Automatic trucks

Discussion in 'Trucking Jobs' started by krisjack, Jan 18, 2008.

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  1. agrippa

    agrippa Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2008
    Canada
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    It's really slow and boring when shifting up on an auto 13-gear Freightliner, at least they go down by 2 gears at time. But I feel not so tired after a day with that auto comp. with manual one, esp. in the city. Other thing is - more electronics inside those and they broke more often and you just staying around and can do nothing until the service comes.
     
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  3. VIDEODROME

    VIDEODROME Road Train Member

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    angola, in
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    Well I started out with PAM so my experience is with automatics. I tried out a company with manuals but it just wasn't working out. I thought I was getting used to it until I got into steep hills in Pennsylvania and had a hard time down shifting quickly enough to keep pace with the deceleration going up hill.

    Most Smart Shift autos I've driven worked okay but recently have been in a truck with a EatonShifter and I think it sucks. If some manual drivers have switched to one like this Eaton I have I can understand the complaining.

    Anyway I'm looking around for another job because this company is giving me insane dispatches but it's hard because of my experience mostly driving Automatics. I don't know if I'll just go with US Xpress.
     
  4. VIDEODROME

    VIDEODROME Road Train Member

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    angola, in
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    Really I think it's just that so many driving instructors are absolutely terrible at teaching it. Which is strange because it shouldn't be that hard. It seems like people who've done this for so long it's become natural to them cannot relate at all to a beginner.

    Probably not that different from someone who's played guitar for decades and just fly through chords while the student gets lost.
     
  5. MikeMurf0505

    MikeMurf0505 Light Load Member

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    Jul 18, 2010
    Houston, TX
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    Any insulting others is pretty much what you do when your uneducated and unhappy. Possible of inferior genitics too.
     
  6. agrippa

    agrippa Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2008
    Canada
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    Just remembered - backing with 1 auto truck is little harder for me. There is no typical semi-clutch in that case or it is harder to feel it. So moving starts
    suddenly and and manoeuvring is not so smooth, I hit docks more often and so on. .At least these ones I used.
     
  7. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    Phoenix, AZ
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    While it is true that backing and docking can be a little more difficult (I ran automatics with Black Horse Carriers) they sure are nice when your sitting in rush hour, construction, or accident back-ups on the freeway.
     
  8. bigmitch

    bigmitch Bobtail Member

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    Sep 17, 2010
    co.springs
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    automatics are for lazy drivers!! go learn on a 4&4 or a 5&3,,then you are a truck driver some of the newer drivers should be taught how to downshift,,,,,i am looking for a job and went for a "test drive" with a guy that couldnt even down shift a ten speed,,and he was giving me the test,,he had to stop to downshift!!! my medical card was out dated,the owner told me to go to the truck stop and get the forms,and fill them ouit myself!! hahaha hahaha hahaha I never even looked back,,how hokey can you get! all you newer drivers get the experience with ALL transmissions if you can get someone to let you,you will have more opportunities in your carrer.AND NEVER drive illegaly,even if the owner ask's you to....it will be your problem!!!
     
  9. Aussie Truckie

    Aussie Truckie Bobtail Member

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    Aug 18, 2010
    Rockingham W.A
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    So you'd rather drive a twin stick than an auto would you?
    Saying auto trucks are for lazy drivers is the same as saying that auto cars are for lazy drivers, just simply not true.
     
  10. bigmitch

    bigmitch Bobtail Member

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    Sep 17, 2010
    co.springs
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    yes,,,with a 5&4 you have more gear choices,,,,and yes i would rather drive a manual trans than an automatic,,those things are for lazy people,,,,thats just my experience,,31 years of it !! you get used to it .
     
  11. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    Jan 1, 2007
    NASA HQ
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    Let me make a general statement like yours then. 31 year drivers are know it all's and give truckers a bad name with their garbage they spew.... thats just my experience,,
     
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