Ultrashift vs Manual

Manual is best for fuel mileage....you control the shifts. Autos downshift when not needed, and hold gears way longer than needed. They want shift out of first and second below 1500+ rpms.

As far as trucks, Cascadias are best for aerodynamics, then the setup is what makes the entire difference for final MPG.

 

I suggest you look to MVT for specs. They run the Pro Star and avg 9.3 across the fleet on the Interstate.

JMO

 

I have test driven a few autoshifts, they all seem to need to wind up more to shift than what I can do with a manual. And with an autoshift you have the possibility of sensor, solenoid, ECM and wiring problems that are not on a manual, and can be expensive to fix.

 

I have never driven an autoshift. That being said lets look at why they even exist. Most of the companies that spec autoshifts do so for 2 reasons: To attract totally inexperienced drivers and or female drivers. I have spoken to several drivers in our 300 truck fleet of owner operators who have purchased them both new and on used trucks. Our drivers average 25 years experience in the industry. Everyone of them say never again. Too complicated and too expensive to repair. An experienced driver who is paying attention to his work can do as well as the preset computer in the autoshift, and in many cases better.
I wouldn't think of purchasing a used autoshift because of the likely abuse it has encountered at the hands of inexperienced drivers, and the fact that that fleet intended to get rid of the truck within or close to the end of the warranty period, so their maintenance program is absolutely minimum. If you know have to handle a non-synchro trans, which is likely the case, here is one case where modern technology is not cost effective.

 

MVT=Mesilla Valley Trucking out of Las Cruces NM. They have every fuel economy gadget you can think of and drive ProStars.

 

They are also the undisputed leader in interstate fuel mileage. Last advertised a 9.3 mpg fleet average.

Do what they do and enjoy.........

 

All of the auto shift / ultrashift transmissions can be put into manual mode and the driver can select the shift point. I do not have one, but I have tried several in various trucks over the years and there is not one I could not put in manual mode and flip a lever or push a button and have it shift when I wanted. I even would skip shift them. I will agree, left to their own, many of these transmissions do not shift at optimum intervals all the time. That is why I usually did manual mode when I drove them. They will get just as good or better mpg than a straight manual transmission. Like most things, it is all in how the driver drives the truck.

As for companies buying them to attract new drivers and such, I am not so sure. I think it is more a matter of operational cost. While these trannies do have their problems, a fleet still has to deal with both new and "experienced" drivers beating the snot out of their equipment. Using autoshifts helps to eliminate the down time of blown clutches, damaged clutch brakes, and damaged transmissions. Face it, it isn't always about experience so much as it is about attitude on how someone takes care of another man's equipment. Just watch how a lot of drivers shift in truck stops and dock areas. Makes a person want to cry on how abused a truck is.

 

The first 2-3 gears will not shift when you want them to. I drive one daily and it won't do it. Manual mode is good once you.get into 4th and above.