Auto Vs Manual

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by Thull, Jun 18, 2016.

I Would Rather Pull A Tanker With An..

  1. Automatic

    16 vote(s)
    34.0%
  2. Manual

    31 vote(s)
    66.0%
  1. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

    5,777
    5,538
    May 22, 2017
    0
    I just had this sentra at 110 no sweat.
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

    34,017
    42,098
    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
    0
    Hey that's not bad. You could maybe get a little more out of it maybe? I don't think I had sentras at 110 much. Ive tried. Now the little Pulsars, they would do 140. But wanted to swap ends if they did not have that wing on the trunk. (Which is really crappy small if you ask me...)

    There was a Maxima that featured the same engine as the 300Z, the manual in it and the same chrome wheels with the tall rubber. That one was STICKY. I took at 20 mph rated curve at 90 and she did it with a little bit of grumble and touch of squeal on all tires. But boy can that thing corner.

    But I never wanted to buy it because in those days it's a little bit plasticly goldplated BS of a car, follow me?

    And there is the Sonata. What a BOMB. I HATED driving those things. A man could be killed trying to do something with that pile of slop.
     
    Oldironfan Thanks this.
  4. Oldironfan

    Oldironfan Road Train Member

    5,777
    5,538
    May 22, 2017
    0
    I could have had this sentra past 110 easy. Only floored it for a min at 70 to start.
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  5. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    I've driven automatics for about the last 3 years. I've only driven tanker with an auto. I love most things about the auto, especially since I can flip a switch and "manually" shift up or down.

    I hate, hate, hate backing with the autos, but especially with tanker. With a dry van I had to back faster than I liked just to keep the auto tranny engaged and going back. With the liquid surge this is exaggerated, especially when the tractor is jacked to the left or right or when backing uphill. Backing a dry van I would often lightly ride the brakes as I backed so the auto tranny would stay engaged. With a loaded tank I just accept I'm going to look like I'm a spas unable to keep the unit moving. With a manual I don't remember ever having to apply throttle while backing unless it was up hill. Idle power was almost always enough power for backing with a manual. It's nice having the empty floor space for my electric cooler.
     
  6. PROPANE

    PROPANE Bobtail Member

    49
    25
    Aug 15, 2016
    0
    we have both manual and autos,

    if you have to stop and go about 20-40 times a day, a auto tranny would be my pick.

    if you have a steep grade, with a Allison transmission, you can put it in 1st-2nd gear with the touchscreen.

    no advantage of having a manual transmission in a bobtail style truck. plus with a manual you have to push the clutch in to activate the pto. in a automatic, all you have to do is flip a air actuated switch to engage the pto. a real leg saver..... haha.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2018
  7. mustang190

    mustang190 Road Train Member

    2,717
    5,801
    Jan 18, 2011
    Florida Panhandle
    0
    The good thing about having a manual transmission, especially a 13 or a 18 speed is that hardly anyone can steal the truck nowadays!
     
    easytopleez33 Thanks this.
  8. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

    7,740
    14,412
    May 7, 2011
    0
    Cracks me up every time I read a news article about some thug aborting his car jacking attempt because he couldn't figure out the manual transmission.
     
  9. All-American82

    All-American82 Medium Load Member

    301
    179
    Jan 27, 2013
    Rogersville, AL
    0
    :biggrin_255::biggrin_255::biggrin_255: YEP!!!:biggrin_255::biggrin_255::biggrin_255:
     
  10. All-American82

    All-American82 Medium Load Member

    301
    179
    Jan 27, 2013
    Rogersville, AL
    0
    OK, MY experience with Auto's is good. The ONLY drawback for me, is that it won't "creep".
    The company I drove for went to all auto 18sp (Eaton-Ultrashifts) in 2014 when they replaced their fleets.
    ALLLLLLLLL of our driving was delivering chemicals to mines in the mountain west. So, what that means is, lots of back roads, snow, mud, mountainous terrain, etc. All of my loads were either doubles or Supertanker.
    NEVER had a problem once you learned how to drive it The problem is, MOST drivers are to stubborn to LEARN how to drive them. They DO NOT work like your car automatic.
    They have a "manual" button so YOU can control the shifting/ gearing when YOU want to! So there blows the "I can't control the shifting" narrative.
    Here's the rub; Get whatever transmission you're comfortable with!!! It's really that simple.
    If you enjoy shifting that clutch, go for it! If you would actually take the time to LEARN how to drive an Auto, go for it!
    Me personally, If I was BUYING a truck. I would spec it with an Auto that matched my operation.

    And one last thing. All of the "old timers" with the attitudes were singing a different song a week later after they learned to drive them! Just an observation!!

    Get the transmission you like!!!

    :):):)
     
    ZVar Thanks this.
  11. JustinsTrucking

    JustinsTrucking Bobtail Member

    10
    11
    Jan 21, 2018
    Surprise Arizona
    0
    Good one. I have a question tho....i have class A cdl using automatic trans....what companies uae automatic trucks if you could help that would be great? Thanks.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.