I stumbled across this article dealing with the automatics:
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5780813_automatic-transmission-vs_-manual-tractor_trailers.html
Funny how they call them "automated manuals" instead of automatics.
I don't doubt that theres still a demand for manual transmissions in
trucks like that. I'ld bet your average trucker that has 20+ years
under his belt driving a manual is not gonna want to change too
easily.
Gary
On Wed, Jul 21, 2010 at 10:18 AM, TerribleTom <silvereightynine@aol.com> wrote:
>
> Gary Hedlin wrote:
>>
>> I've towed bikes from IL to Sturgis SD a few times, my auto trans
>> worked fairly well. I think if I had to shift the whole way, I'ld
>> want to blow my brains out halfway there.
>>
>> Plus, don't most of the big rigs have automatics in them nowadays?
>> You'ld think if they're moving that way there has to be an advantage.
>>
>> Gary
>
>
> Highway driving with a stick shift is a cake walk. You don't shift anywhere
> near as much as in stop and go city traffic.
>
> As for tractor-trailers, I believe the majority of long haul OTH trucks
> still use stick shifts, as they are generally more reliable, have less
> parasitic power loss, and may be more fuel efficient than an automatic. Its
> been my understanding that straight trucks and local route semis (like
> delivery trucks) are more apt to have an automatic in them.
>
> TerribleTom
>
>
-- Gary Hedlin Show Car Signs by Hedlin Designs www.showcarsign.com--Many talk about those who died, but too few talk about those who survived... THANK A VET!
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