Transmission choice?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Nottoway, Mar 7, 2013.

  1. Nottoway

    Nottoway Light Load Member

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    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! :biggrin_255:

    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!
     
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  3. TruckingSurveyor

    TruckingSurveyor Light Load Member

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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.

    TS
     
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  4. PowerWagon

    PowerWagon Light Load Member

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    Call me old school, but as far as I'm concerned, the automatic isn't even a choice.

    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.
     
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  5. PowerWagon

    PowerWagon Light Load Member

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    Nice to see a TDR guy now and then :)

    I used to be a forum moderator eons ago... First gen, actually.
     
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  6. Nottoway

    Nottoway Light Load Member

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    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.)
     
  7. Nottoway

    Nottoway Light Load Member

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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
     
  8. mcgoo422000

    mcgoo422000 Medium Load Member

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    You do know the 4500 and 5500's ride like wagons? 3500's rides are better for what it's worth. The little reduced weight carrying ability won't make no difference. If you want to haul more weight get a class 5 or 8 truck. To make any money in the hotshot business you need to look at what the truck cost.
    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.
     
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  9. truckon

    truckon Swamp Thing

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    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.
     
  10. mcgoo422000

    mcgoo422000 Medium Load Member

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    Out of the ones that started when I did only a couple still have the small trucks. The one's that didn't quit went to bigger trucks. There is that guy from oregon with the white truck and he couldn't sell his he tried and wound up making it work. All the ones I see that been around awhile have FORDS.
    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.
     
  11. truckon

    truckon Swamp Thing

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    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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