I know most folks probably know this, but you should keep your CDL locked on steep inclines and declines. I was once told that it was a good idea to unlock the CDL on declines with switchbacks to make the hairpins easier. Also, you have to unlock the CDL to use the turn assist feature. I’ve play with this on Black Bear Pass of all places and was fine but that’s not a good idea.
A friend of mine recently experienced what can happen on steep downhill with his CDL unlocked. He was at the steps section of blackbear and had to have both feet on the brake pedal all the way down to come to a stop and stay stopped. If he let off at all the truck would skid forward. Not what you want on blackbear. Very scary. He locked the CDL and backed up a bit and then was able to complete the decent with no issue.
There are lots of videos that explain what’s going on with without the CDL locked. While there are times, you may want to unlock your CDL, steep up or down isn’t one of them.
A friend of mine recently experienced what can happen on steep downhill with his CDL unlocked. He was at the steps section of blackbear and had to have both feet on the brake pedal all the way down to come to a stop and stay stopped. If he let off at all the truck would skid forward. Not what you want on blackbear. Very scary. He locked the CDL and backed up a bit and then was able to complete the decent with no issue.
There are lots of videos that explain what’s going on with without the CDL locked. While there are times, you may want to unlock your CDL, steep up or down isn’t one of them.
