does anyone ever driven with a auto trans is it better then a manual ?

 

I've driven one, in a 466 International. It was a small single axle grain truck.

As for big trucks, I've never driven an automatic. I dont think I would want to. Seems like you would be using the brakes a lot more.

I think it all depends on what folks want, or what they whether drive..

 

I drove them for Interstate, they were great, going down hill, you put it where you want it, it will maintain speed, going up hill, just push the peddle down and it does all the shifting.'

In traffic you look at the driver beside you and they are working it, with the auto you just drive, unless you need to come to a stop.

A lot less work to accomplish the same outcome.

 

A lot less control, too :shock:

 

As a Newbie it makes your driving less stressfull! But u still need to master standard transmissions! Ithink alot of autos r for the ladies getting into trucking! But theres nothing wrong w/ autos or women driving in trucking!! :shock:

 

I work for Interstate and have about 90k in an "Auto Shift" truck running the western 11 states. The transmission is no different than a regular 10 speed and can be shifted manually, you just don't worry about floating the gears. The computer runs the engine's rpms when you shift. In auto mode, it will downshift when rpms get to about 1300. There's a lot of advantages to an auto shift that many drivers aren't aware of compared to a stick. When in traffic, such as the many times I've been in Denver, Seattle and L.A., this is where the auto is great. You don't find your left leg shaking from all the clutching. When climbing hills, you never miss a gear. When going downhill, you just lock it into the gear you want and let the jake do it's work, along with controlled braking. The only problems I've encountered with the auto is erratic shifting due to electrical grounds for the computers getting corroded and the X-Y shifter wearing out and needing to be replaced. These problems show up on our trucks well after they have over 500k on them, which by then the company is looking at selling them anyway. As for me learning to drive a stick, I passed my CDL test in one and think if I had to, would be ready because I watch rpms and road speed all the time. That's what shifting a stick is about anyway.

 

It doesn't bother me to be in traffic with a manual trans, you just manage your speed so when everyone is stoppong and going you just keep on rolling.

 

I've seen 5 cars jump in front me in Seattle when I was just rolling along. I keep my stopping distance, but with the auto, I can close that gap a little if I want.

 

I guarantee that there's not a driver out there that can downshift as fast (and properly) as an autoshift when you have to do a "panic" stop. The truck will hit every gear on it's way and slow you down much faster.

As far as less control, I'm sorry - I just don't understand that one. The truck shifts exactly when it needs to. It will get much better mileage (1-1.5mpg higher) with less stress on the driver.

 

Automatic = P.O.S.

That's my opinion.