Why did you choose a manual?

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by lil red cummins

7. only downside - not so trailer friendly.



the only problem i have is finding reverse. it is a PIA still after 2+ weeks.

i have never had a transmission where ALL the gears are syncronized - including reverse.



jim

Jim,

If you do not give it any throttle at all in low or reverse it is more trailer friendly. The low-end governor will do a great job, even on a hill .



Dean

 

[lil red cummins]

i know what you are saying dean.



i have gotten used to not using the "go" peddle when in 1st or reverse. my problem is getting the transmission IN reverse. i normally have to let the clutch up for a second in neutral, then go to second and then reverse. if i hit 5th by accident and then go for reverse, it will not go in. not sure if that is a safety factor or learning curve.



jim

 

[scotty1]

I had one auto out of 24 trucks

One auto in the 96, sold it after two failures from plastic connectors and the trans hunting from OD to D all the time.

 

[JHardwick]

Originally posted by Dean Upson

The low-end governor will do a great job, even on a hill .



Dean

Speaking of which .....



When hooking up my goose or a tag, I load the clutch slighty and use the brake pedal to move the truck. Works great!

 

[DPelletier]

For the same reason I bought a Cummins in the first place; The NV5600 is big, heavy, strong, durable and should last a long time. In fairness, I didn't have any problems with my 47RE in the 3years I had it (stock engine), but it was like a nagging voice in my head reminding me that the transmission was a "weak link" and would eventually fail.

I have a small fleet of trucks and I have had several autos give up the ghost, but have never had a single manual transmission failure (clutches not included) in the last 15 years. FWIW, I also spent more on auto trans repairs than clutch replacements despite having twice as many manuals as autos.

Also, I just felt better about it because I think it is better than Brand C or F's 6 spd. Can't say that about the 48RE.



That about covers all the "warm fuzzies", but the logical part of me decided that the 6spd would give me better gear choices for towing 16,000 lbs GCVW uphill.



Dave

 

[klenger]

There is something to be said for having a transmission that does not need a cooler. Heat generated by a transmission is a waste of energy. Even towing the heavy loads, the manual does not need a cooler.

 

[Wiredawg]

More reasons....

Way lots of fun to drive. Great for extra (extra) heavey towing. Exhaust brake. Sound up/down shifting. Less maint.



Still, I like driving my wife's auto too.



Wiredawg

 

[RKohn]

You mean....

There's something other than a stick?

 

[DJW]

On asking OTR Truck Drivers their choice, all answered Automatic. Of asking a Salesman, his answer, Automatic if you are pulling a trailer. To each their own?

 

[EMD-Run8]

I can definitely see why OTR drivers would want an auto in their personal truck. I did that gig a while after the service. Trains are more fun (most of the time) though. Having said that, manuals are a) more fun for listening to all the mechanical music b) exhaust brake!! c) better fuel mileage d) better roll on acceleration when on the move although autos are definitely better off the line and e) If autos were so great for pulling and longevity they'd be in OTR trucks instead of manuals!

I hope to buy within the next two months and though I will drive an auto for the sake of objectivity (curiosity?) , I will likely buy a six-speed QC. Let's see will that be 2WD or 4WD.....

 

[mgonske]

What HOBrian said--at the beginning of 3G production, the 6-speed was the only way to get an HO.

 

[Dkevdog]

Dodge makes an Auto???

 

[Boomer II]

I wanted a stick for the control and durability. HA HA HA HA HA on the durability, NV4500, need I say more. 4 speeds rock!! NOT!!

 

[sellisrulz]

Truck + clutch = FUN



Hehe

 

[Mad Bomber]

Clutch

Originally posted by Dkevdog

Dodge makes an Auto???

Not one that's worth anything.

 

[Hawkeye 04]

I had an auto and felt like the average Joe... Traded it in for a fiver and, I swear, I grew chest hairs overnight.

 

[klenger]

I swear, I grew chest hairs overnight.

I suppose that's OK if your a guy.

 

[Prairie Dog]

So thats where all that ear hair suddenly came from