10-speed Vs. Everything Else

I don't think it's even an issue. You already know how to shift gears in a rig. You'll just have extra gears you can split if needed. Most of the time you won't even need them. It's not like you have to hit all those gears anyway. You should be able to have it all figured out after a day or two of driving. When you're heavy you'll appreciate the extra gears when climbing up a mountain. Otherwise you won't even need them.

You'll have two different splitters. Just ask another driver to show you how it works. It's easy, but you'll understand it better by playing with it yourself. Let's say you want to split a gear while getting up to highway speed. You've got your foot in the throttle and you're gaining speed. Push the splitter button on the side of the shifter, then let off the throttle - then put your foot back into the throttle - Shazaam! You just split a gear. The transmission does the work you just provide the proper timing.

I saw Peterbilt has auto 18's now. The computer does all the work I guess. Are they automated manuals like the Detroit 12?

Old School, thank you so much!

While everyone's answers have been to some extent helpful, once again you've managed to break something down in a way I understand. I always love reading your articles and forum comments because somehow your way of explaining things works perfectly for me. Thanks again!!

Last winter I was at a shipper waiting for a live load and there was another driver there at the same time. He had a shiny new Pete that was a real beauty. He was very chatty, and I found out he'd been driving for more than 20 years and his truck was an 18 speed with a 550 hp CAT engine. All he did was dry van with his Pete-on- steriods. I've only driven a 10 speed in training,but if I had the opportunity to drive that truck, I'd jump at the chance to learn the18 speed. Of course, after a couple of hours or days, they might put me back in an auto. But, hey, at least I could say I tried! Lol.

My fault Joseph i assumed you were a newer driver my apologies. One thing that were worked for me when I switched too 13 was figuring out and remembering that 5th gear was 15 mph's. Can't remember if that's about the same on 18 but should be. There is also a really good video on YouTube of a driver going into great detail on every gear. If I can find it later I'll post it.

Huge learning curve since you haven't touched a 10 speed in how long? And it was only for a few week's I'm guessing? So you never really got the chance to get proficient with it.

On the contrary, I drove a 10-speed for a little over four years. I've only been in an automatic for 6 months.

Several people have pointed out that Hurricane is a lease only company. They are not, they have several company divisions (not very large, but they are there). I was looking into both sides of it. Yes I know that leasing is generally terrible and is to be avoided but I still tend to do the research anyway, even if only to demonstrate to myself and my family WHY it should be avoided.

Check this video out Joseph. Now its for a 13 but he really goes in depth on splitting gears.

https://youtu.be/arClXRkHKGs