Automatic or standard

[bluebird90]

So how bout some opinions here? I have a 38 ft bluebird with a dt466 and 5 speed trans. I have no probs driving a stick, but my pettit wife will need to drive once in a blue moon and can't push the clutch. Eaton has a clutch kit that reduces pedal effort by 50% which she can push easily..
I also have all the parts I need to make this an automatic including an allison MT643.
With this senario, able to easily go either way what would you choose.

 

[opus-SKO]

Stick everytime!

 

[bus-bro]

I second the stick, though an automatic would be easier to sell (and drive).

 

[somewhereinusa]

I prefer automatic, I just retired from trucking, I have shifted enough in the last million miles thank you.

 

[bapos]

Very few times I would want a standard but I would say automatic.

 

[syke]

I would say automatic is your best option for building a bus that needs to be driven by your wife.

Our bus is a 643 auto and my wife does need to drive it. Although there are some pros to a manual Just saying....

 

[Jarlaxle]

My wife's best friend was able to drive my B-700, with its Spicer 5-speed and manual steering. Tina is 4'5" and all of 85lbs. Teach your wife to float gears...that way, the clutch isn't an issue!

My Genesis is an MT643...I wish it was a standard shift. I hate slushpumps.

 

[Hex]

My vote is for a manual transmission. I like to be in control of where and how my power is getting to the road.

 

[bapos]

I think one thing to take in to consideration is cost. I dont have any commercial vehicle experience but I know replacing a clutch vs an automatic and the miles they can do should be of some consideration? I guess I have had better experiences with automatics than standards.

 

[gbstewart]

drove both in same size trucks, its really to each is own, they both have there benifits, myself I like my automatic, Im lazy at times, one thing to remember if you are driveing down narrow roads in a 38 foot bus ,with lots of traffic and people , and traffice lights, and finding where your going,and 3 people in the back telling you where to go, your hands are as it is, let alone changeing gears and riding your clutch in heavy traffic. as well with the auto most everyone will drive, and its easyer to sell with a auto. im glad that I had a auto after this 8700km trip, I was in places where you had to do the 328 point turns, and stuck in slow moving 3 lane traffect. you get the picture.

anyway just my choice
gbstewart

 

[arfisher83]

Manual! Automatic is so boring, and I love being able to manually change gears for climbing hills rather than wait on the automatic to choose a gear.

-Adam

 

[slideforlife]

but you can't eat fried rice out of the carton with chopsticks and steering with your knees while driving standard!

 

[Tango-SKO]

This ? will no doubt arouse some opinions.

Personally, I'll take a new generation auto any day.

 

[milkmania]

but you can't eat fried rice out of the carton with chopsticks and steering with your knees while driving standard!

the cops get mad at me when I text and drive in the school zone, and I get mad at myself for spilling my beer





I can't drive standard well anymore, spinal neuropathy down left side makes it difficult to operate clutch.
but, I sure miss it!

 

[slideforlife]

sorry to hear that. my roommate has that - got some relief when he used this:

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that the body uses for protein, fatty acid formation, new cell creation, clotting blood, supporting muscle and nerve function and creating energy for the body. According to the University of Florida Extension Department, most people are magnesium deficient. The National Health Federation reports that diabetic peripheral neuropathy is worsened when patients have a magnesium deficiency. The recommended dose is 400mg twice a day.
While the best sources of magnesium come from foods such as nuts, legumes, whole grains, dark green vegetables, and seafood. Magnesium supplements are readily available in most health food stores.

 

[nat_ster]

It fully depends on the bus.

Flat nose need to be auto.

Dog nose, Type C can be either.

If getting a dog nose, I would get the standard over the auto unless it was a MD3060. Then I would choose the auto 3060.

If money will always be a issue, get a standard. Changing the oil in a MD3060 cost over $500 alone.

Changing a clutch in a standard is around the same cost and up.

Nat

 

[austin1989us]

I can't drive standard well anymore, spinal neuropathy down left side makes it difficult to operate clutch.

I'm gonna ask my oncologist about neuropathy tomorrow. All this glue scraping and grinding has my hands feeling worse than they did after chemo. If he tells me anything eyeopening I'll let you know.

 

[ElizaHasAPlan]

I prefer standards myself. That's all I've ever owned, and the few times I've driven an automatic, not having control drove me nuts.

I've been driving since I was 11, and over the years I've driven just about everything with a motor, and did just fine. I'd second the recommendation to teach your wife to float gears. If she's like me, she'll have fun

 

[M1031A1]

My grandpa bought me a go-cart when I was 4 years old. Two speed with an B&S 5.5 HP. Learned to glide gears and never looked back. If the option is there I go stick EVERY time. Unfortunately this society has gotten lazy over the years so the vehicles I have now are automatics. I miss my sticks.....

 

[Alan N]

but you can't eat fried rice out of the carton with chopsticks and steering with your knees while driving standard!

You can, it just takes practice.