13 vs 18 speed.

I'm mostly wondering if there's any weight difference between the 13 and 18. Trying to figure out what to look for for flatbed/rgn work. Any advice is welcomed. I've been running company for the past 4 years, looking for a little taste of freedom.

 

There is no real diffrence in weight. Last time I checked it was like just a few pounds.
There seems to be some big misconception that an 18 is just so much more weight wise. Lol !!

 

This makes me happy. I'm not sure I need an 18 or not, but it's good info to know. This thread nailed it for me. I've "grown up" with a 13, so I'll stick with that until I need something else. Thanks guys!

 

You got that Right driver... Those who can... And those who can't ....

 

18 is best for those who know how to use it well and have a truck setup that can benefit from it. A 13 is a solid trans for most needs. I have an 18 in my FL Columbia and am fond of it. But with a different rear ratio, I would be just as happy with a 13. Only difference is being able to split gears in both low and top range on a 18 whereas only can split the top range on a 13. They are both 9 speeds with ability to split gears. Except in some situations, I shift my 18 just like a 13 and only occasionally split the lower gears. But there are times that I need to do so, so the 18 works best for me right now.

 

If you take 10 seasoned drivers that have years upon years of experience with both the 13 and 18 I am sure 9 out of 10 will prefer the 18. I would not be surprised if it was 10 out of 10.

The 13 speed is a great transmission, but the 18 speed is sooo much better. I bought the first generation eaton 18 speed back in my 1988 pete

 

There are some steep hard grades leaving a red light. Ive seen tmes I could have split the lower gears or at least grab 3rd high instead of riding to the top in
3rd.

 

I had a 2001 signature 600 with a 200918b rebuilt it twice in 1 million miles. Ive been trucking since 1968. It's the only transmission I've ever had a problem with.

 

Never been a fan of them. That box of timex parts on the back of them are more trouble than they’re worth. I put an RTO14615 in my ‘05 W900 when the 13 speed that was in it blew up. At least the gears are in the right place now. The 15overs are pretty tough, I’ve had this 1400ftlb one screwed onto a 2050ftlb Cat for 7 yrs now, and I pull trains with it.

 

I’ve got 2.5 million on my RTLO18918 that other then when I installed the pto last spring hasn’t been touched until probably 30 minutes after I start driving today for posting this…..