I just got my cdl but they don’t teach you this stuff and my mentor doesn’t show me either so I did my own research it was hard to find a video like this thank you this was a great video!
Thanks for a good overview of how to drive the new automatics. I've been out of the trucking industry for a number of years now, and always drove manuals - I wouldn't know where to begin with an automatic. This was very helpful in understanding changes in the trucking world (who would have guessed that that control stalk was a 4-way controller??). While all of this automation does make things easier for new drivers (and probably more efficient too), the "art of driving" is gradually being lost. It took a deep understanding of how the engine/transmission/differential transferred power to the rear wheels, and how gear changes happen in relation to road speed. Once you understood how all of that is connected, it's way more than just "jammin' gears" - it's an art. Out of curiosity, how does an automatic work with snow/ice/slippery conditions? When you want to have absolutely the finest degree of control of engine/gear/braking to maintain very delicate traction in dangerous conditions, how does it respond? Is manual control best in those situations?
I'm not a trucker but I salute you men and women thank you for what you do I have always wondered about the automatic transmissions in an 18 wheeler I was hoping you would actually drive the truck so we could see how it work but it was a good video thanks.
I really like the way you explained how this automatic transmission works with these big trucks so much so that somebody that has never driven one before can try it and honestly it is really surprising to me why and how some people say that they don't like the automatic transmission when as a matter of fact the manufacturers are doing all they can to use all that technology has to offer to make driving these trucks as easy as it can be especially considering the area of clutching which is the most challenging aspect of driving these trucks.Looking at the trucks built in the 1940s and 50s with all these double shift handles and the ones built in the 1990s and the 2000s one can clearly see how technology is really evolving and truth is that it will not stop,truth of the matter is that it is the people that will have to do the catching up,technology for sure don't wait for people,although there is nothing wrong in knowing how to drive the manual transmission because most definitely it will be an added advantage that can come handy at a point in time to come . One thing that I will like to know is that in which mode can the engine brakes be used,manual mode or automatic mode.Thanks for sharing from your wealth of experience and I look forward to more of it.
I liked you comment because you aren't wrong, but the truth of the matter is that if you truly understand how to drive a manual, the only time you need the clutch ( in a truck... not a car because of car's synchronized trannys) you don't use the clutch at all except to start and stop. Even in bumper to bumper traffic, if you leave enough lead space you barely need to use the clutch. I'd still rather have a manual. Sad fact is the manuals are becoming rare these days. I've heard the wait if you want a truck with a manual tranny, you need to order it 12 to 18 months ahead of when you want it. In my honest opinion most applications for an automated transmission are fine, but in some applications they're useless. Again, my argument in my original comment... useless hauling bulk liquid loads. And then if you really enjoy driving as I do, you have to look at the fun and satisfaction factor... especially if you drive a manual well. On that note, even when it comes to cars I've never owned an automatic. Sadly, slowly the days of manual cars are coming to an end too.
My trucking career start in 1976 when I bought a 1971 GMC Astro 95 318 Detroit 13 speed - the career lasted SIX MONTHS - I was leased to a company that had only flatbeds. If I could have had a truck like this one and a box trailer ( no chaining down and tarping the loads ) I probably would have stayed with it. There were a few automatics back in 1976 - very few, though. The new truckers starting today with a nice truck like this one, will have NO IDEA how it used to be.
That's a pretty truck, if I had a job lined up with a truck like that I'd totally go get my health recertified for Interstate (I'd pass but I'm intrastate for reasons of unemployment). You explain things so calmly and matter of factly that it's like I'm in the truck with my old instructor (Hope you're doing well in retirement Bob lol). I'm not sure WHY this video was recommended to me but I really wanna either get some therapy to deal with my anxiety or hope I get someone like you as a partner/trainer.
When I’m drive and going 1,2,3 is that Jake breaking? Then when in neutral going 1,2,3 that’s engine breaking? Or is it the same. I’m imagining winter time at the top of steep snowy downgrade? How do I go into lower gear? If u have a detailed video on that can you link it please. I’m just looking for something similar to Jake breaking but for snow. Lbs.
Very well explained, Thank-you. I just started driving 4 months ago, CDL school the month before. Learned a 10 speed. My last 3 cars have been manuals by choice & because of that I thought I'd want that in a truck. My company always gives rookies an automatic & I'm very happy with it. One less thing to split my concentration. My trainer never showed me about manual shift. Hit upon it by accident using the jake. Still not comfortable with it in that: do I have to hit the shifter while at a certain speed &/or rpm? I don't want to do damage to the engine by shifting incorrectly at too high of a speed. My cruise doesn't hold me at selected speed (like in my trainers' truck), so I often find myself playing up & down with cruise speed, jake, & brake pedal for each hill. He had a 2019 Freightliner, but I have a 2018 International; not sure if that makes a difference.
Automatic transmission is the right thing to drive specially when it comes for Technology and today they start creating an automatic transmission to make it easy for driver and easy for company to hire easy for both. Manual transmission old style for driving long distance. I agreed with company’s that hired automatic only better for gas and better for engine and better for drivers and better for a lot of things. That’s way engineer people create the automatic transmission. It is the future.
I just got a new automatic cascadia after only using manuals for the last 11 years… for weeks iv been wondering why the truck “randomly” started in 3rd gear one day and 1st another day. It’s crazy that it detects how much you’re hauling and starts in a more appropriate gear rather than just 1-12 every time you take off. Thanks for the great information!
I pull liquid loads (tankers with no baffles) and in my honest opinion. the automated transmissions are terrible. With dry freight they're really good, but with a liquid load they suck. When trying to accelerate with a liquid load, when you are trying to accelerate and the load sloshes backward, the truck thinks it's encountering a sudden steep hill or an extra load so the transmission downshifts when you're trying to get going. Big pain in the butt. Give me a manual tranny any day for a liquid load. I like the automated manuals for dry freight, but I drive tankers for a living, and for that I hate them. We use the "Isaac system" as our e-logs and they score you on your driving performance. With a manual transmission, I'm always scored at 95 -to 100% and I drive an 18 manual. My truck was in the shop recently and I was given a beautiful "Pete" (smooth, nice ride and quiet) with a 13 automated and I hate it. I always get dinged for "cruise" and heavy acceleration with the automated system. Again that's hauling bulk liquid which is is 95% of what I do. That's my experience with them and my honest opinion. I'm dreading the day I have to give up my 7 year old Mack with its Eaton 18 speed. Good video.
Thanks for some great stuff. Are there any advantages to using manual mode when driving on snow or ice? Example, can using manual mode help prevent your drives from spinning out too much...if so, can you explain that as well as the appropriate use of the axle interlock?
I have started driving one of those. I don't like it n I miss the standard 10 stick. I don't know what is wrong, but I can shift when it is on automatic but then, I have to press the Manual button to lock in that gear. Otherwise the truck will change the gear on me. And everytime I want to change the gear, I have to press the button to unlock it and then press it again to lock into the new gear. It's a pain. And the truck sometimes doesn't respond to me trying to change the gear. Sometimes I can't get the gear that I want when I want it. I feel less in control of the truck than when I was driving a standard 10.
I'm 63 now started off in a 3/4 cab Browny/mainbox Mack...at my age I'm like most and don't like change...I know the day is coming soon I'll be expected to drive the automatic...Thank you for the video...seems easy enough...
This was a very informative video thank you very much good sir keep up the fantastic job I was thinking of getting into Trucking this year and I hear that Automatic Auto way to go so thank you once again for explaining how they work
I drove years ago and thought automatics were an abomination but I just found your video and can absolutely see the benefits to the automatics. U have converted me.
Don't forget to mention that each Gear in the autoshift is a half gear in manual shift... not many of you "professionals " understand that. So if you want to shift these autoshifts in manual mode, to take one full gear you need to slap the stick twice.
7.2 avg mpg. Not too shabby! That dash looks more late model pickup style than what I was used to seeing. Quit driving the 379 OTR in 2004. Those trucks have come a long way! The 12 speed auto sure would have been nice in traffic jams and in town!!!
@@Vladpryde after a year, I can say I definitely prefer a manual. There's a lot about the automatic that I don't like...that I see potential issues with. However I have what I have.
How reliable are these transmisions? Because i live in Mexico and would like to buy one, but i dont think there are any techs or spares to support it if needed...
Hey Mr Draper,when your going down a hill let's say 6% grade,in an automatic do you set the cruise control on about 35 and put the engine brake on ?;what would be the best way to do it?
what do you think about setting up the cruise control on 35mph and putting the jake brakes to max in order to go down a steep grade say like a 6% . i was told by another driver this will help your brakes from heating and keep your speed down on a mountain, i still haven't tried it cause of the rpm control how would i be able to react and what to do if the rpm go above 2000rpm i wouldn't want the transmission to jump going down the hill if i decide to se cruise control and jake brakes or i wonder if this can be done more easily while using the manual setting that would be interesting to know how you or other drivers do this cause ive been driving automatic for a while now but would like to know how other drivers do it
Don't use cruise going down a hill. Ever. Come down the gears on stage 2 or max Jakes until you find one that holds the truck at about 1800 - 2000 revs and leave it there. Keep both feet flat on the floor. This applies to manuals too, btw.
I learned on manual (it was the first time using a manual transmission ever), I'm hoping to go into either Stevens or Schneider, and most if not all of their trucks are automatic. I think to just learn and the stress of making sure you kept your eyes on the road made my anxiety spike. BUT! I got my CDL, and I think I'll be far better on an auto. It's really informative, I appreciate it!
Well Im not sure how an old school driver can go this way. I drove my first auto yesterday and it will be my last,I deliver wide loads in very remote areas and if u have been to northern Maine and haul anything heavy u want to be able to feel that trailer and know your next move, holding a steering wheel in a storm or icy road hauling heavy or wide any experienced driver knows if u don't feel that load behind u or know your next move your dead or someone that was at the wrong place or wrong time .Autos may work in highway use ok but remote camp roads or mountains u will be at the mercy of that truck not your own skill.
Yes, you can. Tranny is fully computerized and it won't shift or let you accidently do something to damage it while driving. But Yes, you can put it in neutral and back into drive anytime...
My hips, shoulders and knees would pay good money to drive an Auto. But nope !! I started with 2 stick 5 and 4 in early 80’s and been an 18 speed manual ever since. Heavy haul 105,500, often much higher, high profile construction. Lots of off road, muddy, slimy, rocky, wet or snowy conditions require full control of my gearing. Spend more time with rear ends locked down and traction control disabled then I do in standard mode. This is a great vid tho and offers good info especially for beginners. With a driver shortage and 18 year olds now able to get their CDL’s…Automatics will certainly help to fill some driver shortage voids. Happy trails out there and be safe !!
I'd say the automatic has come a long way.... I started twenty years ago before they came out with them and it's a blessing at times and can be a petter at others.... I'd say the auto shifting can be anoying at times,. Say like when you want it in a specific gear but the computer puts it in what it thinks is optimal.. Where the manual, it's by feel and position. Want to skip down a couple gears.... through the shifter to the right and up without even looking vs. The truck auto jerking you around while it's fiinding what gear to put it in... Other than that the truck won't shift into gear unless the air system is charged... Say like you just got unloaded and the guy knocks on your door, and you just want to turn on the truck and leave.... You go to pull up and it won't go in gear because you had your truck off during the unloading... But ya, they're pretty good... sufficient I guess you can call it.... Better said the student drivers gift of a lifetime...😂😂😂
These trans are super reliable now, they shift like an F-1 Ferrari. Impressive in 2024, makes driving safer with less stress on your hips shifting all day...
As a woman thinking of getting into dump truck driving I wanted to see how the automatics work. We have to train in semi’s first. Excellent video. Thank you.
You mentioned tours the last part of you video, " let your trasmissioni do it's own thing", do not play, use to much the manuel feature(s) on it. I think this is key. I even think for drivers that does use the manuel, they are negativly afecting the longitibity of the trasmission. Often time I hear driver say " but I need to help the truck", " mu truck lugs to much (yes boddy, but you are climing a hill). We need to remember what we are driving. This is not a speed vehicle, we are Freight, weight howlers. This were we become a macchine, Operator, we need to be paitiant, and Lisen to our unit. What do you think??
Awesome and unbiased video. It would be great if someone could video you actually driving so we can see how it changes gears up and down hills. Cheers!
I wish I was driving this during my first swift run. I was trained in mostly an 8 to 12 speed truck. When I rode with my mentor. He had an 18spd rig. Wasn't ready for those extra gears on my first route across country. This year's ago back in 2007
Awesome video man. I’ve been driving a 12 speed in the oilfields. Debating whether to drive for a company I know they use newer trucks. Appreciate the insight
Thanx So Much for the Video .....I am looking for Truck Driving Job in USA or Canada .... whats the process i am in south africa .... is any company in USA or Canada recruiting drivers from out side of USA and Canada,? Help me to kno please
Why do you have the AC button pushed at 82 degree setting? I don't ever have AC active in the winter, Defrost mode will automatically engage compressor to keep freon oil moving about in system
I’m looking at buying a new M.A.N. Coach chassis with the 500hp Euro 6 motor and 12 speed triptronic for construction into a dog towing double deck motor home, and I had no idea what this transmission was. Helped heaps and thanks from Australia.
I'm not a Truck driver. Nor could I be one. But I have a tremendous amount of admiration for you People. I just think based on what I hear. You People are way underpaid for the hard work you do. And yes. If I was doing what you folks do. I would want to drive an Automatic. Great Video!!!!!
Is it Cory speaking on the video? I have some questions for you. I'm a retired long haul driver -- four million miles over a 45 year period (beginning in 1974) with some trucking management experience along the way. I road tested, qualified and hired long haul drivers, a couple hundred anyway, for a medium-sized refrigerated carrier that ran teams on all of its trucks. It was a big responsibility. You don't want to put anybody out there that's not able to handle it. If you're a conscientious person it can keep you up at night thinking about it. .... I never had an opportunity to operate an automatic truck transmission. It would be a relief in bumper to bumper traffic. But how do they behave on steep downgrades and on snow and ice covered roads? That was a big question mark for me whenever the subject was discussed. In your video presentation, which is excellent, you have only good things to say about the newer generation of automatic truck transmissions and don't mention any possible safety hazards, something that could go wrong under unusual circumstances. .... I have two main questions. One has to do with slick road surfaces. The other with driving down long, steep grades. .... I've driven on my share of very slick, or marginally slick, road surfaces. You find yourself starting down a snow covered incline. You're not running snow chains, and traffic, if there is any, is moving at a crawl because of the conditions. You need to apply the brakes lightly to keep from gaining too much speed. There is enough traction to do that. In a situation like that you want uniform braking action on all wheel positions. But with the truck in gear, the engine is creating a braking effect. You certainly wouldn't turn on the engine break at a time like that, which would amplify the braking effect. On an ice or snow covered downgrade I don't want any added breaking effect at all. I drove out of Montana for years and was running the mountain passes all the time. Descending a slick grade at 15 miles per hour without chains, I would take the transmission out of gear to prevent the engine from breaking traction on the drive tires. .... With an automatic, can the driver put the transmission in neutral while the truck is in motion or does the computer that controls the transmission prevent that? The question would apply to high speeds as well as low speeds. Why would a driver shift into neutral at higher speeds? It could happen by accident. The driver might inadvertently twist the selector switch and move it to the neutral position. How would the transmission respond to that command? If an automatic transmission can be put in neutral at high speed, how does it respond when the selector switch is moved back to the drive position? .... Is it possible to switch from automatic to manual operation while the truck is in motion, when approaching a steep downgrade for example? If so, who or what determines the gear you'll be in when it happens, the driver or the computer that controls the transmission? .... Could an inexperienced driver who wasn't well trained on the operation of an automatic transmission get in trouble on a mountain grade? Could he or she accidentally, or intentionally, put the transmission in neutral and not be able to reengage the transmission? Trucks are generally governed so that they can't be wound up to more than about 2,100 rpm when out of gear -- i.e., "between gears" when shifting, or when parked and in neutral. On a truck with an automatic transmission that is governed to go no faster than 65 mph, what would happen if the truck was freewheeling out of gear (in neutral) at 80 mph and the driver tried to put the transmission into automatic mode? That question relates to my original question, can an automatic transmission be put in neutral while the truck is in motion? -- Jack
OUUUUUUUUUU!!!! Dangggggg lets goooo!!!! If they made semis automatic, I think a lot of people who are not aware about truck driving will try to get into it and then America will be moving more efficiently.
Great video! My company just started bringing in new trucks with automatic transmission and I was kind of butt hurt that they were doing it😅 but this makes me feel better considering I'll be jumping in one next week lol
I’m watching ice road truckers where they’re driving 10speed kenworths and having to double clutch.. this seems a little more simple but just hope it doesn’t dumb down truckers to where they can lower what they’re paying yall.. I think the thing most cool about trucking is changing gears.. do autos still use Jake brakes? Does that happen automatically as well??
I know a few truckers, lots of strong opinions about automatics! I can see why the old school guys would be against them, but I bet they make life so much easier. Electric trucks will be even more controversial.
Thanks for the video as I’m working on getting my cdl awesome video if you do have more videos for teaching send them my ways :) thanks awesome video very knowledgeable information
I've been delivering new trucks for 25 years. The first automatic transmission still had a clutch to start and stop. The newer ones like this are very intuitive, however I still prefer a manual and you can float gears on a manual.
Boss I really appreciate your effort May God almighty bless you This my dream job,of becoming a truck driver Thank you very much Am James and nice meeting you
Seem like auto would be preferred...espically if ur stuck in traffic...plus no rpms to really worry about...i can see manual if ur pulling a dump or a super heavy load
Cheers. Getting my CDL this February, the program says it’s gonna be mostly automatics, so this is a good warmup to that Best part is, I’m being made to learn how to drive a semi, but I’m not gonna be driving a semi lmao
I just got my cdl but they don’t teach you this stuff and my mentor doesn’t show me either so I did my own research it was hard to find a video like this thank you this was a great video!
I had to learn on manual. Just to drive automatic. Lol
@@antigravity1669 i guess they wer teaching you just in case had to drive a Manual .
You probably were in an older model automatic. Either way you were being trained to pass the DMV CDL test and they don't cover engine brakes.
@@antigravity1669facts 😂
Thanks for a good overview of how to drive the new automatics. I've been out of the trucking industry for a number of years now, and always drove manuals - I wouldn't know where to begin with an automatic. This was very helpful in understanding changes in the trucking world (who would have guessed that that control stalk was a 4-way controller??).
While all of this automation does make things easier for new drivers (and probably more efficient too), the "art of driving" is gradually being lost. It took a deep understanding of how the engine/transmission/differential transferred power to the rear wheels, and how gear changes happen in relation to road speed. Once you understood how all of that is connected, it's way more than just "jammin' gears" - it's an art.
Out of curiosity, how does an automatic work with snow/ice/slippery conditions? When you want to have absolutely the finest degree of control of engine/gear/braking to maintain very delicate traction in dangerous conditions, how does it respond? Is manual control best in those situations?
Yup, stick it in manual.
Excellent instructional video. The lighting was fine for the video.
I'm not a trucker but I salute you men and women thank you for what you do I have always wondered about the automatic transmissions in an 18 wheeler I was hoping you would actually drive the truck so we could see how it work but it was a good video thanks.
Right on!
I really like the way you explained how this automatic transmission works with these big trucks so much so that somebody that has never driven one before can try it and honestly it is really surprising to me why and how some people say that they don't like the automatic transmission when as a matter of fact the manufacturers are doing all they can to use all that technology has to offer to make driving these trucks as easy as it can be especially considering the area of clutching which is the most challenging aspect of driving these trucks.Looking at the trucks built in the 1940s and 50s with all these double shift handles and the ones built in the 1990s and the 2000s one can clearly see how technology is really evolving and truth is that it will not stop,truth of the matter is that it is the people that will have to do the catching up,technology for sure don't wait for people,although there is nothing wrong in knowing how to drive the manual transmission because most definitely it will be an added advantage that can come handy at a point in time to come . One thing that I will like to know is that in which mode can the engine brakes be used,manual mode or automatic mode.Thanks for sharing from your wealth of experience and I look forward to more of it.
I liked you comment because you aren't wrong, but the truth of the matter is that if you truly understand how to drive a manual, the only time you need the clutch ( in a truck... not a car because of car's synchronized trannys) you don't use the clutch at all except to start and stop. Even in bumper to bumper traffic, if you leave enough lead space you barely need to use the clutch. I'd still rather have a manual. Sad fact is the manuals are becoming rare these days. I've heard the wait if you want a truck with a manual tranny, you need to order it 12 to 18 months ahead of when you want it. In my honest opinion most applications for an automated transmission are fine, but in some applications they're useless. Again, my argument in my original comment... useless hauling bulk liquid loads. And then if you really enjoy driving as I do, you have to look at the fun and satisfaction factor... especially if you drive a manual well. On that note, even when it comes to cars I've never owned an automatic. Sadly, slowly the days of manual cars are coming to an end too.
My trucking career start in 1976 when I bought a 1971 GMC Astro 95 318 Detroit 13 speed - the career lasted SIX MONTHS - I was leased to a company that had only flatbeds. If I could have had a truck like this one and a box trailer ( no chaining down and tarping the loads ) I probably would have stayed with it. There were a few automatics back in 1976 - very few, though. The new truckers starting today with a nice truck like this one, will have NO IDEA how it used to be.
If I ever buy a rig, getting auto.
For rig price you can buy a nice Aston Martin.
Good voice start your own radio talk show
bruh. fix your english
@@kek2045 u understood it didn’t u??
@@kobelove8990 a little because the grammar’s messed up
@@kek2045 sure English teacher
That's a pretty truck, if I had a job lined up with a truck like that I'd totally go get my health recertified for Interstate (I'd pass but I'm intrastate for reasons of unemployment). You explain things so calmly and matter of factly that it's like I'm in the truck with my old instructor (Hope you're doing well in retirement Bob lol). I'm not sure WHY this video was recommended to me but I really wanna either get some therapy to deal with my anxiety or hope I get someone like you as a partner/trainer.
When I’m drive and going 1,2,3 is that Jake breaking? Then when in neutral going 1,2,3 that’s engine breaking? Or is it the same. I’m imagining winter time at the top of steep snowy downgrade? How do I go into lower gear? If u have a detailed video on that can you link it please. I’m just looking for something similar to Jake breaking but for snow. Lbs.
@corydraper helppp. Please reply. Thank you.
Very well explained, Thank-you. I just started driving 4 months ago, CDL school the month before. Learned a 10 speed. My last 3 cars have been manuals by choice & because of that I thought I'd want that in a truck. My company always gives rookies an automatic & I'm very happy with it. One less thing to split my concentration. My trainer never showed me about manual shift. Hit upon it by accident using the jake. Still not comfortable with it in that: do I have to hit the shifter while at a certain speed &/or rpm? I don't want to do damage to the engine by shifting incorrectly at too high of a speed. My cruise doesn't hold me at selected speed (like in my trainers' truck), so I often find myself playing up & down with cruise speed, jake, & brake pedal for each hill. He had a 2019 Freightliner, but I have a 2018 International; not sure if that makes a difference.
I got my permit but I’m at Tampa truck driving school and they teaching me to drive the stick even though the company I’m going to is automatic
Automatic transmission is the right thing to drive specially when it comes for Technology and today they start creating an automatic transmission to make it easy for driver and easy for company to hire easy for both. Manual transmission old style for driving long distance. I agreed with company’s that hired automatic only better for gas and better for engine and better for drivers and better for a lot of things. That’s way engineer people create the automatic transmission. It is the future.
I’ll never understand stick…there’s a mental block for me when driving that shit lol
Manual is a massive pain in the ass...Lol
Greetings from San Jose California Corey you are the best good explanation 18speed, Automatic.
U did great with the video I was wondering how those automatics worked
Me2.
good vid Cory. How dose it shift from a dead stop on a hill will it shift like a regular clutched tran?
Same Here all i ever drive so far was an 18 speed manual was wondering how automatic worked
Tamil video Paen ok no SMS
Tamil video Tamil video Tamil video Tamil video
Me a car driver:
*goes to turn on wipers
WHOOPS
I just got a new automatic cascadia after only using manuals for the last 11 years… for weeks iv been wondering why the truck “randomly” started in 3rd gear one day and 1st another day.
It’s crazy that it detects how much you’re hauling and starts in a more appropriate gear rather than just 1-12 every time you take off.
Thanks for the great information!
Take it easy Jay!
You made it very easy to understand.
Thanks for sharing, Cory
I pull liquid loads (tankers with no baffles) and in my honest opinion. the automated transmissions are terrible. With dry freight they're really good, but with a liquid load they suck. When trying to accelerate with a liquid load, when you are trying to accelerate and the load sloshes backward, the truck thinks it's encountering a sudden steep hill or an extra load so the transmission downshifts when you're trying to get going. Big pain in the butt. Give me a manual tranny any day for a liquid load. I like the automated manuals for dry freight, but I drive tankers for a living, and for that I hate them. We use the "Isaac system" as our e-logs and they score you on your driving performance. With a manual transmission, I'm always scored at 95 -to 100% and I drive an 18 manual. My truck was in the shop recently and I was given a beautiful "Pete" (smooth, nice ride and quiet) with a 13 automated and I hate it. I always get dinged for "cruise" and heavy acceleration with the automated system. Again that's hauling bulk liquid which is is 95% of what I do. That's my experience with them and my honest opinion. I'm dreading the day I have to give up my 7 year old Mack with its Eaton 18 speed. Good video.
Thanks for some great stuff. Are there any advantages to using manual mode when driving on snow or ice? Example, can using manual mode help prevent your drives from spinning out too much...if so, can you explain that as well as the appropriate use of the axle interlock?
thank you so much ,you explaining well, well i have a heavy vehichle driving permit and i would like to get ajob,
this drove a ferrari
I have started driving one of those. I don't like it n I miss the standard 10 stick. I don't know what is wrong, but I can shift when it is on automatic but then, I have to press the Manual button to lock in that gear. Otherwise the truck will change the gear on me. And everytime I want to change the gear, I have to press the button to unlock it and then press it again to lock into the new gear. It's a pain. And the truck sometimes doesn't respond to me trying to change the gear. Sometimes I can't get the gear that I want when I want it. I feel less in control of the truck than when I was driving a standard 10.
You can drive it manual 2
I'm 63 now started off in a 3/4 cab Browny/mainbox Mack...at my age I'm like most and don't like change...I know the day is coming soon I'll be expected to drive the automatic...Thank you for the video...seems easy enough...
It's super easy Brad, your legs won't get tired from shifting, even after driving all day...
For Compression Brake or Engine Brake, Most of European truckers says "Retarder".
22 years driving and I'm finally driving an automatic soon. Wouldn't have known shit about it without this video. Thanks brother 👍
Take it easy Rene!
I still leave the auto in gear after all these Years lol it will go into neutral automatically. I'll never get used to it fully
😂
I hate backing a automatic transmission it's tends to surge when you float the pedal in reverse, bump the dock hard
This was a very informative video thank you very much good sir keep up the fantastic job I was thinking of getting into Trucking this year and I hear that Automatic Auto way to go so thank you once again for explaining how they work
I drove years ago and thought automatics were an abomination but I just found your video and can absolutely see the benefits to the automatics. U have converted me.
Don't forget to mention that each Gear in the autoshift is a half gear in manual shift... not many of you "professionals " understand that. So if you want to shift these autoshifts in manual mode, to take one full gear you need to slap the stick twice.
7.2 avg mpg. Not too shabby! That dash looks more late model pickup style than what I was used to seeing. Quit driving the 379 OTR in 2004. Those trucks have come a long way! The 12 speed auto sure would have been nice in traffic jams and in town!!!
It comes with 18 speed automatic.
Thanks driver. After 26 years I will be getting an automatic in April and I was very very unsure about it. Now...on to this crash mitigation tech
I'm similar. After 24 years I'm getting an automatic with crash tech, and an apu. Very, very unsure
@@thatmanxguy How is it working out?
@@Vladpryde after a year, I can say I definitely prefer a manual. There's a lot about the automatic that I don't like...that I see potential issues with. However I have what I have.
Good video. However I think I can speak for most of us when I say I have no clue how a Ferrari shifts.
I have this transmission in a crane. I'm going off road with it and starting and staton steep hills is very tricky. I like having a clutch off road.
Seems much more enjoyable than wiggling around a stick all day I bet
Just like Ferrari f1, yeah we all have a Ferrari f1🤣😂😂😂
How reliable are these transmisions? Because i live in Mexico and would like to buy one, but i dont think there are any techs or spares to support it if needed...
I think I have around 650,000+ miles using these automated transmissions, not even one problem over the years...
Hey Mr Draper,when your going down a hill let's say 6% grade,in an automatic do you set the cruise control on about 35 and put the engine brake on ?;what would be the best way to do it?
Problem is that I was ICU nurse for 15 years. DNR means Do Not Resuscitate to me. I don’t want DNR printed on my gear shift lever
Lol...I don't blame you! Now I'm freakin' out...
Love your videos, this one is so informative, a lot more than others I've seen.
Thank you I would rather have an Automatic Truck. I am getting my CDL and take my test for my Permit on Tuesday I am pretty excited
Right on, good luck!
I'm learning manual in school right now, but I can't wait to try one of these automatics. Thanks for the vid!
what do you think about setting up the cruise control on 35mph and putting the jake brakes to max in order to go down a steep grade say like a 6% . i was told by another driver this will help your brakes from heating and keep your speed down on a mountain, i still haven't tried it cause of the rpm control how would i be able to react and what to do if the rpm go above 2000rpm i wouldn't want the transmission to jump going down the hill if i decide to se cruise control and jake brakes or i wonder if this can be done more easily while using the manual setting that would be interesting to know how you or other drivers do this cause ive been driving automatic for a while now but would like to know how other drivers do it
Don't use cruise going down a hill. Ever. Come down the gears on stage 2 or max Jakes until you find one that holds the truck at about 1800 - 2000 revs and leave it there. Keep both feet flat on the floor. This applies to manuals too, btw.
Most truck drivers have 2 Ferrari cars in the garage.
J BRAKE
JACOBS BRAKE
COMPRESSION BRAKE
ENGINE BRAKE
I learned on manual (it was the first time using a manual transmission ever), I'm hoping to go into either Stevens or Schneider, and most if not all of their trucks are automatic. I think to just learn and the stress of making sure you kept your eyes on the road made my anxiety spike. BUT! I got my CDL, and I think I'll be far better on an auto.
It's really informative, I appreciate it!
so did you get in? are they all automatic trucks?
Well Im not sure how an old school driver can go this way. I drove my first auto yesterday and it will be my last,I deliver wide loads in very remote areas and if u have been to northern Maine and haul anything heavy u want to be able to feel that trailer and know your next move, holding a steering wheel in a storm or icy road hauling heavy or wide any experienced driver knows if u don't feel that load behind u or know your next move your dead or someone that was at the wrong place or wrong time .Autos may work in highway use ok but remote camp roads or mountains u will be at the mercy of that truck not your own skill.
Not true. The key is to have your gearbox configured properly. I drive a 54 ton logger with an 18 speed auto and don't have any problems.
Me myself I would prefer a automatic if doing alot of interstate driving and traveling
Automated is awesome, so easy to drive, and your body feels no stress from shifting...
Which truck is it and how many gears has it got
Yessir
Can i switch to neutral while driving down a small hill and then back to drive mode?
Yes, you can. Tranny is fully computerized and it won't shift or let you accidently do something to damage it while driving. But Yes, you can put it in neutral and back into drive anytime...
Yes boom! Thank you for the info boom!
That's like so much easier than manual
That's an automated transmission.
Does this automatic also creep in gear when you release the brake pedal?
My hips, shoulders and knees would pay good money to drive an Auto. But nope !! I started with 2 stick 5 and 4 in early 80’s and been an 18 speed manual ever since. Heavy haul 105,500, often much higher, high profile construction. Lots of off road, muddy, slimy, rocky, wet or snowy conditions require full control of my gearing. Spend more time with rear ends locked down and traction control disabled then I do in standard mode. This is a great vid tho and offers good info especially for beginners.
With a driver shortage and 18 year olds now able to get their CDL’s…Automatics will certainly help to fill some driver shortage voids.
Happy trails out there and be safe !!
I'd say the automatic has come a long way....
I started twenty years ago before they came out with them and it's a blessing at times and can be a petter at others....
I'd say the auto shifting can be anoying at times,.
Say like when you want it in a specific gear but the computer puts it in what it thinks is optimal..
Where the manual, it's by feel and position. Want to skip down a couple gears.... through the shifter to the right and up without even looking vs. The truck auto jerking you around while it's fiinding what gear to put it in...
Other than that the truck won't shift into gear unless the air system is charged...
Say like you just got unloaded and the guy knocks on your door, and you just want to turn on the truck and leave....
You go to pull up and it won't go in gear because you had your truck off during the unloading...
But ya, they're pretty good... sufficient I guess you can call it....
Better said the student drivers gift of a lifetime...😂😂😂
So true! I'm so used to automated now I drive them like a NASCAR Pro...take it easy
@@CoryJDraperyou to...
How new are these transmissions? And how reliable are they?
These trans are super reliable now, they shift like an F-1 Ferrari. Impressive in 2024, makes driving safer with less stress on your hips shifting all day...
As a woman thinking of getting into dump truck driving I wanted to see how the automatics work. We have to train in semi’s first. Excellent video. Thank you.
I have train drivers in the past or tried to train drivers but it's hard to train somebody that doesn't listen they already know everything so why
New Driver , Love the Video !!!!!
It's called a Jake brake and basically that wro wa wa sound you hear.
What brand of transmission is that?
Thanks for showing this.
You mentioned tours the last part of you video, " let your trasmissioni do it's own thing", do not play, use to much the manuel feature(s) on it. I think this is key. I even think for drivers that does use the manuel, they are negativly afecting the longitibity of the trasmission. Often time I hear driver say " but I need to help the truck", " mu truck lugs to much (yes boddy, but you are climing a hill). We need to remember what we are driving. This is not a speed vehicle, we are Freight, weight howlers. This were we become a macchine, Operator, we need to be paitiant, and Lisen to our unit. What do you think??
It's a smart Peterbill❤❤
Keep up to great work on the videos
Awesome and unbiased video.
It would be great if someone could video you actually driving so we can see how it changes gears up and down hills.
Cheers!
I wish I was driving this during my first swift run. I was trained in mostly an 8 to 12 speed truck. When I rode with my mentor. He had an 18spd rig. Wasn't ready for those extra gears on my first route across country. This year's ago back in 2007
Awesome video man. I’ve been driving a 12 speed in the oilfields. Debating whether to drive for a company I know they use newer trucks. Appreciate the insight
It work same as Scania
Thank you once again for that clear explanation... I've seen your other videos and it was so clear and easy to understand... You're awesome
Love your vids. Best instructor ever. I can't seem to find a video of you demonstrating alley docking.
Very useful info man that was extremely helpful. I'm about to embark on a new job over the road and never driven an automatic so I appreciate it
I appreciate this!
Thanx So Much for the Video .....I am looking for Truck Driving Job in USA or Canada .... whats the process i am in south africa .... is any company in USA or Canada recruiting drivers from out side of USA and Canada,? Help me to kno please
Thank you for taking the time to put this together. I’m one who learns by seeing/hands on.
Why do you have the AC button pushed at 82 degree setting? I don't ever have AC active in the winter, Defrost mode will automatically engage compressor to keep freon oil moving about in system
I’m looking at buying a new M.A.N. Coach chassis with the 500hp Euro 6 motor and 12 speed triptronic for construction into a dog towing double deck motor home, and I had no idea what this transmission was. Helped heaps and thanks from Australia.
Nice to meet you, take it easy!
I'm not a Truck driver. Nor could I be one. But I have a tremendous amount of admiration for you People. I just think based on what I hear. You People are way underpaid for the hard work you do. And yes. If I was doing what you folks do. I would want to drive an Automatic. Great Video!!!!!
Is it Cory speaking on the video? I have some questions for you. I'm a retired long haul driver -- four million miles over a 45 year period (beginning in 1974) with some trucking management experience along the way. I road tested, qualified and hired long haul drivers, a couple hundred anyway, for a medium-sized refrigerated carrier that ran teams on all of its trucks. It was a big responsibility. You don't want to put anybody out there that's not able to handle it. If you're a conscientious person it can keep you up at night thinking about it.
.... I never had an opportunity to operate an automatic truck transmission. It would be a relief in bumper to bumper traffic. But how do they behave on steep downgrades and on snow and ice covered roads? That was a big question mark for me whenever the subject was discussed. In your video presentation, which is excellent, you have only good things to say about the newer generation of automatic truck transmissions and don't mention any possible safety hazards, something that could go wrong under unusual circumstances.
.... I have two main questions. One has to do with slick road surfaces. The other with driving down long, steep grades.
.... I've driven on my share of very slick, or marginally slick, road surfaces. You find yourself starting down a snow covered incline. You're not running snow chains, and traffic, if there is any, is moving at a crawl because of the conditions. You need to apply the brakes lightly to keep from gaining too much speed. There is enough traction to do that. In a situation like that you want uniform braking action on all wheel positions. But with the truck in gear, the engine is creating a braking effect. You certainly wouldn't turn on the engine break at a time like that, which would amplify the braking effect. On an ice or snow covered downgrade I don't want any added breaking effect at all. I drove out of Montana for years and was running the mountain passes all the time. Descending a slick grade at 15 miles per hour without chains, I would take the transmission out of gear to prevent the engine from breaking traction on the drive tires.
.... With an automatic, can the driver put the transmission in neutral while the truck is in motion or does the computer that controls the transmission prevent that? The question would apply to high speeds as well as low speeds. Why would a driver shift into neutral at higher speeds? It could happen by accident. The driver might inadvertently twist the selector switch and move it to the neutral position. How would the transmission respond to that command? If an automatic transmission can be put in neutral at high speed, how does it respond when the selector switch is moved back to the drive position?
.... Is it possible to switch from automatic to manual operation while the truck is in motion, when approaching a steep downgrade for example? If so, who or what determines the gear you'll be in when it happens, the driver or the computer that controls the transmission?
.... Could an inexperienced driver who wasn't well trained on the operation of an automatic transmission get in trouble on a mountain grade? Could he or she accidentally, or intentionally, put the transmission in neutral and not be able to reengage the transmission? Trucks are generally governed so that they can't be wound up to more than about 2,100 rpm when out of gear -- i.e., "between gears" when shifting, or when parked and in neutral. On a truck with an automatic transmission that is governed to go no faster than 65 mph, what would happen if the truck was freewheeling out of gear (in neutral) at 80 mph and the driver tried to put the transmission into automatic mode? That question relates to my original question, can an automatic transmission be put in neutral while the truck is in motion?
-- Jack
OUUUUUUUUUU!!!! Dangggggg lets goooo!!!! If they made semis automatic, I think a lot of people who are not aware about truck driving will try to get into it and then America will be moving more efficiently.
The lighting was great and it's an awesome video bro.
Thank you Chris!
@CoryJDraper welcome Cory..got my CDL last month and now I'm on the road with my trainer.
Great video! My company just started bringing in new trucks with automatic transmission and I was kind of butt hurt that they were doing it😅 but this makes me feel better considering I'll be jumping in one next week lol
I’m watching ice road truckers where they’re driving 10speed kenworths and having to double clutch.. this seems a little more simple but just hope it doesn’t dumb down truckers to where they can lower what they’re paying yall.. I think the thing most cool about trucking is changing gears.. do autos still use Jake brakes? Does that happen automatically as well??
Automated manual not automatic, automatic has a torque converter. That transmission has a clutch and gearbox controlled by computer
Thank you, I drive manual for last 15 years. Always wonder how’s automatic transmission works in tractors. This video explains everything.
I know a few truckers, lots of strong opinions about automatics! I can see why the old school guys would be against them, but I bet they make life so much easier. Electric trucks will be even more controversial.
Thanks for the video as I’m working on getting my cdl awesome video if you do have more videos for teaching send them my ways :) thanks awesome video very knowledgeable information
I've been delivering new trucks for 25 years. The first automatic transmission still had a clutch to start and stop. The newer ones like this are very intuitive, however I still prefer a manual and you can float gears on a manual.
Boss I really appreciate your effort
May God almighty bless you
This my dream job,of becoming a truck driver
Thank you very much
Am James and nice meeting you
Hey Cory, thanks for the great work. Who needs a truck driver? Need some connections. Thank you
I’m at Roadmaster in Saint Louis we are learning the automatic we are driving on the road this week I’m scared shitless
Thanks for the explanation
You got it!
Seem like auto would be preferred...espically if ur stuck in traffic...plus no rpms to really worry about...i can see manual if ur pulling a dump or a super heavy load
Jake brake!
Cheers. Getting my CDL this February, the program says it’s gonna be mostly automatics, so this is a good warmup to that
Best part is, I’m being made to learn how to drive a semi, but I’m not gonna be driving a semi lmao
Thank you
Be safe out there!
@@CoryJDraper Please sir Help me to find a job in America. I'm a truck driver too but there's no money here in Africa
I personally think the way you shift in manual mode seems kinda stupid....