5700 EX introduced...

Nice. That integrated Detroit drivetrain looks just sweet. Motor,trans, rearend. Bam triple threat.

Dd16, dt12, 46,000 lb rear.

 

dt12 means more cost on parts than manuel.

 

How much more? (Rhetorical)

How much fuel costs does it save over the life of the truck?

 

In my opinion is cost more on auto. Saving or not, it's lazy. I would mod the engine and the tire. I grew riding with my dad driving manual transmissions. 13 sp and 18 sp, there you see more fuel saving than on 10 speeds.

 

They are too light weight made for me. I think of them as a Freightliner with a new hood. They do look good though.

 

The dt12 is a 12 speed.
And it's not lazy. It's actually harder to CORRECTLY drive an auto than a manual.
I don't think you could consistently match the fuel mileage day in and out using a 13 or 18 vs the auto.
The final gear ratios in a 10,13,18 are all the same. The only differences are the direct drive ratios which are 9th in a 10 speed and 11th on a double over drive 13. So no your argument is invalid.

 

Drivers lose skills to shift manual.

 

So when you buy a truck, is your main goal to buy a truck so you can maintain your shifting skills or to make as much money as efficiently, safely and as quickly as possible? Just saying, from a business perspective, I don't see how losing skills out weighs basic business concepts. Is that not why they have refresher programs or trainers?

 

Wow, I wouldn't buy one then.