Will automatic transmissions ever replace manual tranny's in the trucking industry?

I have driven both and both have pros and cons. I really liked the auto in places like L.A. and Oakland, but was more comfortable going down hill with a manual, (But still had enough control with auto, just felt more comfortable with a manual.) I think it will all depend on the driver and their preference. I liked both. Some drivers hate autos and I think you're right about have manuals will help deter people that should not be behind a wheel.

 

Eventually automatics will probably replace manuals except in heavy haul.

 

For starters they won't be taking my truck over any time soon. I do agree with it gives more control to the driver. I can't see it having any effect on a driver's wage. They might "take over" if it becomes cheaper when buying a truck, kind of like most cars are now ... you have to pay extra for manual. This might happen - volvo already has their own complete driveline and I think detroit is also working on theirs. If the systems work well and last for a long time, (only time will tell) then I could see it becoming the norm.

I do not see many single truck o/o's going with this equipment however. I like knowing that my old, reliable equipment has people that know how to work on it pretty well everywhere. Any savings an automatic transmission might yield would quickly get eaten up by a long tow bill to the nearest mechanic who knows how to fix it, has the parts, and can get me moving in a reasonable time.

 

I'd say in the next 20- 50 years there will be driverless vehicles. Then they would have to have automatics. They keep experimenting with the technology. It's just a matter of time.

 

When all manufacturers perfect the Automatic transmissions like Volvo has and couple it with an engine that the transmission and engine work together for better economy, then is when they will have more mechanics trained to work on them but they will be just like manual transmissions when it comes to parts needed to repair them, they will have hard parts that go from rebuild to rebuild and then the replaceable parts like in the trans kits today, I think when the last super trucker passes on then the industry will finally be able to think for themselves without thinking in the back of our minds, "What is Super Trucker going to think about me driving a Automatic Transmission"

 

I hope not, never driven an automatic or owned one. I love confusing looks when flip the switch and people see u repeat the pattern.

 

not sure where to even start with this. don't really see autos totally taking over, not sure if they are suited for all applications. but they do have their place. and as for, "will help in keeping people who shouldn't be driving a big rig off the road." how do you explain there are drivers out there with over a million miles that love their i-shifts? if you ask me, i'd like to all the million mile accident free drivers out there as is possible.

as for giving the driver more control, yeah at times the manual will do that. But, i've never seen an auto miss a shift while taking a turn and cause a back up. As a new driver -18 months - i want to focus on getting that truck down the road in the safest way possible. if i don't have to worry about shifting and can focus more on the road and whats going on around me, hey, fine with me. And wait till you get stuck in Dallas rush hour traffic. lol, you may just appreciate that auto more than you think.

Don't get me wrong, my last gig was with a eaton 10 speed and in my new gig i'll be in a 13 speed. either is fine with me, just don't knock that auto till you try it. you may be surprised.