Driving stick

[Flexin]

Originally Posted by CasterTroy

My 14yr old son mastered the manual transmission in less than an hour.

(I had forgotten this myself) He said that his seat time on his motorcycles really helped him get the hang of it.

I want my kids first car to be a stick (intentionally) so that they never have to be in a situation where they can't drive someone else's car.

You should have no problem learning it if you NEED too to get the car you want for the price you want.

I think that is a great idea. I had food poisoning or something when I was 16. I had a townhouse with some friends. My girlfriend and cousin were there with me. I was too sick to drive and they didn't know how to drive well enough to get me to the hospital. And I wasn't going in an ambulance. I would have found a way to drive just not to do that. Mother and stepfather had to come in to drive me in. Everyone should know how to drive a standard. Its not hard. I learned on a old Dodge 1/2 ton with a 4 speed.

James

[Flexin]

I drive a straight truck downtown in traffic, on hills and so on with a stick. When my truck was in the shop for a couple of days I had to drive my bosses auto. Those two days sucked ass. He wants to replace my truck with an auto. I will find a new job. My Tribute and TL are autos but it wasn't exactly by choice.

I want to get a TJ and it will be standard.

Back up a trailer using a dump truck. You will learn to use your mirrors real quick. Backing with a trailer isn't hard. It just takes practice.

James

[VatorMan]

I hate to date myself, but I learned on a 3 speed on the column . Now THAT took some practice. I took my drivers test in a 68 BelAir with no power steering,no power brakes and 3 on the tree. Parallel perking was freekin almost impossible.

[Sixxxxer]

Originally Posted by azoomm

Put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. If you want the trailer left, turn the wheel left. If you want it right, turn right. Most people get hung up trying to think opposite.

Big trailer easier than little trailer.

Not many people know that trick...

Little trailers suck balls...People always marvel at truck drivers...But a 53' trailer is way more forgiving than a little 4x8 Trailer.

[Rangerscott]

Its amazing what an extra two feet of length will do when backing a trailer. We have a 10ft and 12ft trailer and Ill take the 12ftr every time.

[Adeptus_Minor]

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

Its amazing what an extra two feet of length will do
Ill take the 12ftr every time.

That's what she said?

[CasterTroy]

Originally Posted by askmrjesus

"I have an idea. If I take these boots off, I could feel the pedals better."

Actually, I DID actually remove my shoes to show the boy proper heel/toe and what portion of my feet I use to control the clutch/brake/gas while I was in the driver seat after his first session.

He said it was helpful in making his shifts smoother.

I want a pre-67 bug to teach the girls on. I really don't know a more forgiving manual platform.

[Bluestreak]

I learned how to drive an old Dodge pickup at age 12. 3 on the tree...

Taught my wife how to drive stick on a brand new 2004 Subaru with 5 speed. She picked it up quick and in less than a week she was driving very well.

[Cutty72]

Originally Posted by CasterTroy

I want a pre-67 bug to teach the girls on. I really don't know a more forgiving manual platform.

Diesel farm truck.
Tons of torque so they won't kill it all the time, and virtually indestructable if/when they run into stuff.

[Cutty72]

Originally Posted by VatorMan

I can't remember the last time I towed a trailer I could use the rear mirror.

Guessing you are referring to windshild rearview mirror? Either that you only tow little utility trailers or PWC trailers.

Originally Posted by azoomm

Put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. If you want the trailer left, turn the wheel left. If you want it right, turn right. Most people get hung up trying to think opposite.

Big trailer easier than little trailer.

I hate my 5x8 trailer, I love our 36' GN.

Oh, and the bottom of the steering wheel trick doesn't work when you are pulling a hay wagon or similar trailer. (anything with a front axle that turns)