Volvo D13 500hp with Ishift for heavy haul

I've seen Kenworth and Peterbilt heavy spec'd trucks with automated
transmissions. They have their place but I can think of a couple situations they suck.

So yeah, you can do os/ow with that but know the limitations

 

I'd be more concerned with the frame thickness and axle/suspension ratings if I was looking to haul heavy.

 

What do you consider heavy haul?

 

I wouldn't heavy haul with anything short of an 18 speed manual Eaton. Just my $.02

 

I should not say anything at all, since I probably can’t say anything nice ....

 

I use an Allison 4700RDS with 4.10s out back and it does just fine. Full power smooth shifts. Never misses a gear.

After having this I wouldn't want to switch back to a manual. I do 99% highway travel though. Almost never go off pavement.

The guy I bought my trailer from has been running the same engine/trans as me with 4.56s since 2014 with no issues.

 

the last company i was with had 17 Volvos with D13-500hp and the 12 speed auto pulling 140,000 some through the Rockies and they are the most dependable trucks on the fleet (with 22 Freightliners)

 

OP: It all depends on what your definition of heavy is and the torque rating on that tranny as there are a few different I shift models.

No complaints about mine (ato3112d) It has performed very well with my D16 XE500 pulling a super b in southern B.C. for most of its life. Reprogrammed to 600/2050 and pulling a tridem now, it's that much better.

However, Ill have a manual 18 swapped in when it goes. At 25k for a new I shift, it just isn't worth it to me. It's a great transmission though