Share your opinions Automatic transmission vs Manual transmission on Volvo trucks

The problem with auto trans is that the computer is trying to do all the thinking. Sensing road conditions and stuff. They also lack "hill hold" so if the truck is not engaged, it's as if it's in neutral. There are benefits such as dealing with traffic and eating while you drive, lol. In my opinion, manuel trans is way better.

 

If it is the iShift then hands down the best around. The others it is about preference. I wasn't a fan when I drove but would have to think twice if had the opportunity for iShift.

 

About 4 or 5 years ago I drove one the company was using to decide if they wanted to buy any or not.
Volvo mid-roof; drove it 48 states pulling liquid and dry bulk tankers. Best driving experience I've ever had. This one had Volvo engine married to Volvo automatic transmission. Other drivers later drove the same one I drove and there were never any complaints or write-ups.

 

Not sure which tranny is in the truck you're looking at but I have experienced nothing but headaches with the Meritor Freedomline 12 speed. It's fully automatic without a clutch, some are semi autos with a clutch and they can be converted to manual. When the Freedomline works, I love it, but most of the time it acts up lol.
Some people don't have any problems with the autos and love them. I would too if I was in their shoes. Unfortunately, I am in the process of getting another truck and you couldn't GIVE me another one with an automatic tranny

 

I would never buy a used with automatic again.
My last truck was a Volvo 770/2001 /Detroit D60 automatic ,ex US.Xpress truck. I spent lots of $$ in all kind of transmission glitches, towing and time in shop and this was the reason I sold it in 2007 and bought a newVolvo 780/2008. The dealer was trying to sell me autmatic but I learned hard way, got a 13 Eaton Fuller manual. I have 1,256,000 milles/team and all the maintenance I did for this transmission is 4 oil changes. From my experience this is maybe the best reliable transmission you can get, and decent options of gears for different speed/gross weight. Also a truck with automatic has less resale value.

 

Yes, in a Volvo you want Volvo power and Volvo auto.

 

Although I have only driven a Volvo for a couple of days, personally I would recommend staying with a standard transmission. When you drive across the plains, those wide open places will get even more boring just sitting there with an automatic.

I can remember hearing a driver back in '07 saying (on the cb) he was ready to fall asleep as there was nothing to do when driving his automatic.

 

a few guys I knew running em on HD wreckers loved them and swore never to go back to shifting gears