Drove an automatic for the first time!

That’s not true. Allison make a #### nice automatic. It’s pricey but it’s a traditional auto.

 

Are those in class 8 trucks though? I've only seen Allisons in smaller trucks.

 

Backing up an automatic (automated manual).

1. Make sure it's a Volvo
2. Be very careful with heavy loads and uneven pavement. Both make it much worse.
3. Don't let it hop. If you start spinning or hopping STOP and restart.
4. If you are backing DOWN a hill or down into a below ground dock get just a little speed and then pop into neutral and control the truck with the brakes.
Trust me on this one. It'll keep you from slamming docks. This can work on level ground really well too in some situations.

 

big enough?

 

Yea. 7 speed Allison in this truck. Best transmission I've ever had. Still miss it.


Most drivers only experience with Autos is company trucks programmed by bean counters for maximum fuel efficiency. If you actually own one and have control over the programming they are pretty great.

I have a DT12VX now and with the creep mode its almost as good as my old Allison was.

 

Ya I just got in a Western Star 49x with the 7 speed Allison. I like it too except the engine brake isn’t very strong. Not like the DT 12 I used to drive.

 

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I amistad went that way but couldn’t pull the trigger because of how much creeping around we do to get under wires and Miss fences and gates.

 

Anyone remember the terrible ultra shift autos that were in the old Kenworth and pretty much any make with a Cummins ??? Shaking and jerking when you tried to simply slow down.....autos have come a long way....at least most now offer some kind of slow backing assist like in the DT12......