Don't whine if you're about to get an automatic shifting truck!

I have absolutely no problem driving a truck with an automated manual transmission.
I do have a problem paying for the additional maintenance costs, since I pay those bills.
The overwhelming evidence from my own fleet, and numerous other sources indicates the additional complexity translates into a big difference in per mile cost.
They are much better than when 1st introduced, and getting better all the time. But at age 61 with maybe 1 more truck in my future, it will be a 13 speed manual.

 

Well, you gotta admit we would all be much better off without all these new technologies and advancements that have been made through the years except we wouldn't have this thing called the internet to ##### and moan on. Would you rather drive a twin stick with no a/c, no power steering, no bunk, no radial tires, etc, etc, etc......How many of the advancements in the industry that have been made in the last 20 - 30 years would you go without because it would make you a better driver?

 

When "a twin stick with no a/c, no power steering, no bunk, no radial tires, etc, etc, etc" were the norm there were WHINEY DRIVERS everytime something new came along that might actually help them out but they were to stuck in their OLD ways to realize it

 

My current truck has no AC...been that way for the 6-1/2 years I've owned it. Dropped 40 lbs from my tare when I removed it.

I've driven trucks with power steering failures and done just fine with them. Factor in the gearing difference in a manual box vs. power box coupled with the increased leverage of the larger steering wheel, I don't doubt I could handle that too. Sadly, many of today's "drivers" barely fit behind the newer, smaller steering wheels...no chance they'd squeeze in behind the larger ones.

I'd take a 5x4 over my current 18 any day. No air solenoids or exhaust valves to get gummed up locking you into (or out of) any range or split...just move the shift levers where you want to be and you're in the gear you want. Multiple reverse gears is also nice to have, because not every backing situation is the same.

...and I have a day cab, so there is no bunk either.

 

^^^ unfortunately you have a looser mind set, you have to constantly adapt to business and technology changes to stay in game

 

A truck that flat out WORKS will out-perform a glitch-ridden technologically advanced truck every time. A mechanical truck that can be repaired by the driver with a few simple tools on the side of the road will be cheaper and quicker to get back up & running than a computerized one that requires a tow to a shop so that it can be plugged into a computer by some "technician" who wouldn't know the first thing about possible causes of the problem until the computer tells him which sensor is malfunctioning.

Time is money, and tow trucks are expensive.

Just because it is "new" doesn't make it "better". Where my paycheck is concerned, I'll take the tried & true over the rushed-to-market technology mandated by know-nothing bureaucrats.

 

now if they'd only do something about their interiors that haven't been updated in 20 years.

 

When my fleet decided to go to automatics, Eaton Ultrashifts, the wailing and gnashing of teeth was deafening. Since then the opinion has mostly changed to positive. While there are a couple of things it does that are irritating, such as the aforementioned downshifting on the slightest grade (I've learned to keep the jake off most of the time which puts a stop to the busyness) and choosing a gear too low when nearly stopped but needing to accelerate again for the most part it's let the truck do the work. Had to drive one of the on-deck trucks the other day and found that I didn't miss shifting one bit. Seemed kinda pointless actually.

 

You ain't no man if you drive an auto. You're a Girly man. lol.

 

Mr. Bulldog,i have a question for you.
You make some bold statements that have me wondering ,have you ever owned a "newer" truck?

Or is it just hearsay you use to validate you point off view?

I have owned both.