What can I expect from an mDRIVE trans?

Nothing says out of control like both hands on the steering wheel hmm?
You'll get used to it. Then it'll make you lazy. Then you'll appreciate it after awhile.
I grew up around trucks. Grandfather ran Peterbilts. Mack cab overs to Peterbilt 359's. Tech changes. While I love long hoods. Those things are going away. Imagine the cab over guys getting into a Pete 359..."G*ddamn truck takes 40 acres to turn that sumb*tch." Heard it with power steering for the longest. "#### next thing you know...women and f*gs will be driving truck next."
If you don't lead foot you can control surge better. Not as good as a stick. But better.
My best friend ever was a lifelong truck driver 21-53 years of age. He always went into a auto with an open mind. The I-shift did bother him. Til he figured it out. And then he said he actually liked it. You can learn.

 

I imagine it will depend on how the carrier has it programmed. @supersnackbar
Had one at Moore/Wylie

 

mDrive is considered to be one of the better autos out there. If I can learn to handle tank surge with an Eaton autoshift, you'll be fine.

 

Since it's made by Volvo, and is probably the same, put the engine brake on, it will hold in gear and actually downshift as it slows down.
Or just put it in manual mode and downshift as needed.

 

I never driven the mTrans. I have, 5x2, 8, 9, 10, 18, Super 10. And Eaton auto-shift.
Hands down my least favorite is the auto-shift. I despise them. Currently working for a company that has 10’s and Super 10’s, all pre def, pre regen engines. Yes all the trucks are tired, and worn out. But working is by far the most enjoyable I have in nearly 30 years.

 

The I-Shift blows away the Eaton Auto Shift. I had a 579 back in 15 with the 13spd Eaton. No bueno.

 

Nothing wrong with old trucks. I've had several. My favorite being a 93 Peterbilt 379 63" Ultracab with a 6NZ model CAT and a 13spd. It was a basket case when my former boss bought it. He had bought a demo block from somewhere. Built up a new 6NZ. Built the truck back up. It was show truck quality. He had good CAT mechanics working for him. The ECM was flashed as a 475hp, 1,850ftlbs. But had a aftermarket Wieand intake and turbo. Plus a big set of 8" Donaldsons. All the guages. I leased it from him. When the milk contract fell through. I had to give it back. I offered to buy it. But he wouldnt.
But that Pete got with the gettin on.