size Peterbuilt. When I get my own truck it'll be a lightweight Freightliner. Are there any tips, tricks or suggestions regarding doing hill / mountain driving in a lightweight truck?

Got a question regarding hill / mountain driving in a lightweight. I've been out here training in a full size Peterbuilt. When I get my own truck it'll be a lightweight Freightliner. Are there any tips, tricks or suggestions regarding doing hill / mountain driving in a lightweight truck?

I would think its about the same, other then your'll have a bit more weight then what that Pete can carry. Also from what I hear the Jake sucks in the LW trucks, so i'd watch for that and put my self in a good position to drop a gear if needed. Daniel can chime in later and give you a better Idea.

With the flatbeds that we run say a 53' spread axle, the truck runs 32 to 35k with full tanks. Now these trucks are usually specked heavier for the heavier weights that we haul. But we also carry a lot of straps, chains and binders. It can also change depending on the trailer. Oh and these are daycabs that we run. The trucks with winches also are heavier than say my truck.

Oops wrong thread....

Sorry I'm late to this.

When it comes to mountain driving the LW trucks are at a huge disadvantage really. The power doesn't even come close to what you have in that Pete and the Jake Brakes are extremely weak. I would say my Jake Brake on High is equivalent to your Jake Brake on Medium.

So make sure to descend the grades a gear or two lower. Mountains like Cabbage (I84 Eastern OR) I take them in 6th gear. It's very easy to get out of control because the Jake Brakes are generally nonexistent unless you're at or above 1800 RPM's.

Also, momentum really helps. We don't have the power so starting up an incline with some speed really helps. I don't know how fast you drive right now but you'll need to train yourself to drain 58 mph.

And lastly, a LW truck can take upwards of about 49,000lb in the box. That's a heck of a lot more weight than a Pete can handle. So the added weight just makes it tougher to control. Generally, those 47k+ loads are double stacked pallets so they're too heavy. You have a long list of added dangers due to the increased weight you'll be hauling sometimes.

Let me put it in perspective. Right now, you're a 4x4 mega cab Toyota Tundra hauling a boat. Soon you'll be 2-door Ford Ranger hauling a boat.

Let me put it in perspective. Right now, you're a 4x4 mega cab Toyota Tundra hauling a boat. Soon you'll be 2-door Ford Ranger hauling a boat.