Need Some Advice

Im currently driving an international Prostar, unsure of the year...possibly 2017. It's an automatic, which is fine. But backing into a dock on a climbing incline is challenging. I tend to roll forward then back and roll forward again, not a smooth motion. Any advice on backing an auto? Thanks

P.S. There is no creep mode on the truck and im the lowest reverse gear

Im currently driving an international Prostar, unsure of the year...possibly 2017. It's an automatic, which is fine. But backing into a dock on a climbing incline is challenging. I tend to roll forward then back and roll forward again, not a smooth motion. Any advice on backing an auto? Thanks

P.S. There is no creep mode on the truck and im the lowest reverse gear

I have the same issue with my 2018 LT.... I use my left foot on the break, and pretend it is a clutch. It works most of the time. Give it *gas* {fuel} as you release the break gradually.

I thought about doing that but i got scared about the idea of clutch abuse. Transmission gave me grief for trying to slide my tandems lol. I'll still give it a shot though. How is the 2018 LT by the way? Does the engine brake engage automatically while in cruise control on down-grades? Or do you still have to be more proactive with controling the decent.

Im currently driving an international Prostar, unsure of the year...possibly 2017. It's an automatic, which is fine. But backing into a dock on a climbing incline is challenging. I tend to roll forward then back and roll forward again, not a smooth motion. Any advice on backing an auto? Thanks

P.S. There is no creep mode on the truck and im the lowest reverse gear

I have the same issue with my 2018 LT.... I use my left foot on the break, and pretend it is a clutch. It works most of the time. Give it *gas* {fuel} as you release the break gradually.

You are not alone. Just this morning was trying to 45 back on an incline and it took me forever because of the constant back and forth. At first I wasn't happy about switching to an automatic but was pleasantly surprised by it's power and ease especially in traffic and now I love it - all except for the backing. I believe my issues are mostly driver error though, sometimes I'm smooth, other times not so much.

I have this switch. Which helps some.

That switch-the anti rollback switch. Activate it and engage the anti-spin/low traction control switch. Use both these in conjunction with a very light throttle application. It worked for me when I had an autoshift in a 2016 T680 at Millis.

You still have to be more proactive. Lol. But I prefer it that way, especially if I have a lot of weight behind me.

Was just assigned my ‘18 Freightshaker lightweight today with the D12 Automatic transmission. That throttle control is gonna be a challenge to get used to. It jumped from 3rd to 5th & jerked the crap outta my neck. I thought it would be smoother than that.

Thanks for all of the replies as well as the tips and tricks, ill give it a go tonight. Delivering to the same inclined dock tonight.

@Splitter,Congrats on the 18 freighliner. I dunno why but i like the sound it gives off when releasing the brakes lol! I think it might be cause it sounds like a turbo flutter.

@Annee, i really love the automatic trucks. The only thing i i have to say i dont like about mine is that it sometimes starts in a too high of a gear when loaded and bounces a bit. Nothing major for me to complain about since i can drop it down a gear.

@Danielsahn, i was definitely spoiled by the 17 freightliner cascadia. It holds your designated speed when cruise is enabled. Pretty much set and forget lol.

Not to hijack the thread, but Splitter how is the LW? My email is in my bio if you rather reply there.