Mr Brownstone .... I found out a lot of guys are just "macho".....manly men, they tend to wear big belt buckles and cowboy boots. I'm past all of that. Give me auto shift any day. push the letter d on the dash, sit back and enjoy the show.
one thing i'm interested in is if engaging the PTO on an automatic is a lot easier, as many douche bags break the clutch brake on most vehicles. Whether it's a dump truck, water truck, fuel truck ... whatever, the damn clutch brake is always broken.
I love this! When I was in truck driving school, it was quite a hassle messing around with gears while I war driving, at least for me it was. But with automatic trucks, I could just focus on driving and that's what's safer and important to me.
Steve Robertson you act like shifting a manual transmission is hard. You act like getting your cdl is hard. It’s not. And the only time you’ll have to use your clutch after the test is from a stop when you need your clutch brake. Don’t be a bitch.
Been driven automatics for 15 years now. Love them. The truck I drive now is a freightliner with a dd16 with an end dump. This thing got a strong jake. Haul asphalt and gravel so most of the time we are maxed out. Jake has no problem holding truck back. Now I just hold my coffee cup instead of the stick. Great video sir
Wow it's basically the same as my car. I always drove a car with gears as you cantrol speed great with gears. But due to my disability I switched to automatic transmission. And it's so much nicer on the body. Thanks for the video.
The sole purpose for manufacturers building more automatic diesel tractors is to make the job of transporting goods & operating big rig, diesel semi tractors 50 times easier. In return more drivers get hired. with more drivers on the road more goods get moved, thus more wealth gets created. For the company as well as the driver.
Walter Flowers Now I’m 22. One year in. Now I’m looking forward to electric trucks & self driving trucks on the interstate. It will be revolutionary just like cruise control. Great future awaits.
I thank you I have been in this problem for a long time because my truck was stuck in manual mode and could not start. Thank you for watching your video on RUclips and doing exactly as you said and the truck started. Thank you.
I love it, I've only been driving this 2011 Freightliner for 5 days now, its amazingly smooth, step on peddle n go, no more watching tach or listening to engine roar, all I have to do is watch traffic for merging time, if possible make video showing fuller automatic w/ push buttons, they are next to cup holder, I have not found Jake Brake, theres the "M" for manual w/ +/- buttons , but jake function that I'm aware of. thanx this shifter type is in one of our other trucks
Good tutorial. Thanks. My fav is also the 13, but when you have to sit on the 401 parking lot in Toronto for hours, you quickly become a fan of the automatics. You're right about the autos sucking years ago. They have come a long way and they definitely reduce fatigue.
i drive the dame truck. Let me be honest 100%.This by far is the best on the road.It handle down and upgrade so smooth. You can't get tired driving a truck like that.Any driver has to try and they will forget about the noisy manual. It's just amazing
Technology really can be great. With an automatic, you also have more time to concentrate on steering your vehicle. And when you're hauling around an 80,000 LB rig, that becomes very important. Really nicely done video.
Agreed Cory, I've always owned manual vehicles but Buddy once you get older forget about it give me the automatic any day over the manuals. When you're young the World is your oyster and you can't do no wrong but age has a way of taming and moderating the earlier burst of youth. New to the channel but looking forward to new driving adventures around this big chunk of land. All the Best and Be Safe Out there. Fan from Louisiana. 👍
I've used almost all transmission types, old 60's style two stick, cab over 8, Eaton 10, Super 10, 13, 18. I drove original Eaton Autoshift 10 which required driver to 'program' shift pattern and starting gear for each load you picked up. Original paddle shifter on the column, the predecessor to the one in this video. I have drove a new Freightshaker like the one in this video but only briefly. I do know they are reliable and trustworthy with your standard gross weights and even heavier loads. Easy driving, when miles and $'s are more important than your 'man card'. I'm in a 10 speed stick MACK triaxle dump currently. Have mixed feelings about these Macks honestly. I always enjoyed a Eaton 10 on a 500 Cat Kenworth myself. Anyways, the automatic transmission is the future. The numbers are growing exponentially now. Meaning, they will catch and surpass old style manuals in just a few more years. Even out selling the Autoshifts, which actually do have a clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, etc. The automatics are on pace to out sell all other transmission types. Insurance, and other costs like maintenance and warranties ALREADY endorse the switch to automatics. $$$$$$$$$$$$$ talks. Simple as that. Automatics are going to dominate truck sales sooner than most old schoolers realize. And the stigma is already fading because older truckers can be a little lazier in an automatic while facing another million miles in heavy-insane traffic. So, even the old timers are getting on board with the new technology. Just like they did with GPS and smartphones. It is what it is. Be safe out there.
Mark Caldwell The DT12 is an 'autoshift' geared and clutched transmission. The only difference between it and a manual is that the computer clutches and changes gears at the exact rpm/torque points for efficiency in power and/or fuel mileage. You can actually hear it double-clutch sometimes on downshifts.
I've got years of metropolitan driving experience, I've driven both, don't care for autos at all, don't like the integration of the brake system, it's much harder to make lights in the city because it hesitates on take off and my clutch foot doesn't.
You called it! Most old timers I've spoken to love their automatics, my dad included. Most of the younger/newer guys are concerned about their man card.
Agree you driver, I really like the automatic transmission, the adaptive cruise control is great, it will stay with the flow of traffic without you having to to touch the accelerator or brake, awesome!
Gotta' love Cabbage. One of my best truck driving stories came off that beautiful hill. Now I live at the bottom of it. Good to hear it referenced. Automatic transmissions showed up in numbers long after I'd moved on to a new chapter, would gladly traded my 13 for one. Great video, have wondered what the setup is.
Cory, great video. I wish you would have mentioned cruise control, I had a few days cussing the process. 1. Cruise won't work if jake lever is engaged 2. Compared to Cascadia with 10 speed, cruise indicator is tiny light. 3. Otherwise it works just like standard cruise control. You should have seen me trying to hold my mouth just right to get it to work. 38th year driving semi, 1st week in truck with automatic, nice. :)
I'd care more about my comfort than to be a "man up" who cares what others think You be you, do what comforts your life better. In the end job is a job.
Running downhill in auto and jakes doesn't it tend to want to upshift as rpms rise! The older autos didn't have the manual option and this was a problem.
Not sure why drivers need old fashioned stick/ manual trans missions. An automatic w/the option to manually shift is less fatiguing for the drive and likely fuel efficient. I'm sure paddle shifters are next.
Omg thanks so much for this video. I jus got my cdl and I’ll be going out with my first load in the 11th and I was nervous when it came to the Jake break because when otr with my TE we never had to use it. So this makes me feel a lot more comfortable knowing how to use it when I get to certain grades on hills. I watched many videos but yours explained it the best for me!
+Cory J. Draper Hi Cory I looking to start driving again. I was with Us express for a short time they had auto shifting trans. Still had clutch Start and stop but it was nice. Could you please tell a few companies with the auto trans and Will look them up? Thank You and be safe.
+jamesfl1968 Hello there James! I drive all over the Westcoast, around 3,200 miles a week, and visit many truck stops and truck dealerships. I'd say well over half the new trucks being bought have automatics transmissions. They are night and day from the automatics in the past. Very dependable, and high fuel mileage. I average 7.75mpg at 65mph around 79,000lbs. Almost every trucking company you call will have automatic tranny's. All our new 2015 and 2016 Freightliner Cascadia's have the Detroit D15 engine with an auto. In traffic, Ohhhhh these are nice, backing up a piece of cake, and pure acceleration, it shifts so fast, I'm a mile ahead of most manual shifting truckers, etc.
Performance mode! I never knew. I’ve been amazed when a rig is turning onto the ramp ahead of me and before I could pass the ramp it’s already there! Now I know. Can’t wait to try that
Drove my first automatic just a few days ago, I drive super trains through the mountains of BC Canada, not friends with the unit yet,the Boss says we will only have the thing for a couple of months till my new one gets here,which will be a good ole manual 18. But I can see where the automatic has a place in the industry.
I'm just glad I didn't opt for a manual toyota 4runner when I had a chance, since I've been in an accident on a job and severed a tendon in my dominant hand/pinky flexor; after 2 surgeries and another expecting in another month I couldn't imagine trying to drive a stick with a partilally disabled hand. So Viva to the automatics.
Just reset the computer. Stock they should work fine for 90% of the drivers out there. I've only altered the computer on a few things and my truck works great pulling doubles in Montana and Wyomiing, even during the brutal -25 degree Winter...
My dad said the same thing, that automatic trucks are so much easier but he always drives his manuals he just likes shifting the gears. He said that the automatics are so much easier in traffic.
I'm sure you guys are backwards over there. Whacking great heavy slow trucks that are manual but then drive auto cars. It should be the other way around.
After driving a 10 speed for so long, we switched to an automated... 2 years later I still look for the clutch pedal, and still perfer it for backing tbh. Having the automatic is great for heavy traffic.
I'm in truck driving school right now, and the clutch is extremely stressfull for someone who is new to trucking, but I cant wait to get into a company that has automatics. I want to concentrate on the road and the hazards around me, not on shifting.
You sound like a whiny child! Learn to shift and master it! What happen to the day people would seek out hard things and become good at it and be PROUD?? Sure i get it you want to drive a auto because it is easy great but if nothing else master the manual first! If nothing else for your own self esteem! But you never know maybe one day times are hard and you just need a job but the place that has a opening does not have autos! At least you could feed your family.
@@eatshitful "The new school drivers " he'll be on the side of the road lost cuz the GPS doesn't work and they can't read a map. After 30 years out there I can't wait to retire
For my personal car I prefer manual but for long trips I prefer automatic. Automatic trucks have gone a long way and older people still like to talk bad about them from their old days.
Just the video I needed! I appreciate it brother, new driver only been driving about a year but all I did was manuals so I hopped behind this automatic and kept wondering if I was doing it quite right LOL funny how that works but this told me exactly what I needed to know I appreciate it Happy travels!
At 3:45, you state that pushing the lever toward the dash upshifts into higher gears. But at 5:00 you state that pushing the lever toward the dash downshifts into lower gears. Minor misstatement because as soon as the driver moves the lever the wrong direction, it will be readily apparent.
I just started to get my cdl and I'm happy there is gonna be an automatic because where I live traffic and a manual and muscle cramp don't do well when your constantly bumper to bumper and very handy when some goof ball cuts in front of you and brakes suddenly.
Great video mate. But I think there is a small mistake. At around 3:46, you said that push it forward the dash to upshift but later you said some opposite stuff, push it forward to downshift. Please make that clear. Thanks.
I’ve only driven an old 10 speed Mack around a yard so I’m not a driver but as far as pickups are concerned, I’d say it’s the same with what I’m taking about. Automatics are fine as long as the tech is there. When they first started putting automatics in bigger pickup trucks and said they were fine for pulling we weren’t sold. We were right at first. Now however, the automatics are fine. I’ve heard it was the same with semis. The early automatics just weren’t up to snuff and had the tendency to stall but that was over 20 years ago. If the tech is there and the automatic doesn’t shift at the wrong time or whatever the case may be then why not.
I'm going to be happy to switch to automatic, 34yrs of shifting and clutching. My man card has all kinds of holes from the things I've done. Nothing more to prove or care to prove. Now just want drop & hook shit. I like the Qualcomm's, less talk and that's fine by me. Intermodal.
I’ve got 27 years and 3 million miles in. I just got this company truck coming out of a 14 year old international. What a game changer. The one issue. This stalk on my Jeep turns the wipers off. I’ve already shifted it in to neutral by accident while trying to shut the wipers off in he dark. This will be the end of seeing gimpy truck drivers (worn out knees and hips) with bad left legs.
I get my new 2021 Cascadia with the DD15 and Auto before the end of the month. It's going to be a different stroke for sure but running in rush hour traffic is going to be so easy!
Nice teaching ! Even Europa (where I live) is now now cars 60% automatic gearbox and 40 manual gearbox. .Semi trucks are 95 % semi-automatic transmission gearbox
Good afternoon Cory! I am in & out of the truck seat for now. I thought I gave it up back in 2012. But due to our fine economy here in the country with Covid. Work slowed down & I see myself driving again. Anyways, my question is: I drive this same truck 2018 Auto Cascadia. I was coming back from Minneapolis to Ca. Was on the 80 E entering into California & I see myself struggling to keep this bad boy slow on the downgrade from Donner’s pass & the Lake Tahoe area. RPm’s go up to 2300, I have the lever all the way down, jake break button all the way down to the max setting. And still truck was moving fast down those hills. I watched your video you did on the jake break segment you did on the 70 West going into Colorado, but your comment section is turned off. So that is why I am on here. Should I start at the top of the hill at 35 mph, Jake breaks on at Max & creep downhill that way? To keep truck from gaining speed? I’ve had my license for 16 years but stopped driving 10 years ago when I left driving to go back to school to become an electrician in California. I was working in local 6 San Francisco when the pandemic hit & all work came to a halt. So I am back driving to keep a float until work resumes…one day. Thank you for any advice
Have a question sir So when you are going down on 6 or 7 percent grade, do you have to use only service brake and engine brake or also have to down shift too or not
Hi Cory nice video and well laid out simple instructions. As a fellow heavy haul trucker who drives European cab overs ( Scania, Volvo & Mercedes) in East Africa got to admit refined automatics from European Transmission manufactures are worth their salt. The systems will get better as time goes on. I love my manuals but give me a well refined automatic any day these days.
OjBlack100 I sure agree! I hhave literally drove the 8, 10, and 13 speed manuals all over America, but now at my age, driving 3,000 miles a week doesn't even phase or fatigue me. My arms and legs feel like I'm 25 again! Lol... Plus, I'm 2 miles farther down the highway versus a manual truck driver. In 2015...I think these automatic tranny's are amazing! Take it easy over there...
Cory J. Draper LOL I feel your pain about the arm's and legs, truckers are suffering in silence but are too dam proud to let go of their beloved manuals :-). Keep safe and keep on trucking.
The Rock~n~Roll Trucker i dont dout it. of course i was much younger around these truck with my father. every time he got a choice for a truck at a company, he gone for a 13 speed even had a 18 speed at one time. i notice him exhausted all the time after dealing with traffic all day. course that was late 90s hitting early 2000s... the trucks today are much nicer then that of those years. course ill be 21 in a few months and wanting to get my cdl. not saying i cant hadle a 6,13 or 18 speed, but seeing that the automatic is much more enjoyable to handle is making me want to wnter truckin myself.
Don't waste your time unless you love low pay, and untold hours away from home. It's NOT the romantic life the songs say. Luckily I worked for a Company for over 27 years before retiring and had the seniority to pick my work. For newcomers, I'd say don't do it unless you are willing to put in years at low pay, lousy work shifts, and constant BS from the employer when you need personal or family time.
Hey there, I think it's actually easier to drive in snow and ice, heavy traffic and stop light to stop light city driving. If it's a newer truck with ABS, it's really easy to drive in slippery conditions. Just drive slow and you'll see what I mean...
I used to be a trainer and this transmission would be great from a teaching perspective. Why? Well, you can spend more time on backing where you NEED to spend the MOST time.
You are so right! Everyone freaks out on shifting with perfecting, no grinding, etc. These automatics really make it nice for backing up, and simply driving the truck around obstacles, curbs, barrier's, and more...
Do you find it's much easier to catch lower gears on a steep grade? I would think it would be since you're not getting the rpm's just right with the correct speed to drop down gears.
Nice. I'm getting a new-to-me Cascadia with the same shifter automated trans. that you're showing. I've punched my "man card" enough with 10 speeds. I prefer a manual, really, but I only have a little experience with autos. Anyhow, I drive what they assign me, so I'll be shift free soon!
Hi Cory thanks for the video. I’m also a 13 speed guy. I just bought a 2018 freightliner with automatic transmission just like the one you are showing. I’ve never driven an automatic semi before and it feels weird because my left foot still wants to step on a clutch. I wanted to ask you if trucks with automatics have less power then manuals? I feel like it’s weaker for some reason.
The Freightliner I was driving really didn't know how to shift, it started in 1st no matter what, would not idle for more than 5 mins, and would go into neutral when you lifted off the fuel pedal when the Jake was off...scared the crap out of me when it did that. Granted, the tractor only sipped fuel even when I was loaded heavy...63-73 gals. to run 560mi. In the Tx. hill country. (SAN to ELP)
hey nice video and GREAT transmission I will agree!! I got mine right about the same time at you August 14, 2014 I believe was my maiden voyage. I would like to point out a couple things you said it's a 13 speed and it's a 12. (DT12 stands for Detroit Transmission 12 speed) Also the engine brake switch works just a little different than how you described. Most importantly it also tells the transmission how to react and shift. The first setting (click) is low engine brake. It only has low and high I'm not sure if it's 2 and 6 cylinders or 4 and 6 cylinders but it doesn't have medium. The second setting (click) changes to the highest engine braking and also more than likely will initiate a down shift especially if you move it slow and let in remain on the first click for a few seconds it may just go to high braking but not down shift. The last setting (click) will be high engine braking and will aggressively down shift as quickly as it can even accelerating the rpm to 2200
(continued) to get the next lower gear and will skip gears even. So the last thing is how fast you move it from off through the 3 clicks. A fast off all the way to the last click will act differently than a slow move pausing on the first and another pause on the second but once in the third it will aggressively down shift and engine brake on a flat surface and when on a steep down grade with a heavy load it will engage the engine fan after about 5 seconds because it robs horsepower and also helps slow the truck. If you find you are slowing too much go back to the second click and the engine fan cuts off but the engine brake stays on full and if that's still slowing you too much go back to the first click and the engine brake goes back to low and will not downshift unless the vehicle speed and rpm drops so low it has to but it will not aggressively downshift to try and stop completely as it would if you left it in the third click. Do you agree after driving it for a couple years?
Automatic is a future for a long time before they work all kinks in self driving tractors This video shows why semi trucks passing me so effortlessly while I'm so scared in the straight truck Hate the Donner pass!
I would like you to comment on the benefits of”shifting” the transmission. Why would you want to use “manual”? Somebody said some companies eliminate the option of using manual. Why?
Try backing a fully loaded trailer to a dock with one of these automatics. It will be all you can do to keep from violently slamming against the dock and startling the shit out of the forklift driver. As a company driver I ain't choosy, but if I were an owner operator I would prefer a manual. I'm old school and I like having that extra feeling of control from choosing my own gears. Also to me an automatic is just more moving parts and something else that will eventually breakdown and need fixing. And, chances are, when that happens my warranty will have long since expired and i'll have to bear the cost.
@Steve Robertson It's not an assumption. I'm driving an automatic right now as we speak. I've been trucking 21 years and that's just my personal preference based on my experience with both over the years.
I believe if you put your left foot on the brake and let up on it like a clutch as you give a little gas they tend to back a smoother drove a few rentals and you are right they do slam the dock when backing
Very informative video! Have you driven a automatic with clutch? I've noticed they are quite common in Europe but not sure if they are used over in the US.
thank you sir for this video. my question when you go downgrade you need to shift down manual or you just keep the transmission on auto position with engine brake on ?
I wish my carrier got autoshift in 2015. I hear the 2017s have it except for the training tractors but the one I have is a 10 speed manual. So I have to shift the gears on my own. I hope its not too long before I get an autoshift.
Cody, great video! We have an Eaton 13 speed automatic, can you tell me if you you just switch to manual while your moving? Wouldn't that mess up the transmission?
If it works like a car does, switching it over doesn't shift gears. It simply tells you what gear you were in before you switched over, and then gives you manual control to upshift and downshift.
I just got my CDL in a manual, but honestly I don't think I'll mind the auto. I don't think the manual I trained in even had a jake brake. I like to shift, but I'm sure it would get old after a while.
I learned to drive on a 13 speed at a community college, whole course was two months and my God was I thankful it was long because getting used to double clutching and hell finding a truck that fit my short legs sucked! It's a shame I've not been able to put that training to use due to no prior work history (long story) and a prior studen loan which hit my credit score something nasty. While shifting a manual is empowering again due to shorter legs I wouldn't complain one bit if I was given an automatic because as long as it can haul the loads I need and doesn't have a limiter IDC what others think. Comfort over bragging rights ANY day.
your funny most of the worlds entire drivers are pretty much average short legged! finding a truck to fit your leggs makes no sense at all unless your looking for ancient trucks lmao
Can you lock out gears in the automatic mode? like say, don't let it shift pass gear 10? (I have a F150, and you can hit the "down shift" while in automatic mode and it "deactivates gears" starting at the top. Then if you want you can "up shift" to re-enable it or flip to manual then back to auto to reset it. I was just curious. Thanks for the explanation.
This transmission you can't deactivate any gears, but you can go into manual shift or automated shift. In automated mode the trans will shift according to your speed, rpm, going up hill, going down hill, traffic. It's literally like a normal vehicle auto trans. Manual mode you literally shift like F-1 race trans, which is fun l, easy, and great when going up hills and you like a little more rpm than what computer suggests...
I learned on a 10 speed manual . But the automatic is soo smooth! I can focus on driving now without all the extra work.
My dad is a trucker and he always say...”work smart not hard”
@Phoenix Porter stfu i dont care about your shit
@Phoenix Porter i dont give a damn bruh just SHUT YO FUCKING MOUTH
Driving isn't hard
💯 he’s rite dads are always rite cien
@@joedirte716 I can tell you have never been a trucker or in the army.
35 years, 3 million + miles, drive an auto shift now and won't go back! hands down it reduces fatigue 50%
Amen Larry!
Plus the stalk looks nice.
Mr Brownstone .... I found out a lot of guys are just "macho".....manly men, they tend to wear big belt buckles and cowboy boots. I'm past all of that. Give me auto shift any day. push the letter d on the dash, sit back and enjoy the show.
one thing i'm interested in is if engaging the PTO on an automatic is a lot easier, as many douche bags break the clutch brake on most vehicles. Whether it's a dump truck, water truck, fuel truck ... whatever, the damn clutch brake is always broken.
MrCraigmire123.... we have PTO's for pumps on our tractors... just a flip of a switch....on the dash or outside the truck by the pump....its all good!
just got a 2018 cascadia automatic, never thought I would like one ,love it,lot less tired end of day.
I love this! When I was in truck driving school, it was quite a hassle messing around with gears while I war driving, at least for me it was. But with automatic trucks, I could just focus on driving and that's what's safer and important to me.
If you suck. Shifting isn’t hard, it’s a pain in the ass if you’re a local driver but over the road who cares
Steve Robertson you act like shifting a manual transmission is hard. You act like getting your cdl is hard. It’s not. And the only time you’ll have to use your clutch after the test is from a stop when you need your clutch brake. Don’t be a bitch.
Steve Robertson if you have trouble focusing on driving while shifting, then I hate to break it to you but you’re a stone cold bitch
😂🤣😅🤣😂😅 shifting is not difficult. Patience and understanding of the machine is all that is needed
go back to mcdonalds
I got to drive a 2015 Freightliner auto and it was a dream. I love being able to jump in and only have to concentrate on driving.
I have an auto shift now after 15 yrs of 9 speeds...Love it...
Been driven automatics for 15 years now. Love them. The truck I drive now is a freightliner with a dd16 with an end dump. This thing got a strong jake. Haul asphalt and gravel so most of the time we are maxed out. Jake has no problem holding truck back. Now I just hold my coffee cup instead of the stick. Great video sir
Wow it's basically the same as my car. I always drove a car with gears as you cantrol speed great with gears. But due to my disability I switched to automatic transmission. And it's so much nicer on the body. Thanks for the video.
I’m getting into trucking at 21. I’m so glad automatics are the new standard!
The sole purpose for manufacturers building more automatic diesel tractors is to make the job of transporting goods & operating big rig, diesel semi tractors 50 times easier. In return more drivers get hired. with more drivers on the road more goods get moved, thus more wealth gets created. For the company as well as the driver.
Walter Flowers Now I’m 22. One year in. Now I’m looking forward to electric trucks & self driving trucks on the interstate. It will be revolutionary just like cruise control. Great future awaits.
How’s trucking workin with ya
I thank you I have been in this problem for a long time because my truck was stuck in manual mode and could not start. Thank you for watching your video on RUclips and doing exactly as you said and the truck started. Thank you.
I love it, I've only been driving this 2011 Freightliner for 5 days now, its amazingly smooth, step on peddle n go, no more watching tach or listening to engine roar, all I have to do is watch traffic for merging time, if possible make video showing fuller automatic w/ push buttons, they are next to cup holder, I have not found Jake Brake, theres the "M" for manual w/ +/- buttons , but jake function that I'm aware of. thanx this shifter type is in one of our other trucks
Good tutorial. Thanks. My fav is also the 13, but when you have to sit on the 401 parking lot in Toronto for hours, you quickly become a fan of the automatics. You're right about the autos sucking years ago. They have come a long way and they definitely reduce fatigue.
I just had my first drive in a 2021 Cascadia with an automatic, not bad once u get the hang of it.
i drive the dame truck. Let me be honest 100%.This by far is the best on the road.It handle down and upgrade so smooth. You can't get tired driving a truck like that.Any driver has to try and they will forget about the noisy manual. It's just amazing
Technology really can be great. With an automatic, you also have more time to concentrate on steering your vehicle. And when you're hauling around an 80,000 LB rig, that becomes very important. Really nicely done video.
Instablaster...
Automated transmissions are awesome now...
Love the Volvo automatic, it's like driving a big car.
Agreed Cory, I've always owned manual vehicles but Buddy once you get older forget about it give me the automatic any day over the manuals. When you're young the World is your oyster and you can't do no wrong but age has a way of taming and moderating the earlier burst of youth. New to the channel but looking forward to new driving adventures around this big chunk of land. All the Best and Be Safe Out there. Fan from Louisiana. 👍
Going on 4 years, I'm loving it.
Im about to start driving a new Cascadia with this transmission. I was wondering how it worked. You helped me here. Thank you!
I've used almost all transmission types, old 60's style two stick, cab over 8, Eaton 10, Super 10, 13, 18.
I drove original Eaton Autoshift 10 which required driver to 'program' shift pattern and starting gear for each load you picked up.
Original paddle shifter on the column, the predecessor to the one in this video.
I have drove a new Freightshaker like the one in this video but only briefly. I do know they are reliable and trustworthy with your standard gross weights and even heavier loads.
Easy driving, when miles and $'s are more important than your 'man card'.
I'm in a 10 speed stick MACK triaxle dump currently. Have mixed feelings about these Macks honestly.
I always enjoyed a Eaton 10 on a 500 Cat Kenworth myself.
Anyways, the automatic transmission is the future. The numbers are growing exponentially now. Meaning, they will catch and surpass old style manuals in just a few more years. Even out selling the Autoshifts, which actually do have a clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, etc. The automatics are on pace to out sell all other transmission types.
Insurance, and other costs like maintenance and warranties ALREADY endorse the switch to automatics.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$ talks. Simple as that.
Automatics are going to dominate truck sales sooner than most old schoolers realize. And the stigma is already fading because older truckers can be a little lazier in an automatic while facing another million miles in heavy-insane traffic. So, even the old timers are getting on board with the new technology. Just like they did with GPS and smartphones.
It is what it is.
Be safe out there.
Why the quotes?
Mark Caldwell The DT12 is an 'autoshift' geared and clutched transmission. The only difference between it and a manual is that the computer clutches and changes gears at the exact rpm/torque points for efficiency in power and/or fuel mileage. You can actually hear it double-clutch sometimes on downshifts.
I've got years of metropolitan driving experience, I've driven both, don't care for autos at all, don't like the integration of the brake system, it's much harder to make lights in the city because it hesitates on take off and my clutch foot doesn't.
You should be ashamed of yourself you fake driver
You called it!
Most old timers I've spoken to love their automatics, my dad included. Most of the younger/newer guys are concerned about their man card.
Thanks man. Starting my first job Monday after passing my class a. Will be driving an auto so very informative.
yessss, love these autos!! We have this truck as well. set the cruise for 60 and it self governs itself at 50 flying down the pass, woooooo!
Agree you driver, I really like the automatic transmission, the adaptive cruise control is great, it will stay with the flow of traffic without you having to to touch the accelerator or brake, awesome!
Dude thank you so much! Been I. This cascadia for a week and didn't even know about the manual mode. Gonna have to play with it in the morning.
I start my first automatic tomorrow morning can't wait
update?
Gotta' love Cabbage. One of my best truck driving stories came off that beautiful hill. Now I live at the bottom of it. Good to hear it referenced. Automatic transmissions showed up in numbers long after I'd moved on to a new chapter, would gladly traded my 13 for one. Great video, have wondered what the setup is.
Cory, great video. I wish you would have mentioned cruise control, I had a few days cussing the process.
1. Cruise won't work if jake lever is engaged
2. Compared to Cascadia with 10 speed, cruise indicator is tiny light.
3. Otherwise it works just like standard cruise control.
You should have seen me trying to hold my mouth just right to get it to work.
38th year driving semi, 1st week in truck with automatic, nice. :)
4:21, he called it a "Little Beast". It's not little, whatsoever! It's a HUGE beast!
I'd care more about my comfort than to be a "man up" who cares what others think You be you, do what comforts your life better. In the end job is a job.
Amen
Running downhill in auto and jakes doesn't it tend to want to upshift as rpms rise! The older autos didn't have the manual option and this was a problem.
Same im about to get into the cdl business id rather have automatic that constantly shifting gears 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️💪🏼
Not sure why drivers need old fashioned stick/ manual trans missions.
An automatic w/the option to manually shift is less fatiguing for the drive and likely fuel efficient.
I'm sure paddle shifters are next.
Omg thanks so much for this video. I jus got my cdl and I’ll be going out with my first load in the 11th and I was nervous when it came to the Jake break because when otr with my TE we never had to use it. So this makes me feel a lot more comfortable knowing how to use it when I get to certain grades on hills. I watched many videos but yours explained it the best for me!
Automatic trans. IS the only choice to make. Thanx for posting the tutorial !
flatwound1 Thanks for checking in!
+Cory J. Draper Hi Cory I looking to start driving again. I was with Us express for a short time they had auto shifting trans. Still had clutch Start and stop but it was nice. Could you please tell a few companies with the auto trans and Will look them up? Thank You and be safe.
+jamesfl1968 Hello there James! I drive all over the Westcoast, around 3,200 miles a week, and visit many truck stops and truck dealerships. I'd say well over half the new trucks being bought have automatics transmissions. They are night and day from the automatics in the past. Very dependable, and high fuel mileage. I average 7.75mpg at 65mph around 79,000lbs. Almost every trucking company you call will have automatic tranny's. All our new 2015 and 2016 Freightliner Cascadia's have the Detroit D15 engine with an auto. In traffic, Ohhhhh these are nice, backing up a piece of cake, and pure acceleration, it shifts so fast, I'm a mile ahead of most manual shifting truckers, etc.
Performance mode! I never knew. I’ve been amazed when a rig is turning onto the ramp ahead of me and before I could pass the ramp it’s already there! Now I know. Can’t wait to try that
Ohhhhhhh cool !!!!!
Drove my first automatic just a few days ago, I drive super trains through the mountains of BC Canada, not friends with the unit yet,the Boss says we will only have the thing for a couple of months till my new one gets here,which will be a good ole manual 18.
But I can see where the automatic has a place in the industry.
great video Cory. I'm picking mine up tomorrow and have never driven one. So this gives me a great heads up
I'm just glad I didn't opt for a manual toyota 4runner when I had a chance, since I've been in an accident on a job and severed a tendon in my dominant hand/pinky flexor; after 2 surgeries and another expecting in another month I couldn't imagine trying to drive a stick with a partilally disabled hand. So Viva to the automatics.
I love automatics and agree there much easier to drive and do the job with.
Only when they work or are programmed correctly. What use is an auto if it's completely butchered?
Just reset the computer. Stock they should work fine for 90% of the drivers out there. I've only altered the computer on a few things and my truck works great pulling doubles in Montana and Wyomiing, even during the brutal -25 degree Winter...
My dad said the same thing, that automatic trucks are so much easier but he always drives his manuals he just likes shifting the gears. He said that the automatics are so much easier in traffic.
@Mike Gee automatics would definitely come in handy in the US
I'm sure you guys are backwards over there. Whacking great heavy slow trucks that are manual but then drive auto cars. It should be the other way around.
After driving a 10 speed for so long, we switched to an automated... 2 years later I still look for the clutch pedal, and still perfer it for backing tbh. Having the automatic is great for heavy traffic.
I have to take a driving test with Swift next week, and I never have driven an Auto. So, hopefully by this video I will be able to pass. Thanks
Good luck! The auto-shift is easy to get used to, and will make you a safer driver by concentrating on areas you need to improve on.
I'm in truck driving school right now, and the clutch is extremely stressfull for someone who is new to trucking, but I cant wait to get into a company that has automatics. I want to concentrate on the road and the hazards around me, not on shifting.
@@superfly4137 then go into another feild
You sound like a whiny child! Learn to shift and master it! What happen to the day people would seek out hard things and become good at it and be PROUD?? Sure i get it you want to drive a auto because it is easy great but if nothing else master the manual first! If nothing else for your own self esteem! But you never know maybe one day times are hard and you just need a job but the place that has a opening does not have autos! At least you could feed your family.
@@eatshitful "The new school drivers " he'll be on the side of the road lost cuz the GPS doesn't work and they can't read a map. After 30 years out there I can't wait to retire
@@tuffstuffgits3180 yea people have become pretty soft these days and very low skill level yet claim to be educated lol
For my personal car I prefer manual but for long trips I prefer automatic. Automatic trucks have gone a long way and older people still like to talk bad about them from their old days.
Gears Rule
Just the video I needed! I appreciate it brother, new driver only been driving about a year but all I did was manuals so I hopped behind this automatic and kept wondering if I was doing it quite right LOL funny how that works but this told me exactly what I needed to know I appreciate it Happy travels!
At 3:45, you state that pushing the lever toward the dash upshifts into higher gears. But at 5:00 you state that pushing the lever toward the dash downshifts into lower gears. Minor misstatement because as soon as the driver moves the lever the wrong direction, it will be readily apparent.
Great teaching video Cory, thank you very much. I feel more comfortable now. We are getting a bunch of automatics in soon.
I just started to get my cdl and I'm happy there is gonna be an automatic because where I live traffic and a manual and muscle cramp don't do well when your constantly bumper to bumper and very handy when some goof ball cuts in front of you and brakes suddenly.
You saved my life. I just got automatic
You will LOVE the auto trans!
Great video mate. But I think there is a small mistake. At around 3:46, you said that push it forward the dash to upshift but later you said some opposite stuff, push it forward to downshift. Please make that clear. Thanks.
Your the man. Was trying to figure out shifting manually.
Thanks for the video. Very informative. About to drive one of these for Kool Trans. Used to a13, but sounds amazing.
I'm here to read the old school truck driver's comments about the automatic and your flip flops. Lol
...Lol
I’ve only driven an old 10 speed Mack around a yard so I’m not a driver but as far as pickups are concerned, I’d say it’s the same with what I’m taking about. Automatics are fine as long as the tech is there. When they first started putting automatics in bigger pickup trucks and said they were fine for pulling we weren’t sold. We were right at first. Now however, the automatics are fine. I’ve heard it was the same with semis. The early automatics just weren’t up to snuff and had the tendency to stall but that was over 20 years ago. If the tech is there and the automatic doesn’t shift at the wrong time or whatever the case may be then why not.
Appreciate the video. I just got my first auto shift and honestly I didn’t know the first thing about it lolol.
I'm going to be happy to switch to automatic, 34yrs of shifting and clutching. My man card has all kinds of holes from the things I've done. Nothing more to prove or care to prove. Now just want drop & hook shit. I like the Qualcomm's, less talk and that's fine by me. Intermodal.
Amen Tom...I totally understand
How you doing brother? I love the manual too,better control!,but fast forward many companies switching to Automatic.Got to go with the flow.
Take it easy out there!
Automatics for city I like and manuals for oil field mud and winter off-roading
I love your explanations man,you are a good teacher!
I’ve got 27 years and 3 million miles in. I just got this company truck coming out of a 14 year old international. What a game changer. The one issue. This stalk on my Jeep turns the wipers off. I’ve already shifted it in to neutral by accident while trying to shut the wipers off in he dark. This will be the end of seeing gimpy truck drivers (worn out knees and hips) with bad left legs.
so you are still shifting as you're driving by clicking the knob?
Amen brother, if you need to prove something get a clutch lol I got the Allison 4600 in my freightshaker and I love it!!!
Best teacher ever
I get my new 2021 Cascadia with the DD15 and Auto before the end of the month. It's going to be a different stroke for sure but running in rush hour traffic is going to be so easy!
Nice teaching ! Even Europa (where I live) is now now cars 60% automatic gearbox and 40 manual gearbox. .Semi trucks are 95 % semi-automatic transmission gearbox
Great Vids. Im bidding on truck online, all are automatic. This help alot. I watched your other videos on breaking down hill too. Good stuff.
Men this truck is amazing . iam a young man I wish to drive big trucks and I like watching new skills to be honest
Good afternoon Cory! I am in & out of the truck seat for now. I thought I gave it up back in 2012. But due to our fine economy here in the country with Covid. Work slowed down & I see myself driving again.
Anyways, my question is: I drive this same truck 2018 Auto Cascadia. I was coming back from Minneapolis to Ca. Was on the 80 E entering into California & I see myself struggling to keep this bad boy slow on the downgrade from Donner’s pass & the Lake Tahoe area.
RPm’s go up to 2300, I have the lever all the way down, jake break button all the way down to the max setting. And still truck was moving fast down those hills.
I watched your video you did on the jake break segment you did on the 70 West going into Colorado, but your comment section is turned off. So that is why I am on here.
Should I start at the top of the hill at 35 mph, Jake breaks on at Max & creep downhill that way? To keep truck from gaining speed?
I’ve had my license for 16 years but stopped driving 10 years ago when I left driving to go back to school to become an electrician in California. I was working in local 6 San Francisco when the pandemic hit & all work came to a halt.
So I am back driving to keep a float until work resumes…one day.
Thank you for any advice
Have a question sir
So when you are going down on 6 or 7 percent grade, do you have to use only service brake and engine brake or also have to down shift too or not
Can someone answer po shi question?
Hi Cory nice video and well laid out simple instructions. As a fellow heavy haul trucker who drives European cab overs ( Scania, Volvo & Mercedes) in East Africa got to admit refined automatics from European Transmission manufactures are worth their salt. The systems will get better as time goes on. I love my manuals but give me a well refined automatic any day these days.
OjBlack100 I sure agree! I hhave literally drove the 8, 10, and 13 speed manuals all over America, but now at my age, driving 3,000 miles a week doesn't even phase or fatigue me. My arms and legs feel like I'm 25 again! Lol... Plus, I'm 2 miles farther down the highway versus a manual truck driver. In 2015...I think these automatic tranny's are amazing! Take it easy over there...
Cory J. Draper
LOL I feel your pain about the arm's and legs, truckers are suffering in silence but are too dam proud to let go of their beloved manuals :-). Keep safe and keep on trucking.
You guys should be ashamed of yourselves
Fake truckers
pretty nifty driver, I checked this video out cause I will be driving a automatic soon. much obliged
thanks for the video just bought my first 2018 cascadia. have alot to learn about this trans
My cousin drives big rigs I got to do that last night
I dont need a man card if i feel less fatigued in the end of the day. Man thats making me want to get a cdl sooner...
The automatic really makes driving easier with less fatigue, especially in traffic. Automatics have come along way...
The Rock~n~Roll Trucker i dont dout it. of course i was much younger around these truck with my father. every time he got a choice for a truck at a company, he gone for a 13 speed even had a 18 speed at one time. i notice him exhausted all the time after dealing with traffic all day. course that was late 90s hitting early 2000s... the trucks today are much nicer then that of those years. course ill be 21 in a few months and wanting to get my cdl. not saying i cant hadle a 6,13 or 18 speed, but seeing that the automatic is much more enjoyable to handle is making me want to wnter truckin myself.
Don't waste your time unless you love low pay, and untold hours away from home. It's NOT the romantic life the songs say. Luckily I worked for a Company for over 27 years before retiring and had the seniority to pick my work. For newcomers, I'd say don't do it unless you are willing to put in years at low pay, lousy work shifts, and constant BS from the employer when you need personal or family time.
Great vid thanks. Getting my 1st auto next week. How do you like it in slippery weather? Do you feel you have the same control as in a manual.
Hey there, I think it's actually easier to drive in snow and ice, heavy traffic and stop light to stop light city driving. If it's a newer truck with ABS, it's really easy to drive in slippery conditions. Just drive slow and you'll see what I mean...
ive found when going down hill in manual mode the truck will still shift gears when im wanting it to stay in gear
I used to be a trainer and this transmission would be great from a teaching perspective. Why? Well, you can spend more time on backing where you NEED to spend the MOST time.
You are so right! Everyone freaks out on shifting with perfecting, no grinding, etc. These automatics really make it nice for backing up, and simply driving the truck around obstacles, curbs, barrier's, and more...
Thank You for that easy explaination
Do you find it's much easier to catch lower gears on a steep grade? I would think it would be since you're not getting the rpm's just right with the correct speed to drop down gears.
Cory I just watched one of your videos on automatic in snow driving. My question is can I use the engine brake during winter driving?
Thanks bro great video!! I’m getting a 2019 automatic next week from a 13-speed Peterbilt..
I drive a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia atm , very decent Fleet truck .
Nice. I'm getting a new-to-me Cascadia with the same shifter automated trans. that you're showing. I've punched my "man card" enough with 10 speeds. I prefer a manual, really, but I only have a little experience with autos. Anyhow, I drive what they assign me, so I'll be shift free soon!
Ours are push to go down pull to go up but the shakers by far have the simplest controls.
Hi Cory thanks for the video. I’m also a 13 speed guy. I just bought a 2018 freightliner with automatic transmission just like the one you are showing. I’ve never driven an automatic semi before and it feels weird because my left foot still wants to step on a clutch. I wanted to ask you if trucks with automatics have less power then manuals? I feel like it’s weaker for some reason.
The Freightliner I was driving really didn't know how to shift, it started in 1st no matter what, would not idle for more than 5 mins, and would go into neutral when you lifted off the fuel pedal when the Jake was off...scared the crap out of me when it did that. Granted, the tractor only sipped fuel even when I was loaded heavy...63-73 gals. to run 560mi. In the Tx. hill country. (SAN to ELP)
hey nice video and GREAT transmission I will agree!! I got mine right about the same time at you August 14, 2014 I believe was my maiden voyage. I would like to point out a couple things you said it's a 13 speed and it's a 12. (DT12 stands for Detroit Transmission 12 speed) Also the engine brake switch works just a little different than how you described. Most importantly it also tells the transmission how to react and shift. The first setting (click) is low engine brake. It only has low and high I'm not sure if it's 2 and 6 cylinders or 4 and 6 cylinders but it doesn't have medium. The second setting (click) changes to the highest engine braking and also more than likely will initiate a down shift especially if you move it slow and let in remain on the first click for a few seconds it may just go to high braking but not down shift. The last setting (click) will be high engine braking and will aggressively down shift as quickly as it can even accelerating the rpm to 2200
(continued) to get the next lower gear and will skip gears even. So the last thing is how fast you move it from off through the 3 clicks. A fast off all the way to the last click will act differently than a slow move pausing on the first and another pause on the second but once in the third it will aggressively down shift and engine brake on a flat surface and when on a steep down grade with a heavy load it will engage the engine fan after about 5 seconds because it robs horsepower and also helps slow the truck. If you find you are slowing too much go back to the second click and the engine fan cuts off but the engine brake stays on full and if that's still slowing you too much go back to the first click and the engine brake goes back to low and will not downshift unless the vehicle speed and rpm drops so low it has to but it will not aggressively downshift to try and stop completely as it would if you left it in the third click. Do you agree after driving it for a couple years?
I said, this is the best thing ever! My Buddy said, I can't drive this thing!
Automatic is a future for a long time before they work all kinks in self driving tractors
This video shows why semi trucks passing me so effortlessly while I'm so scared in the straight truck
Hate the Donner pass!
I would like you to comment on the benefits of”shifting” the transmission. Why would you want to use “manual”? Somebody said some companies eliminate the option of using manual. Why?
Try backing a fully loaded trailer to a dock with one of these automatics. It will be all you can do to keep from violently slamming against the dock and startling the shit out of the forklift driver. As a company driver I ain't choosy, but if I were an owner operator I would prefer a manual. I'm old school and I like having that extra feeling of control from choosing my own gears. Also to me an automatic is just more moving parts and something else that will eventually breakdown and need fixing. And, chances are, when that happens my warranty will have long since expired and i'll have to bear the cost.
@Steve Robertson It's not an assumption. I'm driving an automatic right now as we speak. I've been trucking 21 years and that's just my personal preference based on my experience with both over the years.
I believe if you put your left foot on the brake and let up on it like a clutch as you give a little gas they tend to back a smoother drove a few rentals and you are right they do slam the dock when backing
Very informative video! Have you driven a automatic with clutch? I've noticed they are quite common in Europe but not sure if they are used over in the US.
thank you sir for this video.
my question when you go downgrade you need to shift down manual or you just keep the transmission on auto position with engine brake on ?
I wish my carrier got autoshift in 2015. I hear the 2017s have it except for the training tractors but the one I have is a 10 speed manual. So I have to shift the gears on my own. I hope its not too long before I get an autoshift.
seems like that freight liner has the same auto stick as my 2013 Mercedes Actros
Cody, great video! We have an Eaton 13 speed automatic, can you tell me if you you just switch to manual while your moving? Wouldn't that mess up the transmission?
If it works like a car does, switching it over doesn't shift gears. It simply tells you what gear you were in before you switched over, and then gives you manual control to upshift and downshift.
Excellent video I just learn so much about my truck
I just got my CDL in a manual, but honestly I don't think I'll mind the auto. I don't think the manual I trained in even had a jake brake. I like to shift, but I'm sure it would get old after a while.
I learned to drive on a 13 speed at a community college, whole course was two months and my God was I thankful it was long because getting used to double clutching and hell finding a truck that fit my short legs sucked! It's a shame I've not been able to put that training to use due to no prior work history (long story) and a prior studen loan which hit my credit score something nasty. While shifting a manual is empowering again due to shorter legs I wouldn't complain one bit if I was given an automatic because as long as it can haul the loads I need and doesn't have a limiter IDC what others think. Comfort over bragging rights ANY day.
your funny most of the worlds entire drivers are pretty much average short legged! finding a truck to fit your leggs makes no sense at all unless your looking for ancient trucks lmao
Thanks for the video. You answer my question l was wondering about. Going down a steep hill.
Do you have any videos of driving the automatic in the winter with bad roads?
Can you lock out gears in the automatic mode? like say, don't let it shift pass gear 10? (I have a F150, and you can hit the "down shift" while in automatic mode and it "deactivates gears" starting at the top. Then if you want you can "up shift" to re-enable it or flip to manual then back to auto to reset it. I was just curious. Thanks for the explanation.
This transmission you can't deactivate any gears, but you can go into manual shift or automated shift. In automated mode the trans will shift according to your speed, rpm, going up hill, going down hill, traffic. It's literally like a normal vehicle auto trans. Manual mode you literally shift like F-1 race trans, which is fun l, easy, and great when going up hills and you like a little more rpm than what computer suggests...