What do I need to know about automatic transmission trucks?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Ralph4159, Mar 12, 2024.

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  1. Ralph4159

    Ralph4159 Heavy Load Member

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    I have a bad feeling this is an idiotic question. But the reason I'm asking is I've been in non-trucking jobs for about 10 years now. Before that I had about 10 years OTR experience. I've only driven manual transmissions and wondering if there's anything special to know about the automatic transmissions. I've heard of people's CDL having an auto only restriction, but what about the other way around. Thanks
     
    Ralph4159, Mar 12, 2024
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  2. The one california kid

    The one california kid Medium Load Member

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    All I know is used to be if your truck locked up on ya, you could unhook the battery for a couple minutes and then hook it back up, and away you go!
     
    The one california kid, Mar 12, 2024
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  3. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    No such thing as a manual only restriction if that’s what you’re getting at.
     
    MACK E-6, Mar 12, 2024
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  4. DannyB

    DannyB Medium Load Member

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    Just my opinion, stay away from them.
     
    DannyB, Mar 12, 2024
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  5. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    I know you'll appreciate one in a 20 mile stop and go traffic jam.
     
    Dennixx, Mar 12, 2024
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  6. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I love it on hills, going up or down.
    Going up the shifts are quick and smooth with barely any loss in speed due to the shift.
    Going down is even better since I don't have to match speed with a certain gear. With the cruise on the computer selects the correct gear and engine brake setting to keep it at the set speed. Going down a very steep hill with a very heavy load, though, and you will probably need to use the brakes some and control things yourself.

    I have found that I really like the Detroit drive train with the DD15 engine and DT12 transmission.
     
    Moosetek13, Mar 12, 2024
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  7. fishonron

    fishonron Medium Load Member

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    Saddle up and enjoy the ride...
     
    fishonron, Mar 12, 2024
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  8. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    And be absolutely curseing it out in mud and snow :p tradeoffs all around!
     
    Arctic_fox, Mar 12, 2024
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  9. Warrior Pump

    Warrior Pump Light Load Member

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    The radio will shut off when you are backing up (this wasn’t always the case).
     
    Warrior Pump, Mar 12, 2024
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  10. Hatt91

    Hatt91 Light Load Member

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    I hate them in snow or ice, or any other low traction environment. It does require air to shift and even to move from neutral to drive.
     
    Hatt91, Mar 12, 2024
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