automatic trans

what are the pros and cons on driving a truck with an automatic trans?

 

It seems to me that I have more control of a vehicle if it has a manual transmission, especially in the snow. I've driven an automatic big truck before and I didn't care for it, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if the company was otherwise really good.

The automatics are easier to drive if you are not all that proficient with a manual.

 

There are pros and cons on which transmission. I've driven trucks 25 yrs and have shifted with one stick two sticks and now no stick and I have to say no stick is alot better. When your in slippery conditions one stick or no stick you just have to take it slow.

 

Slight hijack, but related to pros and cons of an auto...for someone like myself looking to get into trucking, would it be better in the long run to learn from scratch in an auto shift? I'm thinking 'yes', get the actual driving/backing/turning experience under your belt in an auto shift for a year or so, then, if necessary (to leave your "starter" company), if going to another company with manual trans, all you'll need is a little time to get shifting down...since you'll already know how to maneuver the truck. Sound good, or is this not a great idea? Would other companies look at me driving for, let's say, P.A.M., just pass me by for not having manual experience?

I guess without ever doing this, only driving a big pickup and small trailer before, it seems like alot to cram in a few weeks of training...what's holding me back is the fear of quitting my job, going to some training, and finding out I've got a learning disability when it comes down to having to learn, or get the boot. That would suck.

 

The pros are: you have one less thing to think about. You can keep both hands on the wheel. In my case, I can operate all the controls on my water truck without having to worry about shifting.

The cons.. It was harder than hell to get used to after driving a manual for years. Another computer that gets to break down..

 

My buddy went to US Xpress training and was ready to leave them after about a year, and his choices were limited because he had to choose a company that had autos.

 

When backing, keep one foot on the brake and one on the throtle, otherwise, it will be all herky-jerky trying to back into a dock. You can't creep around in gear at idle.

 

Actually, from what I have heard, its easier for those who have not driven manuals before, to learn how to drive a truck with a manual trans. Mainly because of the double clutching aspect. Id say learn with a stick because then you can go pretty much anywhere.

 

Drove an auto for 2 yrs. I loved it. But if the truck had mechanical problems and woulnt start (happened twice) you could bet it had something to do with the auto trans. (edit)- and i dont mean just shutting it off while still in gear (that will stop it from starting), I mean if you did everything properly and it broke down- so for a company driver its not so bad, but if i owned my own and didnt want one more thing to start screwing up- id stay with the stick.
-mine could be flipped to manual and you could control what gear it was in completely
-there was no clutch (come auto's actually have a clutch in the system for starting out)
-you have to break and gas with both feet at times as prev. stated
-the only neg. was that sometimes if you were in a hurry, the #### thing won't go into drive- which is also a good safety device

 

####. I am an awesome driver with a stick in a car.. Looks like I will be starting over.