automatic or manual?

I enjoyed having an auto over a stick other than backing up to a dock and icy conditions

 

My auto is a 13 spd.. I cant say enough good things about it. It is like a dream going up the mountain and coming down on downgrades. Love it but hate the high cost of maintenance.

 

Don't tell them you drove an automatic. They won't ask anyways. Besides, 8 months of experience you should have it down as muscle memory. Even if you drove an automatic for a year, you would know the sound of the engine and have the instinct to move that shifter when its time. Automatics are okay, but the new Allison TC10 is just awesome even though I haven't driven one yet.

 

Listen, We're having the "Harley" debate again.

There is NOTHING wrong with the modern automatic. I also drove 2 OLDER auto's and they were CRAP!!! However, I NOW drive a 2014 KW T-680 with an Eaton 18 Spd Ultrashift plus, and I LOVE it!!! YOU HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE IT!!! It DOES NOT drive like a "car" Auto!!!

I happen to live in the most mountainous state in the lower 48. (Look it up) And once I learned how it worked, it works GREAT!!! I use the Auto on the flats and hills and I use the manual on the passes or if I want the "Jake" to kick in faster. ALL AT THE PUSH A BUTTON!!! I actually climb faster now that I've learned to manipulate the gears. What do you think your doing with the manual? Your manipulating the gears to maintain the best RPMs to climb or descend.

As far as forgetting to shift. That's bunk! I occasionally have to drive one of the manuals when mines's being serviced or whatever. It's like a bike. Once you learn... Trust me it all comes back quick, if you knew how to do it before. You may be a half second off on your shifts, but if you are as good as you think you are, it'll all come back in a couple of shift cycles. Trust me, you won't forget!!!

Don't worry about that. As "Chinatown" said, focus on the money,ETC;

Good luck and be careful. You MAY NOT want to go back!!! Just sayin'

 

I can already see this one going the way of the other threads.
Look.. if you're offered a good job, go for it. Don't get caught up in the, "my #### is bigger than yours" contests re: autos vs. manuals. I've never driven an autoshift, but that's because I haven't had the opportunity. In the end, your competence as a driver is what makes or breaks you. Can you back into a hole in a truck stop parking lot without tearing the bumper off of the truck next to you? If so, then who gives a #### how your truck shifts gears? Learning and being proficient on a manual is good, but you know what else is good? Having a good job. If it's a good job, and they run manuals, okay. If they run auto, okay.

By the way... they all have a flywheel. Couldn't get over reading that. He was probably thinking torque converter.

 

Would it be career suicide to jump in an automatic truck at this stage in our driving careers, or does it matter one way or the other?

Floating gears is about the same regardless of tranny, 9,10,13. Shift pattern aside. Once you know it, you know it. Kinda like riding a bike or swimming. It comes back quick. Your test drive at a new company is key.

Whats most important is your driving record. Keep it clean and doors will open.

Go for the better opportunity, just my $.02.

 

Just shift the darn thing manually, driving stick is like learning to walk once you have done it you don't forget it.

 

Yes, they all have fly wheels. The auto shift and manuals have clutches, the Allison has a torque converter instead.

 

personally i prefer (and for safety reason) the manual. it is a matter of personal preference. rain, mud, snow, ice a manual is better and safer. you can take the power off the drive tires when and if needed.