Automatic vs Manual

That is true unless you are very heavy with a very steep grade.
Then you have to get off the cruise, set the engine brake to max, and use the service brake now and then.

But since that DD15/DT12 combo can handle 2200 RPM going downhill it is seldom much of a problem.
Even on the steepest hills it does not take much service brake on the way down.
There is some great engine brake power at 2200 RPM, and the best part is that it is engineered for it.

I've had that combo for a little over a year now. I would not go back. It is the best designed system out there.


"May as well rename this joint to thesteeringwheelholdersreport.com"

Not so.
It gives us some flexibility and usability that we never had before.
Before I had to choose a gear, and usually maxing out at around 1500 RPM, and try to maintain a lower speed.
With the DD15/DT12 combo I can usually just choose a speed to go down hill at, and the system maintains it.
Instead of having to go down at 45-55 depending on the gear, it allows me to go down at normal speed as it controls both the gearing and the engine brake.

Just because it is easier and better does not downgrade us to steering wheel holders.
It allows us to do our job more safely, and with less time lost in the process.

 

It called technology in case anyone forgot. Is anyone driving a truck without power steering ? You know real driver did not need power steering. Who has a/c ? Real driver did not need that or air ride truck and seats. Ha ha

 

"Go down the hill at normal speed. Rather than 45-55." Okay. I guess you will have to slow down for me, I use a gear that holds my speed without running up my engine speed way high.
If you owned the truck, would you be comfortable running it up to 2200? Even a Detroit? Not me.

 

Sometimes following the manual is the best thing.

And seriously...
You could not shut down the engine for even 1 hour a week?
Get real!

 

I can go down hill faster without even touching the brakes with DT12 transmission. Most time I set it for the 5 MPH less than the speed limit and don't touch the brakes.

 

Your downhill speed has zero to do with your transmission and everything to do with the braking force generated by the engine brake.

 

Since they are designed for it, yes I would be.

And I won't need to slow down for you, as I will be passing you.

For a little while anyway. You would soon be passing me because you probably are not limited on your speed.
But I would have lost less time than you did.

 

Without that atrophy. One could end up looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Seriously.... I chose manual. Find the newer automatics sound interesting. Look forward to trying one. Most likely will do more than that.

 

When you set the cruise at 130 all week you need to give it a rest for 1 hour. It was common knowledge in those days.

 

There's some intelligent thought process, make up time on the downhill... hope it doesn't get you tangled up with someone else someday. Btw your transmission whether auto or manual doesn't play any role in how effective your engine braking power is..
Who told you 2200 was good? Someone who wants you to drive the piston into the valves I bet...