As a Driver in Europe, we use Auto all the time. To prevent the "Downhill Push/Runaway" switch the box to Manual mode, you can then select and hold your desired gear for as long as you want.
I used manual mode when I was going over mountains or hills. It's so much smoother cause in auto with Jake the truck would downshift two gears and revvs real high.
Times have changed. Automatic is the way to go. You just need to understand how it works. Automatic/manual. Fuel savings are great too. The best one is DT12( Freightliner)from my experience. The shifting nob is on the steering column and you can paddle up/down when driving on any mode. In severe weather)snow) it’s recommended to use manual shift for more control.
It's like anything else you have to learn how to drive it I've been driving one a couple of years now and I will never go back to a manual transmission it's way better after you learn how to drive it
The automatics I've driven don't walk until you're ¼ throttle, and then BANG you're 5mph into the dock you're trying to back into. Even worse when you're on ice.
I work at a CDL instruction school. At least 50% are testing in auto trucks. I always wonder why you would want to waste your time learning how to drive a truck and have a manual transmission restriction on your license. While I can drive 'em both, I prefer automatics because they are much easier to drive and I don't live in a climate where there is snow on the ground more than 3 months of the year if at all. To me it's not worth the trade off. But I do agree with the comment or about anti avoidance systems, those can be dangerous and have no place on a truck.
I think you have it backwards. Here in Minnesota, if you test in a truck with a manual transmission, you do not get any restrictions on your drivers license and you can drive anything, but if you take your road test in an automatic, you are restricted to automatics only and can not legally drive a class 8 truck with a manual transmission. 20 years under my belt and drove an auto shift once and I didnt like it. I think it takes away from the driver and I feel like I have more control over my truck. But thats just me.
Robert Beckom I already have that restriction on my class B license because I used a school bus to get my license and we all know that there's no such thing as a stick shift school bus in districts
Another thing that I don't like in winter driving, the trucks with anti collision avoidance systems. It will lock-up the brakes when a vehicle darts in front of you causing you to skid or temporally loosing control … One of those oh**** moments
Christopher Stewart yep mines got that and it’s scary sometimes when the sense is covered up in snow then it doesn’t work until I clear it off but then I am not able to set cruise control when driving for a long ways
@@SilverSurfer17 well if the road is that bad you shouldn't be using cruise control, if you're that dumb, you deserve to have the truck malfunction like that, turn off cruise and you will never have the problem again bud
Oh man when I was in the Army I was driving a half full tanker up the side of a mountain from Yakima Washington and it was a non baffled tanker and I thought it was going to rock me right off the side of the cliff next to the road I was on. One of the most scariest moments of my life. My hat's off to anybody who drives a non baffled tanker
??? [snicker] .... try the road into BellaCoola Canada .....: you're on gravel .... And operators put into bull low and steer from outside the cab. done it.
I got my cdl in june and had the option to drive an automatic or a 13 speed, I chose the 13 speed and I'm glad I did. I always feel like I'm in control of my speed and momentum
Drove an automatic Volvo hauling crude oil in Super-B's up and down mountains on hard pack ice and freezing mud, on highway and off highway slinging chains 3 times a day in the Alberta and BC oilpatch. Never had an issue with that I-shift automatic. Climbed a glazed ice 9% grade no chains to the pipeline terminal- was the only truck to get in there that day. Ran some automatic KWs and Petes tri-drive twin steer 80,000kg service rigs in the oilpatch, 40% of the time off highway. Most of my on highway trucks have been 18 speeds. It's not the transmission, anyone can learn to operate, no matter what it is- it just takes a willingness to learn and figure it out.
With the first company I drove for, I was forced to briefly drive an older Volvo automatic. Hated it. I took a newer model Freightliner automatic on a single trip and despised it as well... However, my new company just bought me a brand new 2019 12speed automatic Kenworth T680 and HOLY CRAP I love this thing. As a die hard fan of 10 & 13speed rigs, I was dead set on avoiding an AT. Due to fuel economy concerns, my company decided to buy 2 autos from KW and see if switching over was worth it. I was skeptical... I've put about 7,500 miles on this thing, zig zagging back and forth between the west coast and ohio. I encountered some hasty ice in Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa. I can honestly say, my freightliner cascadia 10sp NEVER felt as sure footed as this thing... I absolutely love how safe I feel on snow and ice. The 12speed trans does it's job well, AS LONG AS YOU DON'T TRY TO OUTSMART IT! If you let your super trucker experience and wisdom compel you to get in the computer's way, you'll have a rough time.
I still prefer the manual trans. Just something enjoyable about shifting gears and knowing you can shift with out grinding gears going up and down a mountain. Even in traffic the 10 spd does not bother me, .
Volvo I-shift is the best auto transmission in market right now.. Shifts perfect and responds to your input Autos are good once you get use to them. Its hard initially for someone who has driven mannual most of his career
I like watching you're videos. I just finished my training for a AZ license on a 10-speed. First few days of learning was a learning curve getting double clutching and your timing right and being able to recover gear if you miss one. Now after my training of driving a tractor trailer I can shift just by hearing the truck and I still missed gears here and there but I know how to recover them. The biggest thing for me was having a good instructor and knowing that it's not something you're going to learn overnight.
First, it's automated not automatic. It still shifts an operates like a manual. The difference is the computer controls the clutch and shifter. I've spent three winters in automated trucks, and while I agree that they have some drawbacks, once you get used to it, it's actually got many positive attributes. Oh, and I have ten years and over 1.5 million miles in the saddle. Yes I still prefer a stick.
I drove garbage trucks for 12 years here in the Rocky mountains. The front load trucks were always automatics. Had some very hairy moments over the years on icy mountain roads. Thanks for addressing this issue.
All good points. You might have mentioned that automatics have a delayed response. When I press the throttle it takes a second for it to go. When I let off the throttle it take a second for it to stop. It makes it difficult for me to hitch up or adjust tandem smoothly. It's also more difficult to wiggle out of a snow trap. Left a 👍
A backhoe pulled up next to me at a red light, light turned green, stomped on the fuel as I watched said backhoe pull away from me. I had less than 8000 lbs in the trailer.
Yes! Another annoying tick. I’ve been at intersections waiting for an opening and when I get it, step on the accelerator, bam! nothing. My foot is on the floor and truck is deciding if it wants to move or not. I don’t know about other manufacturers but this happens often in our fleet of freight liners. We still have some 10sp manuals in our fleet and I try to snag one every chance I get because I know that when I want to step off the line in a manual, it’s gonna move, right now. Automated truck manufacturers, please straighten this delay problem, it’s annoying and dangerous!
I was a mechanic for a fleet that got bought out, The new company ran all automatics and your right, They get a little snow round them and you play hell getting them out, I hated them....
Beautiful backdrop. I was in a similar situation a couple weeks ago. I'm in an automatic and was going up I-29 in a bad snowstorm and had to pull over onto the shoulder to de-ice my wipers and windshield. Since I was on an untouched area, getting back on to the road was a major pain and with the automatic the drives kept spinning almost turning me sideways. Had to spend almost 2 hours digging ruts long enough to get me back on to the lane that was traveled on. Most comical thing was there was a state trooper sitting in the median across from me the whole time just watching me dig. Luckily there was very little to no traffic.
I told the company I work for the day they put me into a automatic truck is the last day I work for them, all our trucks are 10speeds. I refuse to drive a automatic vehicle, even my personal truck is a 6speed
So true, I made sure I did all my testing on manual transmissions so I was qualified to drive one but it's very difficult to find a carrier with a manual transmission to get more experience with one. Currently being forced to drive an automatic because that's all my carrier is buying now days.
Using a DT10 (and DT12) in my career, I never had much trouble with automatics going down hill. These were both Freightliners (2017 and 2016). The DT12 is designed to NEVER upshift if you've got the lever engaged for engine braking, though I've had the DT10 shift on me before. Both of these transmissions also had a manual shift feature, which I used frequently for going down hill. I was trained that if you need to press your service brakes at all while going downhill, you're going to fast and need to get in a lower gear, so I was always really conservative with my speed down mountains. I've got no experience with KW, Peterbilt, Volvo, or Mack transmissions so I have no clue how they're like down hill. I assume there's a manual gear select mode on any of them, and I would really recommend you use it.
You did a great video on driving uphill in snow. Lower gear higher revs. That way the tires don't spin out as badly. Now in an automatic. Select manual mode. Force the truck engine to rev higher in the gear needed for the desired speed. Am I right?
Yes sir, just switched over from a 15 speed International to a new Kenworth T370 with an Allison 6 speed automatic. It was fine in summer traffic, but now I’ve got snow and ice to contend with...it’s a helluva learning curve and I’m really missing my low low range for poking down hilly driveways.
Dave a automatic in a gravel truck is almost a must. I been in ruts that I thought there’s no way I was getting out, I put it in Drive it never skipped a beat. Thought for sure I would have broke a axle. In 20 years of driving I have only broke 1 that was in a clutched auto shift, I stopped in sand then restarted that was all she wrote. When I started driving I worked for a 🃏 ( that’s a story for another time) that only had automatics & 2 13 speed’s of course I ended up in the old 3408 🐈 with the 13 speed. Looking back glad I did. When I took both my tests ( first B then upgrade to a A ) I was lucky enough to use a Automatic. When taking the A it helped as I did mine pulling a triple axle tag trailer. After doing that for a year I started in a semi the making of a turn is way different. What learning curve I have had. Keep up the good work & hope you two have a great Christmas & a New Year, I know mine should be.
i drive milk truck. my boss keeps ordering auto shift trucks. i got one of the last new manuals he has. its a 2017 KW T880 18 speed manual. with the little i have driven autos, im not impressed. i consider myself lucky with 3 pedals and a stick in between the seats.
Here's an interesting fact for David; a lot of trucks in Europe have a rocking button so the truck can work the clutch automatically to rock itself out of a sticky situation.
I had a Big scare on HWY 16 between Worland and Buffalo in Wyoming , you can't rely much on a A/T on a mountain pass , i've learn it the hard way by see one of the trailer drums caught fire and blew-off a tire .
I passed my CDL in a manual so no restriction on my license but when I started my first job. All they had were automatics so I wasn't able to honed my shifting skills. It sucks but I do enjoy driving automatics.
90% of the trucks being ordered are automatics because the new recruits they throw into them will break a standard shift. I hated automatics and avoided them like the plague, you have no control of the of the shifting. It always seemed to upshift and downshift when it wasn’t supposed to. I guess the only benefit of having one is if you drive in a busy city with nothing but Red lights. Hill climbing hands-down a standard shift is the only way.
I've driven those "automatic transmission " trucks, and you only hit upon only a couple of the problems with them!! Tho, major problems in winter driving, but give me a standard trans everytime, I have no use for automatic transmission in a big truck. Your story of running tanker brought back a memory of when I drove milk tank. I was about half to 75% full in the tank, and I hadn't been driving tanker long, I came up to a stop light, light was red, I stopped, trucks not moving, then I made the mistake every rookie driver will make. I took my foot off the brake. Luckily for me no one was coming thru the intersections at the time. Cause the milk hit the front of that tank and oops, I just run the stoplight. Luck was on my side that day!!!! Great video, Dave......
I got my CDL a month ago or so, and learned how to drive standard. Funnily enough, I never learned how to drive stick beforehand, but really wanted to. So this was all completely new to me. I got the hang of it and came to really enjoy it. It was fun, and I looked forward to honing my skills further. So I was pretty disappointed when I found out that a lot of companies were switching to all automatic fleets, including the one I'm working for now. Hopefully I'll get to drive a manual again soon, but chances are that when I finally do, I'll have to take a refresher course or something to reacquaint myself with it.
Another great video! This is my first year driving an automatic (579 Pete) Not a big fan of this Pete in the snow but I sure like it when I'm in heavy traffic. P. S. I've been driving for 7 years otr
So many carriers are only using automatic trucks... I wish more of them used manual. My truck driving school makes us all learn how to drive a manual. Not a single truck at school is automatic.
think most trucks ordered by the schools now are automatics, sold next to zero trucks with manuals now days, but still some older ones out there. fewer and fewer tho.
That's the way mine was too. The company that ran it was doing automatics and phasing out their manuals, but they WOULD NOT train you on an automatic. Because it restricts your license in the US.
I’m a rookie, 5 months out of school. Was taught, and obtained my class one with an 18 speed. The company I wanted to work for has switched to auto trans trucks. Really wishing I was running a manual now that winter is coming up. Don’t beat up on all us new guys, some of us aren’t just steering wheel holders. P.S no flip flops or sweat pants in this freight shaker
Coca-Cola driver here 🙋🏽♂️.. I drive an automatic semi... and winter is coming, this video definitely gave me a heads up onto what to expect... Thank You!
Before I retired I did a lot of steel delivery and one of the trucks had a automatic in it . It was nice in town but in snow and job sites it took some getting use to. I had to back when I was a young buck and start using the old power braking method and a light right foot .
Good tip about rocking your way out of an icy hole. I have to do it once or twice every year. You made me think a little harder about specing my new truck with an auto
The newer automatics aren’t the same as the old ones. The new transmissions are what’s called automated manual transmissions (amts). I’m in a 2019 Volvo with a Eaton, I don’t have much time on it yet but it’s light years past the transmissions of years past.
Good advice! I'm 58, my brothers 59, he's been driving a stick in cars for 30 yrs. I let him drive my 1930 Buick with unsynchronized 3spd, he absolutely could not figure out double clutching. Had to make him stop it ( mechanical brake's) before he destroyed it! Lol! Kenny 🤙🤙
Interesting points you have made. From the safety side it is about the bigger picture and the "perfect" world does not actually meet all of the kinds of weather that a driver could face. My friend told me that he'd hit the brakes early and the load would go to the front and then he'd hit the gas and he could make turns easier than baffled trailers. Great topic and experience.
I think it's more like John Deere, the tractor company. They were cutting edge in pulling transmissions in the 60s and 70s. When farmers started using their revolutionary power shift and bump shift tractors, they never wanted to go backward. It's just like the automatic trucks. They are getting better and better, faster. I can shift with the best cowboy boot wearin double clutcher out there. Why wrestle a shifter when you can let the (tractor) do the w o r k? Besides, we don't get any more pay for wrestling the stick.
thank you for all your wisdom and stories. im in cdl school and getting tested tomorrow by dmv and a bit nervous. all this info will be helpful thank you
I have the Detroit transmission. It's a nice setup. You can't rack back and forth. It has really strong engine brake for dry roads. Our truck has dash switch if you want to spin the tires in the snow. You just turn off traction control. In the winter it will see wheel spin and cut back the power
I’ve been driving for many yrs now and been hearing a couple of rumors about these new coming drivers that have only been trained in automatic trucks, that they are only allowed operate trucks with automatic transmissions and that they get a Z endorsement which prevents them from driving any truck with a manual transmission. Enjoy watching ur videos thank you for ur time
Thanks Roberto! I'm not sure how it works now for licenses and automatics. We had a couple guys apply at the lumber yard that had a Z endorsement with an A license that couldn't drive standard. Here in Ontario the Z is an air brake endorsement but I would think an A license should mean you can drive standard. Dave
In BC .if you train on auto. Your licensed for auto only. Makes sense. Do you want a driver. Who drove auto rig.then go into an 18spd. Oh my what's that other pedal for.
Well, at least someone is addressing the issue that automatics are not just push the pedal and go. Autos can take a good year to truly figure out, but once you learn they are simply better. I started back in the 90s testing Eaton’s first gen auto and still test today with beta engines and trans, I’ve found the bigger issue to be drivers who simply don’t want to change. Every problem you speak of can easily be corrected with autos.... if you are willing to realize you have to learn how to work them.
Great advice Dave for a totally new truck driver like me. And I thought it would be easier to drive a automatic Truck but hearing you talk about standard driving. I am going learn how to drive the Standard truck. Thanks for sharing your insight.
On my LT the shifter is on a stalk and manual is instant, just push the stalk down like a paddle shifter. Selecting gear is a twister knob on the end of the stalk. If I have to rock, I lock the rear axles.
The jake is so strong it can lock up your drive wheels when you let your foot off the accelerator, resulting in an unexpected skid. Your jake brakes only slow your tractor, not your trailer. When on ice or snow the jake brake will cause your trailer to push forward and slide out from behind you. Resulting in a jack knifed truck. Not trying to diss you through. You give us so much amazing advice so much experience but using the jake brake and certain conditions is a bad habit a lot of truckers don't realize especially older ones how dangerous it can be.
There's definitely a trick to it. A lot more jake, especially on a mountain. Not just "oh hey, use low gear." That said, going up and down Donner, I'd much rather have had a manual.
The older Volvo still had a clutch. Never would have made it through my first northern winter without. But they sure make la, Atlanta, and dc less of a pita
In Sweden, manual transmission is the default car drivers license, there is a limited licence, that only allows you to drive cars with automatic transmission.
Speaking of chaining up your tires at the end, have you ever done a video on how to chain up your tires? I have chains in my truck, but sadly, I was never taught how to use them during training. My company goes by the old addage "if you need to chain up, don't drive at all". But I'd like to know how to chain up my tires anyway.
Yes many carriers are switching to automatic. Cost due to inexperienced drivers and because even guys with experience damaged the transmissions in manuals. But I heard that here in the US that driving a manual transmission is going to be another endorsement that a driver will need. Not sure if this is true but definitely will make a driver with this endorsement more valuable.
Dave, if you put the truck into gear an hit the Jake it will hold the truck in place. Believe me, after shifting gears for 30 years, I welcome automatic trucks.
This was one of the scariest things I thought of when they put me in an automatic truck. Normal conditions it was fine but I’m really bad weather going down mountains scared me at first not being able to control my transmission.
Thanks Dave. New to trucking and school was all 10 speed manual and company is all automatic. Driving a Peterbilt 579 with 12 speed auto and LOVE it, but have not been it conditions like you describe yet. Was at a truckstop near Erie PA when lot was all ice. Engauged the second axle and manual mode in 2nd and no problem.
Was in a terribly set up Volvo last winter. These were specced with single axle drive on the front. I believe these are engineered to have higher bag pressure on the front for traction as the rear "drive" becomes just a load bearing axle. The proportioning valve was changed to a balanced front /rear setup. This truck would literally be stuck on flat ground that was even the slightest bit slick. Diff lock was useless, it would get all sorts of squiggly on the highway. I finally figured out to drop the bags, wrap a chain from frame rail, under the bags and back up to the frame and then reinflate. Presto, I had a homemade lift axle with much better traction. Looked a little crazy running down the road but it worked!
Very good points. I so wish I had a standard trans in my truck whenever I go down a big pass. I’ve been stuck in a Volvo with idrive and find that when manually selecting a gear, the engine brake either doesn’t work much or even at all. Used to be in my standard Freightshaker, I started off in my selected gear and just ran down Cabbage with the retarder. Can’t do that anymore.
Dave, why aren't we teaching guys how to drive manual transmissions anymore? I'm not suggesting that we put them in a 5&4, lol... But they should know how to use a clutch, and how to shift. Especially in case there's an emergency, and they have to move a truck for someone else. I saw a video recently of an officer that couldn't move a patrol car because he didn't kkow how to drive a manual vehicles I'm like the other driver below, you speak, I listen. You remind me of the guys that trained me. Thanks for bringing wisdom and discernment to me.
I'm kinda of old school trucker. I got my cdl at the age of 21 back in 2005 at C.R. England. Manual is easy as 123, but I prefer a Automatic. I'll drive a 13 speed if it comes down to it, but Automatic is Cadillac.
I’m with you Dave I won’t drive an automatic I have but don’t like them one bit when the going gets tough The small family run company I work for has both When I started for them almost 3 years ago they were going to give me a new Truck with an automatic but luckily they were able to do some swapping and get me into an older KW with a 10 speed they had ordered some New Pets and I got one with the 13 speed they listened to me and gave me what I wanted it’s a 2019 579 I’ve had it just over a year have 170 on it already haven’t had any problems whatsoever getting better than 8 mpg they liked the first 6 and just ordered 3 more
Anti-slip technology works best on automatics, you get power to the ground faster with automatics for one hell of a kick off when initiating throttle, automatics also prevent over twisting and stretching on your driveshaft, all of my best friends love the automatic, Cummins, Detroit, Cat, Mack
I never had issues with traction until I drove an automatic. I've never cared for these auto-shifts. They are absolutely terrible. I will always prefer a manual transmission when it comes to big rigs.
Driving an automatic on your driving test means you can only drive an automatic if you pass. Its actually an exemption actually. But if you test in a manual, you can drive both if you pass
Personally I can’t stand the automatics. They’re a safety hazard in my mind, you get more complacent while you’re driving because you’re not having to pay attention to your speed and whatnot. While I’m driving, I know exactly how fast I’m going because of the gear I’m in and I’m always paying attention because I have to shift gears. I’ll always drive a manual transmission. My personal opinion.
The problem with the first automatic was docking. In a standard I would ease up to the dock and using the clutch keep pressure then set the breaks. I would touch the dock with an automatic, the clutch wood disengage and I'd bounce off the dock. I learned to idle up to the dock and two food the break pedal. I learned the hard way but it will always be funny watching new drivers ping pong off of the dock.
With Manual Transmissions, I feel more better control on steep down grades. And it's true that automatic trucks tends to PUSH YOU! There's also way too many SENSORS on automatic trucks that you can't do anything or it voids the Warranty.
It's not just the automatic transmissions. The computer controlled anti slip deals are the worst, taking out power when you need to get through a spot.
the idea that a truck makes a decision for me, what gear to be in scares me. I never drove an automatic tractor. I guess they'd be ok in a 10 mile long traffic jam
Another thing is schools are training in automatic trucks. Which get you a restriction on your license. You can't legally drive manual. Also most mega carriers are/going fully auto. Where a lot of people start.
Ljust learned that recently, about the schools using automatics and the students coming out with a down graded license. I suppose it's the way of the future but it sure would take away from the driving experience, in my opinion.
Yeah I think so to. I only got 4 years in this industry so far but started off in a manual At Roehl Transport. Driving an auto and manual is a different experience indeed. If anything knowing manual makes you a better driver I would suspect.
We do a lot of off-road driving for construction. The automated manual is the worst. It starts by slipping a tiny bit, but it wants to close the clutch off ASAP and that is not in your control and causes wheel spin and even gets you stuck at times. You have to pay attention and put it in manual as you go through mud or hills, because it will upshift and fall on its face, lose momentum and get stuck. They’re ok for flat highways or flat city driving. You can’t just push the pedal down and force a downshift like you’ve been able to do in a car since like the last 75 years. I’m referring to a Daimler and a zf. Both similar shifting. I think the thing I hate the most is coasting, looking for a driveway or a turn, and focusing so hard on the road signs that I forget to switch to manual and there’s a hill. Even a steep short ramp approach to get in a fuel station will cause the truck to fall on its face instead of downshifting. It’s always behind a gear when you are slowing down. If I come to a complete stop for a split second then try to restart, it’s still in 4th and bogging down and burning the clutch. What a joke. You have to stop for a good 3 seconds to return to starting gear.
BTW, good to see you back in action. I’ve parked my truck for the winter. Too dangerous anymore. Perhaps someday we can sit down and have a cup of coffee.
I've been pulling a fuel tanker for 16 years. Never had a problem with a 5th wheel, and now that we have gone to automatic transmissions I've had to have the 5th wheel guts replaced 3 times in the last 4 years due to the transmission.
Jason Hicks I drove an automated transmission for a week of my training and noticed how rough they are when coupling to a trailer. I’m glad my company had a manual truck for me when I got my own truck.
@@SmartTrucking There not at all smooth. The new Volvo I shift actually has a smooth shift setting specifically for tank and livestock applications. The Cascadia I have now has the Eaton ultrashift plus and its miles ahead of the ultrashift that was in my old Cascadia, but it is nowhere near as smooth as floating the gears in timing with the surge. These upshift every single gear even when traveling on a down grade and downshifts every gear when coming to a stop. The shop put 3 5th wheel kits in each of our tractors over the last 4 years. So far this on is holding up better than the older trucks are.
With cruise on auto does plenty more shifting up and down hills than you would in a manual that might be some of the pounding. As far as no bells and whistles models, Volvo smoother than Freightliner and less skip shifts.
I am by no means a highly experienced truck driver, maybe 300K miles total with Class A at 56 years of age. However, after onsite hauling one winter, I felt like my left leg was about to fall off from pushing the clutch in several hundred times daily. I've done the same thing in traffic jams on the highway, although not near as much as onsite hauling. I'm about to start driving again, local/regional, and its all automatics and I'm happy about that. Maybe if it were OTR, it would justify a manual trans...
My largest issue other than it picking the wrong gear for me, is most auto shifts dont have manual shift option. and when you engage the Jake Brake, it downshifts when it feels, and pops the clutch in a turn, like exiting the highway.
Dave you are like EF Hutton I believe everyone listens when you speak because what comes out of your mouth is the absolute truth Happy Thanksgiving to your family
Hey Dave here’s one for you. Take an automatic and just drive it loaded on a dry road of 7 to 8% grade uphill. You’ll find the automatic will get confused spotter and usually default into a neutral or shutdown mode. You then have to come to a stop, set your parking brake and then turn the truck off and restart it to reset the transmission. This is especially true with the DT 12 single counter shaft Usually found in Freightliner. Even worse the fuller 10 speed found in a pack car. You’ll be surprised how much junk this industry is really allowing on the road.
pack car? you mean paccar? we have new T880's that are automatics 18 eaton "ultra shift". i drove one once just to experiment. i was woefully unimpressed. piece of crap transmission. literally had no power leaving a stop sign and the jake you couldn't even feel it slowing you down. and then when you are going down a grade with your foot off the throttle its up-shifting when you clearly dont want it too . we are pulling milk tankers with these piece of crap things and our gross often exceeds 100K lbs. my assigned truck, 2017 T880 with an 18 speed manual. the truck has 62K miles on it, they can pry it from my dead cold fingers LOL. i will turn down any automatic offered to me.
Maybe because my wholeige of driving I've been used to having cars that had some type of pedal shift or automated manual button, so when I got into an automatic truck which is what I started with, I've had zero issues hauling flatbed, or tanker loads behind an auto truck. I mainly drove the midwest but occasionally frequented PA for gypsum loads to Savannah. In rain sleet, snow in Pennsylvania the only complaint I have with the Cascadia and t680 were that safety system that wont allow you to rear end somebody getting covered in snow and shutting off cruise control long after you're not on snow roads, forcing you to stop to clean it off.
As a Driver in Europe, we use Auto all the time.
To prevent the "Downhill Push/Runaway" switch the box to Manual mode, you can then select and hold your desired gear for as long as you want.
I used manual mode when I was going over mountains or hills. It's so much smoother cause in auto with Jake the truck would downshift two gears and revvs real high.
Coming up on my first winter OTR and I’m nervous as hell!!! Yes, I’m in an automatic!
When you speak, I listen. Thank you for being humble about even your extensive experience and for your sage advice.
Times have changed. Automatic is the way to go. You just need to understand how it works. Automatic/manual. Fuel savings are great too. The best one is DT12( Freightliner)from my experience. The shifting nob is on the steering column and you can paddle up/down when driving on any mode. In severe weather)snow) it’s recommended to use manual shift for more control.
It's like anything else you have to learn how to drive it I've been driving one a couple of years now and I will never go back to a manual transmission it's way better after you learn how to drive it
Indeed Bro!!! I love mine!!!
I'm in an auto now on winter I start in low gear then switch to drive mode
The automatics I've driven don't walk until you're ¼ throttle, and then BANG you're 5mph into the dock you're trying to back into. Even worse when you're on ice.
Yeah, that doesn't sound good!
I work at a CDL instruction school. At least 50% are testing in auto trucks. I always wonder why you would want to waste your time learning how to drive a truck and have a manual transmission restriction on your license. While I can drive 'em both, I prefer automatics because they are much easier to drive and I don't live in a climate where there is snow on the ground more than 3 months of the year if at all. To me it's not worth the trade off. But I do agree with the comment or about anti avoidance systems, those can be dangerous and have no place on a truck.
I think you have it backwards. Here in Minnesota, if you test in a truck with a manual transmission, you do not get any restrictions on your drivers license and you can drive anything, but if you take your road test in an automatic, you are restricted to automatics only and can not legally drive a class 8 truck with a manual transmission. 20 years under my belt and drove an auto shift once and I didnt like it. I think it takes away from the driver and I feel like I have more control over my truck. But thats just me.
Robert Beckom I already have that restriction on my class B license because I used a school bus to get my license and we all know that there's no such thing as a stick shift school bus in districts
well companies prefer because ur auto may break down, they may only have manual to get you rolling
Another thing that I don't like in winter driving, the trucks with anti collision avoidance systems. It will lock-up the brakes when a vehicle darts in front of you causing you to skid or temporally loosing control … One of those oh**** moments
Christopher Stewart disconnect the thing or put mud on it
Christopher Stewart yep mines got that and it’s scary sometimes when the sense is covered up in snow then it doesn’t work until I clear it off but then I am not able to set cruise control when driving for a long ways
Newer (2019) DT12 doesn't do what you are talking about
That device was busted in the last truck I drove it would just turn on randomly with nothing around me causing me to skid out.
@@SilverSurfer17 well if the road is that bad you shouldn't be using cruise control, if you're that dumb, you deserve to have the truck malfunction like that, turn off cruise and you will never have the problem again bud
Oh man when I was in the Army I was driving a half full tanker up the side of a mountain from Yakima Washington and it was a non baffled tanker and I thought it was going to rock me right off the side of the cliff next to the road I was on. One of the most scariest moments of my life. My hat's off to anybody who drives a non baffled tanker
Chinook pass or Snoqualmie?
You mean a smoothbore?
??? [snicker] .... try the road into BellaCoola Canada .....:
you're on gravel .... And operators put into bull low and steer from outside the cab.
done it.
I wish I could ride with this guy for a week. What a wealth of information.
I got my cdl in june and had the option to drive an automatic or a 13 speed, I chose the 13 speed and I'm glad I did. I always feel like I'm in control of my speed and momentum
Knowing how to shift is becoming a dieing skill.
It's true! Dave
it should be required. manual transmissions help weed out people that really shouldnt be driving. if you cant shift you cant drive
Drove an automatic Volvo hauling crude oil in Super-B's up and down mountains on hard pack ice and freezing mud, on highway and off highway slinging chains 3 times a day in the Alberta and BC oilpatch. Never had an issue with that I-shift automatic. Climbed a glazed ice 9% grade no chains to the pipeline terminal- was the only truck to get in there that day. Ran some automatic KWs and Petes tri-drive twin steer 80,000kg service rigs in the oilpatch, 40% of the time off highway. Most of my on highway trucks have been 18 speeds. It's not the transmission, anyone can learn to operate, no matter what it is- it just takes a willingness to learn and figure it out.
With the first company I drove for, I was forced to briefly drive an older Volvo automatic. Hated it. I took a newer model Freightliner automatic on a single trip and despised it as well... However, my new company just bought me a brand new 2019 12speed automatic Kenworth T680 and HOLY CRAP I love this thing. As a die hard fan of 10 & 13speed rigs, I was dead set on avoiding an AT. Due to fuel economy concerns, my company decided to buy 2 autos from KW and see if switching over was worth it. I was skeptical... I've put about 7,500 miles on this thing, zig zagging back and forth between the west coast and ohio. I encountered some hasty ice in Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa. I can honestly say, my freightliner cascadia 10sp NEVER felt as sure footed as this thing... I absolutely love how safe I feel on snow and ice. The 12speed trans does it's job well, AS LONG AS YOU DON'T TRY TO OUTSMART IT! If you let your super trucker experience and wisdom compel you to get in the computer's way, you'll have a rough time.
I still prefer the manual trans. Just something enjoyable about shifting gears and knowing you can shift with out grinding gears going up and down a mountain. Even in traffic the 10 spd does not bother me, .
Volvo I-shift is the best auto transmission in market right now.. Shifts perfect and responds to your input
Autos are good once you get use to them. Its hard initially for someone who has driven mannual most of his career
I like watching you're videos. I just finished my training for a AZ license on a 10-speed. First few days of learning was a learning curve getting double clutching and your timing right and being able to recover gear if you miss one. Now after my training of driving a tractor trailer I can shift just by hearing the truck and I still missed gears here and there but I know how to recover them. The biggest thing for me was having a good instructor and knowing that it's not something you're going to learn overnight.
First, it's automated not automatic. It still shifts an operates like a manual. The difference is the computer controls the clutch and shifter. I've spent three winters in automated trucks, and while I agree that they have some drawbacks, once you get used to it, it's actually got many positive attributes. Oh, and I have ten years and over 1.5 million miles in the saddle. Yes I still prefer a stick.
I drove garbage trucks for 12 years here in the Rocky mountains. The front load trucks were always automatics. Had some very hairy moments over the years on icy mountain roads. Thanks for addressing this issue.
I once saw one of those do a complete 360 spin on ice! That was interesting, he was only doing about 35mph. Dave
All good points. You might have mentioned that automatics have a delayed response. When I press the throttle it takes a second for it to go. When I let off the throttle it take a second for it to stop. It makes it difficult for me to hitch up or adjust tandem smoothly. It's also more difficult to wiggle out of a snow trap. Left a 👍
Good point! There is a delay, I should have mentioned that! Dave
A backhoe pulled up next to me at a red light, light turned green, stomped on the fuel as I watched said backhoe pull away from me. I had less than 8000 lbs in the trailer.
Yes! Another annoying tick. I’ve been at intersections waiting for an opening and when I get it, step on the accelerator, bam! nothing. My foot is on the floor and truck is deciding if it wants to move or not. I don’t know about other manufacturers but this happens often in our fleet of freight liners. We still have some 10sp manuals in our fleet and I try to snag one every chance I get because I know that when I want to step off the line in a manual, it’s gonna move, right now. Automated truck manufacturers, please straighten this delay problem, it’s annoying and dangerous!
I was a mechanic for a fleet that got bought out, The new company ran all automatics and your right, They get a little snow round them and you play hell getting them out, I hated them....
Beautiful backdrop. I was in a similar situation a couple weeks ago. I'm in an automatic and was going up I-29 in a bad snowstorm and had to pull over onto the shoulder to de-ice my wipers and windshield. Since I was on an untouched area, getting back on to the road was a major pain and with the automatic the drives kept spinning almost turning me sideways. Had to spend almost 2 hours digging ruts long enough to get me back on to the lane that was traveled on. Most comical thing was there was a state trooper sitting in the median across from me the whole time just watching me dig. Luckily there was very little to no traffic.
Can’t beat a good ole 18 spd
with 3 pedals. they make eaton ultra shift 18 speed junk now.
Agreed! Dave
I prefer the 13
I told the company I work for the day they put me into a automatic truck is the last day I work for them, all our trucks are 10speeds. I refuse to drive a automatic vehicle, even my personal truck is a 6speed
I put 40,000 miles on automated truck begged for my 10 speed back..got it and I'm happy trucker
So true, I made sure I did all my testing on manual transmissions so I was qualified to drive one but it's very difficult to find a carrier with a manual transmission to get more experience with one. Currently being forced to drive an automatic because that's all my carrier is buying now days.
Using a DT10 (and DT12) in my career, I never had much trouble with automatics going down hill. These were both Freightliners (2017 and 2016). The DT12 is designed to NEVER upshift if you've got the lever engaged for engine braking, though I've had the DT10 shift on me before. Both of these transmissions also had a manual shift feature, which I used frequently for going down hill.
I was trained that if you need to press your service brakes at all while going downhill, you're going to fast and need to get in a lower gear, so I was always really conservative with my speed down mountains. I've got no experience with KW, Peterbilt, Volvo, or Mack transmissions so I have no clue how they're like down hill. I assume there's a manual gear select mode on any of them, and I would really recommend you use it.
You did a great video on driving uphill in snow.
Lower gear higher revs.
That way the tires don't spin out as badly.
Now in an automatic.
Select manual mode.
Force the truck engine to rev higher in the gear needed for the desired speed.
Am I right?
Yes sir, just switched over from a 15 speed International to a new Kenworth T370 with an Allison 6 speed automatic. It was fine in summer traffic, but now I’ve got snow and ice to contend with...it’s a helluva learning curve and I’m really missing my low low range for poking down hilly driveways.
Dave a automatic in a gravel truck is almost a must. I been in ruts that I thought there’s no way I was getting out, I put it in Drive it never skipped a beat. Thought for sure I would have broke a axle. In 20 years of driving I have only broke 1 that was in a clutched auto shift, I stopped in sand then restarted that was all she wrote.
When I started driving I worked for a 🃏 ( that’s a story for another time) that only had automatics & 2 13 speed’s of course I ended up in the old 3408 🐈 with the 13 speed. Looking back glad I did. When I took both my tests ( first B then upgrade to a A ) I was lucky enough to use a Automatic. When taking the A it helped as I did mine pulling a triple axle tag trailer. After doing that for a year I started in a semi the making of a turn is way different. What learning curve I have had. Keep up the good work & hope you two have a great Christmas & a New Year, I know mine should be.
i drive milk truck. my boss keeps ordering auto shift trucks. i got one of the last new manuals he has. its a 2017 KW T880 18 speed manual. with the little i have driven autos, im not impressed. i consider myself lucky with 3 pedals and a stick in between the seats.
I've found out that automatics are good for when you're in bumper to bumper stop and go traffic, you dont have to keep dumping the clutch.
Here's an interesting fact for David; a lot of trucks in Europe have a rocking button so the truck can work the clutch automatically to rock itself out of a sticky situation.
I had a Big scare on HWY 16 between Worland and Buffalo in Wyoming , you can't rely much on a A/T on a mountain pass , i've learn it the hard way by see one of the trailer drums caught fire and blew-off a tire .
I passed my CDL in a manual so no restriction on my license but when I started my first job. All they had were automatics so I wasn't able to honed my shifting skills. It sucks but I do enjoy driving automatics.
90% of the trucks being ordered are automatics because the new recruits they throw into them will break a standard shift. I hated automatics and avoided them like the plague, you have no control of the of the shifting. It always seemed to upshift and downshift when it wasn’t supposed to. I guess the only benefit of having one is if you drive in a busy city with nothing but Red lights. Hill climbing hands-down a standard shift is the only way.
I've driven those "automatic transmission " trucks, and you only hit upon only a couple of the problems with them!! Tho, major problems in winter driving, but give me a standard trans everytime, I have no use for automatic transmission in a big truck. Your story of running tanker brought back a memory of when I drove milk tank. I was about half to 75% full in the tank, and I hadn't been driving tanker long, I came up to a stop light, light was red, I stopped, trucks not moving, then I made the mistake every rookie driver will make. I took my foot off the brake. Luckily for me no one was coming thru the intersections at the time. Cause the milk hit the front of that tank and oops, I just run the stoplight. Luck was on my side that day!!!! Great video, Dave......
Thanks for watching Cassius! Take care! Dave
I graduated top of my class driving a manual but I've been in an automatic ever since I still love the manual
I got my CDL a month ago or so, and learned how to drive standard. Funnily enough, I never learned how to drive stick beforehand, but really wanted to. So this was all completely new to me. I got the hang of it and came to really enjoy it. It was fun, and I looked forward to honing my skills further.
So I was pretty disappointed when I found out that a lot of companies were switching to all automatic fleets, including the one I'm working for now.
Hopefully I'll get to drive a manual again soon, but chances are that when I finally do, I'll have to take a refresher course or something to reacquaint myself with it.
Another great video!
This is my first year driving an automatic (579 Pete)
Not a big fan of this Pete in the snow but I sure like it when I'm in heavy traffic.
P. S. I've been driving for 7 years otr
So many carriers are only using automatic trucks... I wish more of them used manual. My truck driving school makes us all learn how to drive a manual. Not a single truck at school is automatic.
What is the name of it and where is it located??
think most trucks ordered by the schools now are automatics, sold next to zero trucks with manuals now days, but still some older ones out there. fewer and fewer tho.
I learned with a standard but my carrier only buys automatic transmissions now.
I don't know about your state but in Kentucky if you don't take your road test in a manual you will get get Automatic only restriction on your CDL.
That's the way mine was too. The company that ran it was doing automatics and phasing out their manuals, but they WOULD NOT train you on an automatic. Because it restricts your license in the US.
I’m a rookie, 5 months out of school. Was taught, and obtained my class one with an 18 speed. The company I wanted to work for has switched to auto trans trucks. Really wishing I was running a manual now that winter is coming up. Don’t beat up on all us new guys, some of us aren’t just steering wheel holders. P.S no flip flops or sweat pants in this freight shaker
Coca-Cola driver here 🙋🏽♂️.. I drive an automatic semi... and winter is coming, this video definitely gave me a heads up onto what to expect... Thank You!
Before I retired I did a lot of steel delivery and one of the trucks had a automatic in it . It was nice in town but in snow and job sites it took some getting use to. I had to back when I was a young buck and start using the old power braking method and a light right foot .
Thank you for all your videos and information you provide to us
My pleasure! Dave
Good tip about rocking your way out of an icy hole. I have to do it once or twice every year. You made me think a little harder about specing my new truck with an auto
Rock on!
The newer automatics aren’t the same as the old ones. The new transmissions are what’s called automated manual transmissions (amts). I’m in a 2019 Volvo with a Eaton, I don’t have much time on it yet but it’s light years past the transmissions of years past.
The new auto freightliner I'm running actually shift real well, the internationals not so much
My trainer had me keep jake break on at all times. I moved from flatbed trailer to tanker and that tip has helped me tremendously.
Good advice! I'm 58, my brothers 59, he's been driving a stick in cars for 30 yrs. I let him drive my 1930 Buick with unsynchronized 3spd, he absolutely could not figure out double clutching. Had to make him stop it ( mechanical brake's) before he destroyed it! Lol! Kenny 🤙🤙
If that had my brother I'm sure I would have teased the living crap out of him! Dave
Interesting points you have made. From the safety side it is about the bigger picture and the "perfect" world does not actually meet all of the kinds of weather that a driver could face. My friend told me that he'd hit the brakes early and the load would go to the front and then he'd hit the gas and he could make turns easier than baffled trailers. Great topic and experience.
Thanks Alan! Dave
I think a lot of of it is a generation thing .Most of the older drivers learned how to drive on sticks Driving manual was natural for us
Agreed! Dave
I think it's more like John Deere, the tractor company. They were cutting edge in pulling transmissions in the 60s and 70s. When farmers started using their revolutionary power shift and bump shift tractors, they never wanted to go backward. It's just like the automatic trucks. They are getting better and better, faster. I can shift with the best cowboy boot wearin double clutcher out there. Why wrestle a shifter when you can let the (tractor) do the w o r k? Besides, we don't get any more pay for wrestling the stick.
I have been stuck in an automatic transmission truck for the past 2 years. And I cannot find very many positive things to say about them
In the new volvos you can adjust the engine brake on the fly. It's awesome.
thank you for all your wisdom and stories. im in cdl school and getting tested tomorrow by dmv and a bit nervous. all this info will be helpful thank you
I just passed mine Friday! Good luck
Good luck with the test! I'm sure you'll be fine! Dave
I have the Detroit transmission. It's a nice setup. You can't rack back and forth. It has really strong engine brake for dry roads. Our truck has dash switch if you want to spin the tires in the snow. You just turn off traction control. In the winter it will see wheel spin and cut back the power
I’ve been driving for many yrs now and been hearing a couple of rumors about these new coming drivers that have only been trained in automatic trucks, that they are only allowed operate trucks with automatic transmissions and that they get a Z endorsement which prevents them from driving any truck with a manual transmission.
Enjoy watching ur videos thank you for ur time
Thanks Roberto! I'm not sure how it works now for licenses and automatics. We had a couple guys apply at the lumber yard that had a Z endorsement with an A license that couldn't drive standard. Here in Ontario the Z is an air brake endorsement but I would think an A license should mean you can drive standard. Dave
In BC .if you train on auto. Your licensed for auto only.
Makes sense. Do you want a driver. Who drove auto rig.then go into an 18spd.
Oh my what's that other pedal for.
EXCELLENT information! Useful to ANYONE who drives a standard transmission. Terrific automatic transmission info too! Thanks so much!!!
Apply the Manual my brother works like a champ.. no problem....
Well, at least someone is addressing the issue that automatics are not just push the pedal and go.
Autos can take a good year to truly figure out, but once you learn they are simply better. I started back in the 90s testing Eaton’s first gen auto and still test today with beta engines and trans, I’ve found the bigger issue to be drivers who simply don’t want to change.
Every problem you speak of can easily be corrected with autos.... if you are willing to realize you have to learn how to work them.
Great advice Dave for a totally new truck driver like me. And I thought it would be easier to drive a automatic Truck but hearing you talk about standard driving. I am going learn how to drive the Standard truck. Thanks for sharing your insight.
Thanks for watching Jose!
On my LT the shifter is on a stalk and manual is instant, just push the stalk down like a paddle shifter. Selecting gear is a twister knob on the end of the stalk. If I have to rock, I lock the rear axles.
The jake is so strong it can lock up your drive wheels when you let your foot off the accelerator, resulting in an unexpected skid. Your jake brakes only slow your tractor, not your trailer. When on ice or snow the jake brake will cause your trailer to push forward and slide out from behind you. Resulting in a jack knifed truck. Not trying to diss you through. You give us so much amazing advice so much experience but using the jake brake and certain conditions is a bad habit a lot of truckers don't realize especially older ones how dangerous it can be.
Great video. Went through a stop light on N CO 82 on snow and ice covered roads in a water truck. Scared me to death.
There's definitely a trick to it. A lot more jake, especially on a mountain. Not just "oh hey, use low gear."
That said, going up and down Donner, I'd much rather have had a manual.
The older Volvo still had a clutch. Never would have made it through my first northern winter without.
But they sure make la, Atlanta, and dc less of a pita
My first Winter driving, and seeking answers to questions from Smart Trucking.
In Sweden, manual transmission is the default car drivers license, there is a limited licence, that only allows you to drive cars with automatic transmission.
Speaking of chaining up your tires at the end, have you ever done a video on how to chain up your tires? I have chains in my truck, but sadly, I was never taught how to use them during training. My company goes by the old addage "if you need to chain up, don't drive at all". But I'd like to know how to chain up my tires anyway.
Yes many carriers are switching to automatic. Cost due to inexperienced drivers and because even guys with experience damaged the transmissions in manuals. But I heard that here in the US that driving a manual transmission is going to be another endorsement that a driver will need. Not sure if this is true but definitely will make a driver with this endorsement more valuable.
Dave, if you put the truck into gear an hit the Jake it will hold the truck in place. Believe me, after shifting gears for 30 years, I welcome automatic trucks.
Indeed
Right on Bro! Dave just needs to get more time in one. It's an adjustment, like everything. LET THE TRUCK DO THE WORK!
Dave Miner yeah I doubt that Dave would want to adapt to automatics
This was one of the scariest things I thought of when they put me in an automatic truck. Normal conditions it was fine but I’m really bad weather going down mountains scared me at first not being able to control my transmission.
Thanks Dave. New to trucking and school was all 10 speed manual and company is all automatic. Driving a Peterbilt 579 with 12 speed auto and LOVE it, but have not been it conditions like you describe yet. Was at a truckstop near Erie PA when lot was all ice. Engauged the second axle and manual mode in 2nd and no problem.
Was in a terribly set up Volvo last winter. These were specced with single axle drive on the front. I believe these are engineered to have higher bag pressure on the front for traction as the rear "drive" becomes just a load bearing axle. The proportioning valve was changed to a balanced front /rear setup. This truck would literally be stuck on flat ground that was even the slightest bit slick. Diff lock was useless, it would get all sorts of squiggly on the highway. I finally figured out to drop the bags, wrap a chain from frame rail, under the bags and back up to the frame and then reinflate. Presto, I had a homemade lift axle with much better traction. Looked a little crazy running down the road but it worked!
Very good points. I so wish I had a standard trans in my truck whenever I go down a big pass. I’ve been stuck in a Volvo with idrive and find that when manually selecting a gear, the engine brake either doesn’t work much or even at all. Used to be in my standard Freightshaker, I started off in my selected gear and just ran down Cabbage with the retarder. Can’t do that anymore.
Dave, why aren't we teaching guys how to drive manual transmissions anymore? I'm not suggesting that we put them in a 5&4, lol... But they should know how to use a clutch, and how to shift. Especially in case there's an emergency, and they have to move a truck for someone else.
I saw a video recently of an officer that couldn't move a patrol car because he didn't kkow how to drive a manual vehicles
I'm like the other driver below, you speak, I listen. You remind me of the guys that trained me. Thanks for bringing wisdom and discernment to me.
Thanks Shannon! I DO think guys should be required to learn standard transmissions!
I'm kinda of old school trucker. I got my cdl at the age of 21 back in 2005 at C.R. England. Manual is easy as 123, but I prefer a Automatic. I'll drive a 13 speed if it comes down to it, but Automatic is Cadillac.
I’m with you Dave I won’t drive an automatic I have but don’t like them one bit when the going gets tough
The small family run company I work for has both
When I started for them almost 3 years ago they were going to give me a new Truck with an automatic but luckily they were able to do some swapping and get me into an older KW with a 10 speed they had ordered some New Pets and I got one with the 13 speed they listened to me and gave me what I wanted it’s a 2019 579 I’ve had it just over a year have 170 on it already haven’t had any problems whatsoever getting better than 8 mpg they liked the first 6 and just ordered 3 more
Anti-slip technology works best on automatics, you get power to the ground faster with automatics for one hell of a kick off when initiating throttle, automatics also prevent over twisting and stretching on your driveshaft, all of my best friends love the automatic, Cummins, Detroit, Cat, Mack
I never had issues with traction until I drove an automatic. I've never cared for these auto-shifts. They are absolutely terrible. I will always prefer a manual transmission when it comes to big rigs.
Driving an automatic on your driving test means you can only drive an automatic if you pass. Its actually an exemption actually. But if you test in a manual, you can drive both if you pass
Personally I can’t stand the automatics. They’re a safety hazard in my mind, you get more complacent while you’re driving because you’re not having to pay attention to your speed and whatnot. While I’m driving, I know exactly how fast I’m going because of the gear I’m in and I’m always paying attention because I have to shift gears. I’ll always drive a manual transmission. My personal opinion.
Great video as always! I hope you understand how helpful you and your wife are greatly appreciated!
Thank you for saying so Detreyus! Dave
I agree about the collision avoidance system..VERY dangerous in winter/wet conditions.
The problem with the first automatic was docking. In a standard I would ease up to the dock and using the clutch keep pressure then set the breaks. I would touch the dock with an automatic, the clutch wood disengage and I'd bounce off the dock. I learned to idle up to the dock and two food the break pedal. I learned the hard way but it will always be funny watching new drivers ping pong off of the dock.
With Manual Transmissions, I feel more better control on steep down grades. And it's true that automatic trucks tends to PUSH YOU! There's also way too many SENSORS on automatic trucks that you can't do anything or it voids the Warranty.
It's not just the automatic transmissions. The computer controlled anti slip deals are the worst, taking out power when you need to get through a spot.
the idea that a truck makes a decision for me, what gear to be in scares me. I never drove an automatic tractor. I guess they'd be ok in a 10 mile long traffic jam
I'm with you, I like to be the one controlling the truck I'm riding in!
Another thing is schools are training in automatic trucks. Which get you a restriction on your license. You can't legally drive manual. Also most mega carriers are/going fully auto. Where a lot of people start.
Ljust learned that recently, about the schools using automatics and the students coming out with a down graded license. I suppose it's the way of the future but it sure would take away from the driving experience, in my opinion.
Yeah I think so to. I only got 4 years in this industry so far but started off in a manual At Roehl Transport. Driving an auto and manual is a different experience indeed. If anything knowing manual makes you a better driver I would suspect.
On snow covered road maintain 30 MPH or lower at all time, disable the engine brake and cruze cont.
Yeah most drivers know this I'm surprised he said he uses the jake brake in the snow. He should be more clear. It is very dangerous
We do a lot of off-road driving for construction. The automated manual is the worst. It starts by slipping a tiny bit, but it wants to close the clutch off ASAP and that is not in your control and causes wheel spin and even gets you stuck at times. You have to pay attention and put it in manual as you go through mud or hills, because it will upshift and fall on its face, lose momentum and get stuck. They’re ok for flat highways or flat city driving. You can’t just push the pedal down and force a downshift like you’ve been able to do in a car since like the last 75 years. I’m referring to a Daimler and a zf. Both similar shifting.
I think the thing I hate the most is coasting, looking for a driveway or a turn, and focusing so hard on the road signs that I forget to switch to manual and there’s a hill. Even a steep short ramp approach to get in a fuel station will cause the truck to fall on its face instead of downshifting. It’s always behind a gear when you are slowing down. If I come to a complete stop for a split second then try to restart, it’s still in 4th and bogging down and burning the clutch. What a joke. You have to stop for a good 3 seconds to return to starting gear.
BTW, good to see you back in action. I’ve parked my truck for the winter. Too dangerous anymore. Perhaps someday we can sit down and have a cup of coffee.
Yup! I'd like that! Dave
I've been pulling a fuel tanker for 16 years. Never had a problem with a 5th wheel, and now that we have gone to automatic transmissions I've had to have the 5th wheel guts replaced 3 times in the last 4 years due to the transmission.
Jason Hicks I drove an automated transmission for a week of my training and noticed how rough they are when coupling to a trailer. I’m glad my company had a manual truck for me when I got my own truck.
That's interesting! Because the automatic just doesn't shift as smoothly? Dave
@@SmartTrucking There not at all smooth. The new Volvo I shift actually has a smooth shift setting specifically for tank and livestock applications. The Cascadia I have now has the Eaton ultrashift plus and its miles ahead of the ultrashift that was in my old Cascadia, but it is nowhere near as smooth as floating the gears in timing with the surge. These upshift every single gear even when traveling on a down grade and downshifts every gear when coming to a stop. The shop put 3 5th wheel kits in each of our tractors over the last 4 years. So far this on is holding up better than the older trucks are.
@The94GTC Its not that. The trailers are assigned to the truck. We only drop the trailer about every 3 months or so. When the tractor is due for a PM.
With cruise on auto does plenty more shifting up and down hills than you would in a manual that might be some of the pounding. As far as no bells and whistles models, Volvo smoother than Freightliner and less skip shifts.
I am by no means a highly experienced truck driver, maybe 300K miles total with Class A at 56 years of age. However, after onsite hauling one winter, I felt like my left leg was about to fall off from pushing the clutch in several hundred times daily. I've done the same thing in traffic jams on the highway, although not near as much as onsite hauling. I'm about to start driving again, local/regional, and its all automatics and I'm happy about that. Maybe if it were OTR, it would justify a manual trans...
My largest issue other than it picking the wrong gear for me, is most auto shifts dont have manual shift option. and when you engage the Jake Brake, it downshifts when it feels, and pops the clutch in a turn, like exiting the highway.
No Trucking Company PAY'S More to drive Standard!!!
Hi Dave. My school, trains us on Manuals. I'm thankful to not be restricted to automatics.
That's a good school! What's the name and location of this school? It deserves as much business as we can throw at it! Dave
Dave you are like EF Hutton I believe everyone listens when you speak because what comes out of your mouth is the absolute truth Happy Thanksgiving to your family
Thank you Robert and enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving yourself! Dave
Hey Dave here’s one for you. Take an automatic and just drive it loaded on a dry road of 7 to 8% grade uphill. You’ll find the automatic will get confused spotter and usually default into a neutral or shutdown mode. You then have to come to a stop, set your parking brake and then turn the truck off and restart it to reset the transmission. This is especially true with the DT 12 single counter shaft Usually found in Freightliner. Even worse the fuller 10 speed found in a pack car. You’ll be surprised how much junk this industry is really allowing on the road.
Unbelievable, isn't it? Dave
pack car? you mean paccar? we have new T880's that are automatics 18 eaton "ultra shift". i drove one once just to experiment. i was woefully unimpressed. piece of crap transmission. literally had no power leaving a stop sign and the jake you couldn't even feel it slowing you down. and then when you are going down a grade with your foot off the throttle its up-shifting when you clearly dont want it too . we are pulling milk tankers with these piece of crap things and our gross often exceeds 100K lbs.
my assigned truck, 2017 T880 with an 18 speed manual. the truck has 62K miles on it, they can pry it from my dead cold fingers LOL. i will turn down any automatic offered to me.
Maybe because my wholeige of driving I've been used to having cars that had some type of pedal shift or automated manual button, so when I got into an automatic truck which is what I started with, I've had zero issues hauling flatbed, or tanker loads behind an auto truck. I mainly drove the midwest but occasionally frequented PA for gypsum loads to Savannah. In rain sleet, snow in Pennsylvania the only complaint I have with the Cascadia and t680 were that safety system that wont allow you to rear end somebody getting covered in snow and shutting off cruise control long after you're not on snow roads, forcing you to stop to clean it off.