Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 11-24-2014, 08:55 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 11
Year: 2000
Transmission? Auto or Manual

I personally LOVE a straight drive / manual transmission - in a regular truck or car.

Advise?? What are the pros and cons?

My only concern is how stiff is the clutch? Would I be fatigued with a bit of stop and start travel??

Thanks!

NWade is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 11:37 AM   #2
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Posts: 1,791
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: B3800 Short bus
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 36
Re: Transmission? Auto or Manual

The clutch pedal in my International is fairly stiff at first, but once you get it down it isn't difficult to hold. I can't say it's ever bothered me, even through rush hour traffic in downtown Chicago. Heck, I haven't even thought about it until you asked the question! When the option exists, I won't even consider an automatic transmission. With larger passenger vehicles (I'm thinking pick-ups and full size vans) I often get frustrated at their shift points, especially when dealing with hills or towing.
I don't have experience with automatic transmissions in buses, but people seem to like the MT643.
__________________
My build page: Armageddon - The Smell of Airborne Rust
jazty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 12:35 PM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 11
Year: 2000
Re: Transmission? Auto or Manual

TY Jazty - you answered my question perfectly!
That was my line of thinking ... more control with the manual shift.
Buses are hard to find with a straight drive so I may have to just deal with the automatic.
The just right bus is very difficult to find!
NWade is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2014, 10:31 AM   #4
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 147
Year: 1993
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TE2000 FE
Engine: 5.9L Cummins
Rated Cap: 84
Re: Transmission? Auto or Manual

Ive used both and prefer the Alison. my choice because no clutch and can be manually shifted if so desired. In fact most operator manuals infor drivers of how to do it. JM2SW.

Chuck
cschlessman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-20-2014, 01:52 AM   #5
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 170
Personally I'd never choose automatic over stick if the choice is there. I have a 7.3l powerstroke with a zf6 in my f250 pickup. The clutch is pretty stiff, but it grabs well even when towing horses, boats, etc. The low gear in 4x4 low will damn near rip a house off its foundation.

If you can put up with the hassle (second nature to me now) of driving a stick, there are so many benefits:

Longevity - treat her well and you'll get way more life out of a manual. Auto trannys rely on belts/bands which create a lot of heat and friction, just a matter of time til something gives.

Service - manual trannys are easier to work on, lots of full time mechanics wont touch the inside of an auto tranny, they send them out, which tells you something

Control - being able to control shift points and clutch release rate is great for towing or driving in the snow/down steep grades. If an automatic decides to shift on you harshly at the wrong time in the snow it can initiate a spin. I also just feel more connected to the road when driving a manual.

Get you home factor - even with a broken manual tranny, theres a good chance you can still limp it home, also allows the option of pop starting it if you find yourself with a dead battery(s)

Unless you are talking about something under warranty, I'd get a stick. Biggest favor you can do for yourself if you buy an auto tho is install an external tranny cooler and a tranny temp gauge. Make sure to check your transmission fluid regularly both for level and odor, heat equals death to these things.
__________________
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/showthread.php?t=9883 - 7.3L 4x4 Shuttle Bus Toyhauler conversion
headinthetrees is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Manual transmission with a 2 speed rearend crazycal Everything Else | General Skoolie Discussions 13 07-22-2015 01:28 PM
85 international 6.9L auto/OD good buy???? putterspitt Conversion General Discussions 3 03-11-2013 03:58 PM
Nationwide & Auto Owners muddyrabbit Titles, Insurance, Registration and Money Matters 1 04-03-2011 05:59 PM
Need pusher w/ 8.3 Cummins & auto SDJunkMan Classifieds | Buy, Sell, Swap 0 12-22-2010 10:04 AM
Auto genny on/off? gotmuddy Conversion General Discussions 3 04-23-2009 06:05 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:40 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.