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Aguyfromcalg · 06-09-2011, 09:43 PM

If you could choose either a automatic or a standard transmission for your motor home. Would you choose a standard ?

bullheaded · 06-09-2011, 09:53 PM

Standard??????????????...NEVER!

offthewall · 06-09-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguyfromcalg

If you could choose either a automatic or a standard transmission for your motor home. Would you choose a standard ?

Why the heck would you ever want a manual transmission with a heavy vehicle like a MH? No way would I choose anything other than an automatic.

Yaj · 06-09-2011, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offthewall

Why the heck would you ever want a manual transmission with a heavy vehicle like a MH? No way would I choose anything other than an automatic.

I'd have to drive a manual before I would say yes or no. One thing that strikes me was said by the Allison shop where I got my Transend Fluid, "They don't have automatics in the big rigs (trucks)". I didn't ask why.
So I'm asking now?

RobRV · 06-10-2011, 12:43 AM

Some "Big Rigs" do have Automatic Transmissions. They are not found in units that pull heavy loads. Not enough Gear Choices!

Glassalley52 · 06-10-2011, 12:45 AM

Side by Side: Manual vs. automatic truck transmissions | Equipment World | Construction Equipment, News and Information | Heavy Construction Equipment

1ciderdog · 06-10-2011, 06:41 AM

Personally I'd go for standard assuming it had "good" gearing.
Bob

blackf3504dr · 06-10-2011, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaj

I'd have to drive a manual before I would say yes or no. One thing that strikes me was said by the Allison shop where I got my Transend Fluid, "They don't have automatics in the big rigs (trucks)". I didn't ask why.
So I'm asking now?

The automatics in class 8 trucks are not real automatics in the way an automobile or motor home is. They are basically a standard truck transmission controlled by a computer, the early ones did have a clutch peddle you used for starting and stopping but the second generation doesn't use a clutch peddle. Many vocational trucks such as garbage trucks and buses do use the same basic Allison that's found in many motor homes. As to the question... Yes I would prefer a nice 13 speed (standard) trans over an automatic. After 30+ years of driving OTR trucks I find my right hand reaching for a nonexistent shifter more times then not .......

Cat320 · 06-10-2011, 09:13 AM

Auto, especially if it's an Allison. I figure it's smarter than I am, so I let it do it's thing.

Billieg · 06-10-2011, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackf3504dr

The automatics in class 8 trucks are not real automatics in the way an automobile or motor home is. They are basically a standard truck transmission controlled by a computer, the early ones did have a clutch peddle you used for starting and stopping but the second generation doesn't use a clutch peddle. Many vocational trucks such as garbage trucks and buses do use the same basic Allison that's found in many motor homes. As to the question... Yes I would prefer a nice 13 speed (standard) trans over an automatic. After 30+ years of driving OTR trucks I find my right hand reaching for a nonexistent shifter more times then not .......

Years ago (around 1973) I drove truck for Monford out of CO. hauling swing beef. They gave me a Peterbuilt with a 6 speed Allison that had that clutch pedal. It was tough getting started but ran fine once you got up to speed. The scary thing was they use to blow up and some drivers lost their legs.

In later years I had a 20 speed in my Peterbuild (2 shift sticks) and loved it. I always wondered if the big rigs still used Allisons.

wa8yxm · 06-10-2011, 11:14 AM

I think a lot would depend on the transmission.. I drove stick shifts for over 20 years starting with farm tractors when I was about 10 and finishing with cars and trucks.. I do not have a problem with them.

I truly believe that for long-haul driving the stick shift has it all over the automatic as once you hit high, you stay there and do not waste gas heating up the slush box.

That said..... The Allison that's in this Workhorse does one fantastic job.

So if it was a choice between an Allison Automatic and a genuine gear box the kind you stir with a big stick.

I'd take the Allison.

But with other makes.. I'd have to think about it and research the specs. I'm not a big fan of Ford Stick Shifts by the way,, Or ford anything for that matter.

Aguyfromcalg · 06-10-2011, 06:34 PM

Just want to give a quick thanks to every one who has responded to this post to date. I'm enjoying reading every one's posts

doc · 06-10-2011, 07:46 PM

I remember the old Macks with the duplex and the quadraplex. We had an old R600 with a duplex that was so weak you had to be constantly swapping gears up and down. Bad thing was that if you ever got them both out of gear, you had to stop and start over. Give me an strong DP and a 6 speed Allison auto.