I feel pretty comfortable that the Dodge is the way to go in this business...right? (And have been looking at the 4500.) But I need advice on transmissions: automatic vs manual. I've never operated many automatics in any kind of vehicle. I'm just very 'old school'. Honestly, wish we could get a 10 speed in these trucks!
But, both are 6 speeds so some of the issues: first is obviously fuel economy, followed by vehicle control (especially on grades), and of course durability. Would really like to hear some voices of expertise and experience!
Transmission choice?
Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Nottoway, Mar 7, 2013.
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I have an older Dodge with the previous 6 speed manual, haven't driven the new ones (different 6 speed trans). I am a member of the TDR http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ and would not pass go without a lot of reading there! Since the Asian auto came out in 2007 there has been very good reviews, in fact lots of guys who said they would never drive an auto really like them, and they have been very reliable too from what I read.
TSNottoway Thanks this. -
I'm not a trucker and I don't play one on TV, but I was a diesel injection mechanic for a dozen years. I've never seen an automatic be anywhere NEAR as good as a good manual, ever.
As far as the Dodge 4500 goes, it's probably a good choice. The 6 speed manual has decent gear splits for the motor, as well. They offer a HIGHER torque version of the motor with the auto than with the manual, but I'd still take the manual and the ability to use the engine where I want it to run. -
I used to be a forum moderator eons ago... First gen, actually.TruckingSurveyor and mje Thank this. -
Thanks guys! Do you think there'd be any appreciable difference in fuel mileage between the two transmissions? (I realize driving styles come into play.)
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Never got any real world fuel mileage comparisons on the Dodge transmissions, soooo...I'll have to conclude that it just makes sense that with the higher gear ratios of the manual transmissions, you at least have the POTENTIAL to increase your economy over the lower-geared automatics. (Driving style notwithstanding.)
Dodge 4500: Automatic gear options of 4:44 or 4:88, Manual 4:10
Dodge 5500: Automatic gear option of 4:88 only, Manual 4:44 -
A 40-60,000 truck and your setup for failure to start with and there is no way out, you can't hardly give away a used hotshot truck.
Engineer your business plan in reverse when thinking about hotshotting figure what the market will allow you to buy.Nottoway Thanks this. -
Just go over to the Cummins forum, there is a lot of info that you need there from people who are doing it for a living.
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One even quit and went to brokering. 45 5500 both have them 17.5-19.5 tires and the sidewalls are like steel thats one of the biggest factors in the bad rides. I owned a early HD series chevy and it rode like a wagon. Most of them car haulers started with dually's and now most have class 5,6 and 8's.
I've always felt the 45-5500's no matter what brand were waste of money either get a dually or go larger class. your spinning your wheels any other way. The return on the investment isn't there for the bigger ones. -
Ya, can't blame the ones that turned into brokers. .. and I don't think a 4500 or 5500 is worth it, might as well get a class 8.
But if your going to look for real info on a dodge at least on CF you will you will get it from dodge owners, not wannabes and ford owners.
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