2001 Pete 379, 18 speed Auto Shift?

Howdy All,

I am looking for a different truck to pull my huge RV trailer with, I currently tow with a Columbia with a 10 speed Auto Shift. I have been looking for a truck with a 13-18 speed manual as I want-need more gears in the mountains, does anyone have experience with the 18 speed Auto Shift, good or bad, thanks for any information you can share.

Dave

 

Howdy cmrdev,

I have driven 13-15-18 speed manuals before, I was not aware that an 18 speed Auto Shift was even made. I have driven a 10 speed Auto Shift the last 4 years and for pulling a large RV trailer, I like it just want more gears for driving in the mountains, tired of winding in 9th or lugging in 10th being able to split the gears would make it much nicer. So when I found this truck with an 18 speed Auto Shift I thought I would seek advice from those who may have knowledge of them.

Dave

 

Howdy cmrdev,

I also like to row gears, separates the drivers from the steering wheel holders, that said the Columbia has the 10 speed Auto Shift, first one I had ever driven and to tell you the truth especially when in heavy traffic it sure is nice to just let those elves under the floor do their thing. My wife can drive the Auto Shift, she is pretty intimidated by a big ole stick with switches on it sticking out of the floor, so getting this truck might be a good thing.

Dave

 

Howdy spyder,

My engine runs just fine, it only drops down a gear when I get stuck behind slower traffic then the computer won't allow an up shift till the engine is wound up.

If I could split the gears I wouldn't have to drop a full gear as I do now with the 10 speed. I am "ASSUMING" the 18 speed would also split gears OR allow me to split them when the Auto Shift is put into "manual" mode.

That's the reason for my post and question, I know how to work around the 10 speed Auto Shift doing what it wants to do but I can only manually make it do what the computer allows. If the 18 speed Auto Shift will down shift by splitting gears OR allow me to do it manually I'd be a happy camper.

My RV trailer loaded is over 24,000 pounds so its not what I would call light, no it's not 80,000+ but it's more then a pickup can safely handle.

Dave

 

Howdy AModelCat,

That's what I was thinking but NOT having driven one I thought it best to ask a question before traveling 1,600 miles to look at a truck that may not do what I am looking for. If this transmission will allow splitting gears when in "manual" mode that would work well in my application.

Dave