What are your thoughts on automatic vs manual transmissions?

You want to push the pedal and go and not have to think just a little bit get an auto. You want a transmission you don't have to worry about a sensor or some #### shutting you down for who knows how long, a transmission you can almost always limp home to a mechanic you know knows what they're doing to fix it get a manual.

 

I agree with what the other posters have said. I say choose the transmission and spec your truck to best suit the needs of your operation.

Tell us what your specific plans are or your current operation and that will help the forum understand your needs.

 

I look around work and see all the 20 year drivers getting a left knee replacement and I have no problem with an auto. Now if we ever got the trucks on the expressway that might be different. The shuttle run I'm currently doing that is 100% side roads and start-stop traffic a day I'm glad for the automatic.
OTR I'd likely prefer a manual still, if for no other reason more control at the low end like when backing.

 

I first read that as 20 year olds getting knee replacements and was wondering what torture facility you were working in. Local delivery type work I can see an auto being kind of nice, still wouldn't personally like them.

 

Well you can’t pull start an automated transmission, you can’t rock an automated transmission, you can’t tow one a short distance. Replace the clutch in one is about 3 times the cost. Clutch won’t normally last 500k and my manual clutch will last almost a million miles

 

I’d change my manual to an automated in a heartbeat if it was feasible. I don’t need any status or a 6’ high shifter for guys to see as I come into the Truck Stop. And on top of it all my left knee is killing me. I dread seeing stop & go traffic.

 

I vote for automatics. Ran 48 states and Canada pulling hazmat tankers and loved that automatic transmission.

 

I Preferred Manual because there's NO LAG unlike "auto" shift.

Companies appear to be going to this: (to slightly borrow from Henry Ford):
"You Can Have Any Transmission You Want As Long As It's An Automatic".

Manuals Will Continue until completely non available, then Only Driven By OUTLAWS!

While "in theory" one has some control in "Manual Mode" such is VERY LIMITED because the "system" disallows High Revs therefore it's still, as claimed, a Nanny Operation. Automatics are almost useless in Inclement Weather Because The Driver is UNABLE to secure a Higher Or Lower Gear, at least in the many Auto Shift Trucks I've Driven both OTR and Local from Years 2010 to 2019, AND when backing, there was ZERO feathering (models varied), just SLAM, BAM, BOOM at Docks, so "safety improvement" appeared eliminated!

Manual Controlled By Driver.

"They say" a lot don't They?!

Older Trucks had of course less computerization or zero back a bit further therein allowing actual Driving Characteristics to be developed/maintained.
In 1998 I trained at a Driver "School" in Goodlettsville, TN., and their Trucks were Manual. After "Schooling" and some Years later, I preferred a Reverse 9 (Pete) as well 13 Speed (Freightshaker). (13 speed auto was so yay)

I think You Should Drive What Makes You Comfortable!
I'm in no way suggesting one is better than the other.
Manual was the Leader, Still Is, yet sadly THE TRUE ERA OF TRUCKING started collapsing before I started in '98 yet MANY of the Best Hands were still Driving and some Remain.
You Can Become One Of The Best!!

Thanks For Your Questions!
CHEERS!!

P.S.: Last Auto Shift I drove OTR for a few Years had a Clutch Pedal. Was FUN in Atlanta, Choo-Choo, Crashville, Little Rock, Texarkana and on DFW Loop.
Straight trucks did not.