automatic trans

It's not that difficult to go from a stick shift car to a big rig with a manual trans. I did it, and had very little problem adjusting to the double clutching. It partially depends on how quick you are to pick up on new things I think.

 

That depends on the type of auto-shift transmission. The first one I drove had a clutch pedal in it and drove just like a manual minus the stick.

The second one I drove didn't have a clutch pedal and you actually had to feather the accelerator to activate the electronic clutch, sort of like the way you keep the jake from engaging without changing the RPMs while shifting a manual. Once I got the hang of it, I never had to drive with both feet.

 

The autoshift I drive has no clutch pedal drive it just like my car. I can switch it to manual which I do sometimes going down the road to keep trans from shifting back and forth from 10th to 9th 9th to 10th

 

I agree. I had no problems going from car to big truck. One of the guys in my class however, has never driven a stick and is stuggling a lot. there are others though that have driven a stick before and are struggling just as much as he is. It must have a lot to do with how quick you pick things up.

 

The hard part for me in going from a manual (10 speed) to an autoshift (with clutch) was not letting off the accelerator.

When I first started driving the auto, it was instinctive to let off the gas to let it shift. Well, as you all know, if you let off the gas, the computer thinks you want to slow down. Once I figured out to just keep the pedal to the floor it got easier.. It was just something new to get used to.

Now when I drive a manual 10 speed it takes awhile to get my shifting rhythm back..

 

As a new driver you should learn the manual trans first. Then go on to the autos. If you only learn one type you limit yourself. And that goes for everything about trucks. When you have time to kill at a truck stop and you see a truck and trailer, doubles, or even triples out west go and talk with the driver. Learn all you can when you can.

 

Cons: few
Pros: many..I don't use my clutch anymore except to start and stop, but its still annoying having to shift when I'm trying to keep my $1.59 truck stop coffee from sloshing/falling around in the cup holder when I'm movin'. (and I'm lazy)

I'd say learn to drive manual truck first, though. The VAST majority of companies still run manual, and many of the good companies don't train, so...

 

I have never driven an autoshift truck.I cant imagine not shifting gears. I feel I have better control over the truck with a manual; gearbox. Course its like anything else,probably within a few years they will all be autoshift. My daily driver pickup has a 5 speed stick and I wouldnt have it any other way.Guess I retired at the right time.