Auto vs. Manual Transmission......

Then i would suggest an Allison, not an "autoshift."

 

Two observations here:
1. People that have trouble using both feet probably should be in an automatic. What is a driver doing with the left foot that makes it such an onerous task to push in the clutch? On the dash I guess. Autos also free up the right hand for smoking, texting and holding the super big gulp.
2. I imagine panic stops are something rookies and leading edge tech geeks are more concerned about than veteran drivers.

 

Newer trucks these days have great brakes. I rarely touch my pedal.

 

What is so great about your newer trucks brakes that allows you to rarely touch the brake pedal?

 

It's a matter of bracing yourself with the left foot instead of using it for the clutch. Easier to control foot pressure. I had to panic the other day because some butthole in Atlanta had no brake lights. It happens .

 

Great engine brakes. Try to follow along.

 

No. I've been in this auto for a year now and never messed with manual mode and never felt like I needed to or wanted to. I've dealt with snow covered pulls and descents on significant grades and went down many dry significant grades and not once did I feel like I "needed more control" or was "less safe".

On the DT12, the main thing on snow/ice is to avoid stage 3 engine brake mode. There it gets very aggressive with downshifting and has a strong braking effect. Otherwise, it behaves expectantly and in a controlled and smooth manner. You can easily go up a gear or down a gear while remaining in auto mode (if/when you feel like you'd prefer a different gear in a given situation) Slowing, it will downshift smoothly and seek to remain in the 1200-1500 rpm range so as you slow for deteriorating conditions, it's gearing in a sensible manner.

I've not been in a situation where I had to rock myself out of a slick hole with the auto so I'm not sure how that would work.

Oh. On snow and ice, I highly suggest turn off eCoast mode. I get very uncomfortable when it wants to coast (idle out of gear) on ice, however it's a very smooth transition to tap the fuel and have it reengage and always goes to the correct gear that makes sense for the speed.

 

LMAO these three statements explain why some are suited for a brain dead transmission. BOL to you. Try not to kill anyone.

 

Yeah right