Should I stick to automatic or go to manual?

If I was buying a new truck for OTR work that somebody else was going to drive I'd get an automatic. I don't like it but I have to accept the fact that most younger drivers can't handle a clutch. Also, with fuel being what it is every mpg counts. It didn't use to but it does now.

For me personally, I'll keep my 6 and 4.

 

If you are OTR, autos might be okay. If you do local where every load is 80k, you’ll go broke with repairs, especially with Peterbilt. We bought a few a few years ago and they were a nightmare. Couldn’t get rid of them fast enough.

 

Go with manual,,stay away from spicer transmissions,,fuller all the way

 

Ran a Mack pinnacle flat top sleeper mDrive 12 spd auto for 3 weeks, tare weight 27,500 loaded 79,500. Ran 5 loads from Pittsburgh to Philly and averaged 5.9 mpg cruise set at 70 for 504 miles every day.

My assigned truck is a Mack pinnacle mid roof 10 spd manual, tare 27,580 loaded 79,500. Same route at 70 mph I average 6.7.

Autos are terrible with a smooth bore tanker and caused me nothing but aggravation, left me stranded at intersections and never timed a shift right. I'll take my 10 spd any day of the week

 

It’s the guy that brings package size into the conversation that always has an earthworm in the crotch whereas I have a king cobra. I can’t help it if you can only drive autos and women laugh you out of bed, then give you a refund out of pity.

We’re talking transmissions here son. Leave your tiny pecker out of the conversation.

 

Choose based upon how YOU run, what YOU pull, and what YOU desire.

I can spec you an OTR truck with a 72" sleeper that will regularly break 9mpg, even running heavy, but it ill be an automatic.

I can spec you an OTR truck with a coffin sleeper that will struggle to break 5 mpg, yet pull anything you want anywhere you want, but it will have an 18-speed.

I agree that all new drivers should spend their first couple years in a manual truck, as these autos do create bad habits such as braking way too late before taking a ramp or curve, but once you are to the point of owning a truck, pick what works best for your personal situation.

 

Us women can drive a manual just fine.

OP, buy what fits you best.

Give me a manual 7 days a week, but it isn't mandatory to drive a manual to be a man, just like women don't need an automatic.
Personally I wouldn't buy an automatic, but largely because I am comfortable in a manual. My pickup is an automatic, and will bet you I have gone for the nonexistent clutch pedal and stick a thousand times since buying it. Wish I had bought a manual transmission pickup, even though it would have meant buying an old one, not brand new.

 

Automatics will have a better reslae value.
Manuals are for the die hards whom cant stand the notions of having an automatic. I learned on a manual. Never got to drive an automatic, that doesnt mean I wouldnt want to.
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Personally I have always used a manual when I plow driveways. I got a automatic about 6 years ago. II was foolish not to give an automatic a chance. They will do a better job of turning slowly when trying to get unstuck. Good luck and dont forget to post what you deciided to get in this thread

 

Automatic is the way to go in my opinion. Why? Because life is easier that way. Call me lazy I don't care. Inlike anything that makes life easy. I'd never go back to a manual even if I had the choice. I don't need to satisfy the need to 'look like a truck driver.'