I work security at a Freightliner dealer right now (long story, starting with Heartland express in December). I drove an auto shift for a few days at the last company I was at. I hated it. When you were backing up you had to keep pressure on the accelerator or it would start free-wheeling and you could end up going forward. Thats not a good thing. Thats just my personal preference though.
Here's why you shouldn't like them. You wouldn't believe how many auto's they bring in on a hook at out Freightliner dealer. Lots and lots. Skyline Transport out of Nashville, TN has all auto-shift. They brought 3 in on hooks either Thursday or Friday night. Thats just one company (and I'm only there at night). Pretty bad when you've got that many problems. Might I add they weren't the only ones brought in with that problem, just all from that company. Problem is, they might work great on flat land or light loads. You get a fairly heavy load and then throw it in the hills down here, they get stuck in gear. A lot of times you can hit the drive shaft with a hammer and the shifter will work again, but it won't last maybe 5-10 miles. After it happens once, you better take it to the nearest shop. You might say this is a bunch of bull, but I see this happen every night. They are making a killing off of warranty auto-shift work.
Do what you want, but they've used the manuals since vehicles came out. I think they've got the bugs worked out pretty good...
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