automatic trucks

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Lostfreak, Aug 28, 2014.

  1. Lostfreak

    Lostfreak Bobtail Member

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    Apr 30, 2012
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    Drivers of automatic trucks, how do you do it?

    The company I'm with just switched over to 2014 cascadia evolutions day cabs with the new Detroit dt12, been in mine for about 2 1/2 weeks and 2000 miles and I can't stand the #### thing :biggrin_25510:. It's constantly shifting either up or down when not needed, if I shifted this much in the old truck my arm would fall off.

    I'm guessing the fact I run NYC a lot doesn't help because it seems like this thing was designed more for open highway cruising.

    Really starting to consider looking for another job, but this company is a really good small company and can't really complain about anything besides these new trucks
     
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  3. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    Green Bay Wi
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    we have 3 autos all with seasoned drivers in them that love them
    all get better mileage then my 13 speed
    cant wait for mine in dec
     
  4. walterjacobo15

    walterjacobo15 Light Load Member

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    Aug 23, 2014
    Here and there
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    If you are happy with the company who cares how the truck shifts. Try playing with the "gas" pedal and see how it responds, if it does nothing, just stop thinking about it and enjoy your good job.
     
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  5. sherlock510

    sherlock510 Road Train Member

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    Intercontinental.
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    I drive an auto Volvo '14. D13.

    Put 60k on it already, and have no complaints. These things don't like to be drag raced at all. Play with the throttle and see when it upshifts/downshifts.

    Also, the fuel mileage is unmatched. 7.5 this month with 38-43k loads with mountains @ 65 mph.
    They definitely aren't for everyone but don't give up so soon...
     
  6. omg-downshift!

    omg-downshift! Light Load Member

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    Oct 1, 2012
    South Texas
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    The only thing I like automatic is my guns.. know what I'm sayin. Ok I'm just talking crap.
     
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  7. secorp

    secorp Medium Load Member

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    Jan 16, 2013
    Lakeland Florida
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    I myself have been in traffic and loved the automatic shifting. Going through Washington and Baltimore in a auto is a dream. Going through Fort Worth and Dallas in a auto is a wet dream. Going through the ATL in a auto is a magical God like dream.
    Especially in rush hour traffic.
    The winter and snow may be a different thing.
     
  8. PowderBlue

    PowderBlue Light Load Member

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    Dec 18, 2012
    Clarksville TN
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    been in a auto for a month now.. I hated it it.. but now I love it. On my Cascadia if I stay on the throttle hard it skips gears.. .. really had to learn the throttle and now its great. Fuel mileage is great.. and Im now completely qualified as a steering wheel holder@!
     
    okiedokie Thanks this.
  9. Lostfreak

    Lostfreak Bobtail Member

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    Apr 30, 2012
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    Walter; trust me I try to just forget it and let the truck do what it wants but can't do it lol. The fact that it's such a good job is what's making try to at least tolerate the transmission.

    I'm not the only one at my company that doesn't like these transmissions, out of 25 drivers only 2 like em. I think another problem is there is supposed to be 3 modes for shifting auto Econ auto performance and manual, but the truck is locked into Econ mode, which keeps the revs as low as possible at all time (shifting up at 1300 and dropping as low as 900.

    Trying to give the truck a chance, it's a very nice rig, still getting use to the extra 2 feet of length. Loving the LED headlights tho lol

    Did any of you guys have to really change your driving style a lot
     
  10. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
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    Read the manual...it helped me learn to love my auto.
     
  11. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    Denver, Co
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    the 3 modes are set by the manufacturer per your companies request. Your boss wants the best mileage, which is why it is locked in econ mode. We have two Mack's with the M-drive automatic, they are set in performance mode all the time because that is how the boss wants them.
     
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