Automatics

Most new ones will idle back untill you hit the brakes. Just put it in d and go my friend. I like them honestly, dont drive one now though

 

My experience is limited but- they have a manual mode for use in bad conditions, as for mountain's let the tranny do the work. When backing I've had a few that would engage with just a tiny bit of throttle, almost like idling back with the clutch. Others I had to rev to about 900rpm to engage, but the tranny isn't fully locked at that speed so you still back in pretty smoothly.

 

Been in an automatic for a few months now, and I prefer a manual by a long shot.
We have 10 speed autoshifts that drop a gear on the slightest incline while empty. On the mountains I just try to reduce my speed if not it drops two gears and rpms up to 2000 with the jake on going downhill.
When backing just go slow or you'll be jerking the whole cab bucking and kicking sometimes on tight docks without the clutch feathering. Also skipping gears can be done but seems like only when the transmission feels like it.
I know yes they're here to stay and some love them but not me, I feel less in control of the truck and some guys complain that's it's easier to nod off.

 

One thing to account for is in backing. You wont be able to ride the clutch when backing. Your movements have to be more precise. When you stop in an auto you keep rolling a foot or two. Keep that in mind. Also, on hills. If loaded or steep enough hill you will roll backwards. Have to work just like a clutch. What I would do is foot on break feathering the go pedal then just like a manual give fuel till feel it pull let go of breaks. Good luck. I didnt like them but that was cause I like the control of the clutch, but when I ran Chi-town and traffic on the 94 it was nice to have the auto.

 

@Frank Speak
Truckbrand?
Which gearbox?
Compagnydriver. O/O or L/O?

 

You will not roll backwards unless you are driving an antique auto. It'll hold you for several seconds so you have time to move your foot over. There's also a creeper mode when backing. Don't accelerate through that and itll move nice and slow. As for down hill just let the transmission do its job. With the engine brake on or coasting they won't up shift. touch the throttle and they will. 90%of the time I run mine in full auto. About the only time I set it to manual is when I'm driving at a speed that makes it want to shift like 55. Put it in manual and keep it in 9 or 10. whatever is best. Don't overthink it, in 10 years there won't be a manual left to drive. The rest of the world has moved on and their trucks are bigger, heavier and run harder terrain than we do.

 

Mack will be I shift under the name M Drive.
Freightliner will be their own gearbox.
Peterbilt and KW will be Eaton,most likely.
3 very different animals.
When you know which truck you will get,ask this question again.
At that time we can give correct advise.