Deeply concerned about automatic transmissions.

Love the auto. You can always go manual to hold gears going down. Eaton fuller sucks but the volvo I and especially the Allison auto trans are very good. Never tried the Freightliner.

 

Reading these comments has reminded me of something I have almost forgot about. That's the smell of burning clutch. I remember once at a Walmart DC this lady got her clutch so hot it was smoking. Its funny how you forget things.

 

Although I agree it would be nice to know how to drive both, as it's a good skill to know, I too love the auto and hope I never need to drive a stick again.

If that one issue makes me a poor driving steering wheel holder so be it but I will continue to focus on driving safely and professionally and embrace the new technology as it comes to this industry... All that new sissy stuff like Power Steering, Air Connditioning, Engine Beaks, Stand Up Sleepers, Cell Phones, GPS, Satellite Communications, etc.

Stay Safe,
MD

 

Midwest....cool dog!

 

Yep, I am old enough to remember roof top ACs. No cell phones, no (gasp) Qualcomm. I've heard stories from ages ago where trucks did not have power steering or it did not work good. No COMDATA you had to take fuel money with you sometimes. Most companies required a daily check call. Makes you wonder how they got anything done!

 

Ah, the good old days of trucking... When only sissy drivers used or even needed power steering... I think that's when the down fall actually began... When one no longer needed upper body strength to move a truck... After Power Steering anyone could drive a truck and all these darn steering wheel holders started coming into the industry... Ugh... Just what would my pappy think... Power Steering, just a passing fad and something else to go wrong and need repairs...

Personally, I think I heard that more and more carriers are ordering their newer trucks without Power Steering for just that reason... It only increases up front cost and continued repairs going forward... Or at least that's what I think I heard.

Stay Safe,
MD

 

And Pay Phones... What's up with that... I miss being able to get out of the rig and stretch my legs when I had to call in to get my next load... Now, not a pay phone in site... #### Cell Phones are changing this industry, and not for the better...

 

Another thing about the (good ol days). Drivers today only think state DOT cops are mean and nasty. Get any old hand to tell you how it was in the days before IFTA and single state. States like Mississippi routinely arrested drivers for fuel tax evasion because drivers bought fuel out of state. Also today most states close up their scales at some point. Back then they were open most of the time. Different time different attitudes. Some drivers today don't have a clue just how much things have changed.

 

Ah yes, the damp smelly jail cells of Mississippi...
Oh those were the days... Kids these days just don't understand the true skills required to driving a truck until you spend a weekend in a cold jail cell pissing in the corner while bubba and lefty look at you longingly...

But I totally agree, like the OP, I too am "deeply concerned about these automatic transmissions" ... Give me the grand old days of pay phones, no AC in the truck, and Mississppi prison rape.... Ah yes, them were the days my friend.

Stay Safe,
MD

 

Now, putting all sarcasm aside, I enjoy learning from those with more experience than me and enjoy the stories of the good old days... I just don't get the anger and vile expressed about Autos vs Stick... But then again, I'm just a newbie steering wheel holder... What could I possibly know.