Agreed. I’m usually in a T800 with a deleted 525 cm2250 and I love it, zero issues in the year and a half I’ve had it. We also got Western Stars with C13’s in em, sound great but spend way more time in the shop. I rarely get the Westerns but I know the guys run the Cats on real high rpm’s which probably ain’t helping. I run the Cummins between 1,400-1,750ish and the Cats 1,200-1,550ish.
You’re right about the engine brakes. The C15 I used to drive had a pretty good one but the X15 I drive now feels like you’re being pulled backwards lol
That's no lie! I'm also driving an X15, these days. I'm actually glad this new 567 that I run activates the brake lights when the engine brake is engaged. You could almost brake check people with it, in an empty truck.
The ISX and 18-speed combo makes for a real powerhouse. My late uncle's Peterbilt 357 dump truck has that combo in it and it's a real beast to drive...honestly way more power and torque than a dump truck should have. My cousin drives the truck now and has to be careful to keep his foot out of it lol. I don't think any of us have ever had to use all 18 gears in it...we've just gotten into the habit of skipping gears since they aren't all needed.
Noticed your videos are Kenworths. Do you prefer Kenworth over Peterbilt? I was a Peterbilt guy but I've been driving a W900L now for almost a year and I don't know where i stand anymore lol
It really depends on how old the truck is; I hate the late-model Kenworth throttle pedals. But, I’ve always liked the narrow, sharp hood on a W9. If I had to pick a new truck, it would be a Peterbilt. Older models is almost a toss-up.
@@n8bolton I think the problem is I've only drove one W9, the 2019 I'm in now. Drove lots of old Peterbilts. I think I just miss driving a pre emissions truck. A old truck that actually sounds like a truck and doesn't have sensors/electrical issues every week. It'd be nice to get some seat time in a old W9
I am. I’ve been thinking about posting something in the way of updates, since I know there are at least one or two loyal viewers. I’ll see if I can conjure up something worth watching. 👍🏻
Hey I've been driving a 13 speed. I'm smooth with my finger pressure on the stick. I'm not rough. However for downshifting, I want to know even though factors play a role such as speed and gearing with etc. On a 13 speed since I'm still learning even though I'm now solo. I found out 3rd gear is 5 mph. 10 mph is 4th gear. 15 mph is 5 low. 5 high is 20 mph. 25 mph 6 low. 6 high gets up to 30 mph. 7 low is around 30 to 35 while 7 high is 35 to 45ish. Does that seem to be correct? Or maybe you can give me accurate speeds to your 13 or what most 13s you have driven and how the speeds are per gear. Thanks driver.
@@n8bolton yes of course I got that part down A3546 I should have clarified tho but what brand are you using? I came up with a good branded by reputable parts maker Haldex KN3546. I seen lots of those 20 dollar valves but not sure about running some of those cheaper valves but what are you using in your rig… thanks
@@ramonnunez8951 I don’t remember exactly which brand. If I remember right, I bought a pair off eBay and used one for my range valve and one for the splitter. I think they’re all about the same, regardless of brand. Pretty simple valve system. I’d definitely trust an Eaton or Haldex branded product.
@@n8bolton yeah man I think I will buy a few to have on hand as extras my truck is a 10 speed. Also what fittings did you use stainless steel or brass? I came up with eaton 84006 for them 1/8 x 5/32 OD push to connect fittings.
Question from a trucker to my trucker brother. Just like to know how everyone has their own technique. Are you keeping constant pressure on the accelerator without letting off and gently pressing the stick against the lower gear when downshifting? Or are you blipping the throttle and letting off the throttle then moving the stick with fingertip pressure?
I use both techniques, depending on how I’m shifting. If I’m trying to shift quickly, I’ll typically blip the throttle and push the stick into whichever gear I want after I’ve revved the motor up. If I’m shifting slow and lazy, I’ll slowly rev the motor up and put gentle pressure on the stick when I feel like it’s ready to fall into gear. I almost never come all the way off the throttle, though.
I pretty much do the same thing. Haha! I wear house shoes when I drive the truck because boots are too heavy and totally negate any feedback felt through the pedal.
I’m still trucking. Can’t afford to switch career paths, right now. My favorite engines I’ve driven are the N14 and electronic 3406/C-15. Pairing any of those with an 18-speed is a match made in Heaven, in my opinion.
It just takes a lot of practice and figuring out how the trucks likes to be run. What you see is about 8 years of time behind the stick. It’s kind of like a relationship; the more time you spend together, the more little secrets and personal quirks you discover. Every truck drives different and requires a different technique and touch with the transmission.
