Switching From Manual To Automactics

We're starting a transition this year to automatics and I've read or heard many comments about backing with the auto being the thing that you have to figure out or adjust to the most. So what is it exactly that happens with backing?

We're starting a transition this year to automatics and I've read or heard many comments about backing with the auto being the thing that you have to figure out or adjust to the most. So what is it exactly that happens with backing?

I just got out of cdl school last week(driving manual) and spent this week training using an auto. Not having to shift is nice for driving in traffic (been primarily delivering downtown) but backing definitely feels different. May just be the truck I'm in but sometimes it jolts when coming to a stop. When backing it doesn't roll on its own like a manual does you must give it fuel, which in turn makes to jolt at first. If you come to a stop it'll do it again. Being new it really is frustrating because I'm taking it slow as I'm still unsure of some situations and it trips our drive cam several times a day because truck gets jerked all over. Actually had a dock we backed into at a hotel that I slammed into due to it jumping. I knew I was close so I eased up and that's when it took off on me. Had the Chef come out screaming at me thinking I destroyed his dock. We addressed the issue with my supervisor and he told us put it in neutral for couple seconds before switching to reverse. We barely noticed a difference to be honest. I'd be interested to know how other drivers handle that.

Thanks guy"s I know I'll get used to it (just hope not too much lol). It kind of surprised how jerky the shifts are thought it would be smoother. I haven't experienced the problem backing or docking. I've heard of lag or where you have to kind of rev it a little to get it to move although that hasn't been the case with this rig. Again it is only a couple weeks. I did get stuck in pretty heavy traffic here in Sacramento both morning and afternoon commute didn't miss the ol clutch then.

I found the best way to get rid of the jerky shifting is not to mash the throttle until it hits at least 9th. About half throttle is about right.

Note, be really easy if bobtail. Then most of the time it acts retarded until about 10th. Running around a large DC just go slow.

Almost forgot to add.

For those with ACC (adaptive cruise control) be mindful of vehicles exiting in front of you. There are times it will still sense the vehicle and slam on full Jake's if you're not ready to override with the throttle.

For those with ACC (adaptive cruise control) be mindful of vehicles exiting in front of you. There are times it will still sense the vehicle and slam on full Jake's if you're not ready to override with the throttle.

Mindfulness is such an important activity. Absolutely right (I'm trimming your quote to the essential four words):

be mindful of vehicles

Guessing what any vehicle is about to do is a major part of situational awareness, also known as defensive driving. My nickname for this is Driving Three Cars At Once.

This is done inside your head, and had almost no connection to the Cruise Control.

For those with ACC (adaptive cruise control) be mindful of vehicles exiting in front of you. There are times it will still sense the vehicle and slam on full Jake's if you're not ready to override with the throttle.

Mindfulness is such an important activity. Absolutely right (I'm trimming your quote to the essential four words):

be mindful of vehicles

Guessing what any vehicle is about to do is a major part of situational awareness, also known as defensive driving. My nickname for this is Driving Three Cars At Once.

This is done inside your head, and had almost no connection to the Cruise Control.

You're crazy old man. Swift issues Smart trucks! Just, start and turn when btchn betty says so. The rest of the time, you can text, read,,update Facebook etc.

/off sarcasm :)

I keep forgetting common sense, and that were trying to help beginners

What is obvious for some has to be spelled out for others.

I was just giving warning for that one little nasty surprise that ACC does. If you've got no warning it kinda freaks you out because there is no obvious reason why your truck is rapidly coming to a stop.

**Fun fact, it doesn't even trigger the "Collision imminent" warning. And that lovely piece of tech gets freaked out at freeway signs and stoplights.

Or in old man Errol words. Don't trust / rely on your tech and gizmos. They can and do fail.

Just ask him about when his first triceritops lost a perfectly good horn for no reason.

As a rookie, I may go to slow for some of the people behind me. However, it's my butt, my job, and my life in the driver's seat. Also, I'm addicted to breathing. Have fun with it.

Thank you!

I just started CDL classes yesterday. I have been reading and watching a lot of forums and videos, and this is the exact attitude I plan to abide by when I get into my own truck!

Ok got my truck back. Wish I never had that automatic, I kind of liked it. Got used to not shifting, it did lag at times although not that bad. That said I love my truck.