Share your opinions Automatic transmission vs Manual transmission on Volvo trucks

My uncle has this set up in his T-700 KW, ISX-500 3.36 rears. He has had no issues with his, and he has my cousin driving it, and my cousin is just starting out. They drive it as a team cross country, they never use manual mode, and average mid 6's with open deck freight. I think he would average a bit better economy with 3.42's, but he loves it!!

 

I've been driving a 2013 Volvo with an automatic. My wife loves it but I can't stand it. The automatic tyrannies is somehow tied to the air brakes so quite often there's a delay. You hit the go pedal and there's this long pause which gives me plenty of time to curse Europeans and their ridiculous trucks. I could add several reasons I'd never never own a Volvo but I'll leave it at that.

 

Have you tried pushing the switch on the dash to disengage the hill hold function?