What do I need to know about automatic transmission trucks?

I also prefer the manual. But the automatic is growing on me and definitely better than I expected. And even though as a company driver w/o fuel bonuses it's not a big deal, over this first 10,000 miles I'm seeing a better mpg by at least a mile on average. Myself and another driver over last 3 years hauling the heavy loads on the steep grades average about 4-4.3 mpg. So far I'm averaging 4.9-5.5 mpg.

 

if i owned the truck id'e want a manual and no auto shift as if the computer or software glitches out on you and your stuck there's a tow bill. and toll bills scare the hell outta me since there not cheap. atleast with a manual you can work your way around a bad gear and baby it to a shop and get it fixed. and replacing one of them auto trans isnt cheap either!!

 

As long the automatic isn't a international. There not bad. Last time I used a manual was in 2019. In a truck that had I think either over or close to a million miles on it. With a clutch that only engaged near the Freeplay. Soon going to be using one again because of new job.

Reason why I said auto isn't bad in anything but a international. Because the 2020 international I was in. Had to get the transmission repaired twice. First time it wouldn't even get into a gear from parked. Think it took atleast a month to get fixed. Next time over a week in I think every even gear. Would hear a loud grinding like noise. Then when I was I think 10mins from delivery. After exiting the interstate. It just went into transmission fault. Refusing to shift into any gear. Can't remember how long it was getting fixed. Also internationals has a separate air tank for the transmission. With no gauge for it. What feels like it's the size of a bottle of soda. Based on just pulling up at a fuel pump caused it to run out

 

i think i would go with the isx and the non internation trans pref a manul

 

I’m still getting used to the auto shift in my 2024 T680. Took me a while to figure out that I had to switch to manual when just rolling to a stop at an off ramp using the jakes. Other than that, I like the ease of climbing and descending hills at 80 -90K. And by “hills” I mean Cabbage, Lookout, Lost Trail, etc.

Overall, I think I’m keeping her.