6 speed auto verses 6 speed manual

[stevelauer]

Mick,



Good input.



You're absolutely correct, you should not operate a manual transmission if you feel control and stopping your rig is not safe. There are far too many drivers out there that do not have your insight about self-limitation. I pull with both and consider those limits bound by the auto, not the manual - especially in the mountains where there are not many traffic lights.



Regards,

Steve

 

[Wiredawg]

Diehard Standard to Auto

All,



I just made a big change I never thought I would. I just bought an 09 4500 w/ the Aisen. I haven't towed w/ it yet, but I believe it will do well. Auto technology, reliablity and strength have improved substantially. I was plenty satisfied w/ my 02 3500 w/ 5600, except I was exceeding GCVWR by about 5000lbs w/ my Travel Supreme and I don't believe the brakes would have stopped if the trailer brakes failed. Since I needed to upgrade to be legal, I upgraded (IMHO) everything: Weight capacity, brakes, and technology (transmission, engine brake, electronics). I'm pretty sure from what I've read, I made the right choice. But, to each thier own.



Wiredawg

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Apples/oranges perhaps - I love the positive-ness of my NV5600 - but if possible, would switch to the newer 6-speed autos with no qualms. My power mods forced me to a stronger and more aggressive clutch - and the relatively tall gearing of the 5600 in low and reverse cause too frequent chattering when maneuvering during RV backing or leaving stoplights - plus, the shifting in occasional stop/go traffic gets to be a pain. I got the manual when I did, because it provided flexibility, strength, lifespan and reliability greater than the then-available automatics ('02) - but from what I'm hearing, the newer 6-speed autos have pretty well overcome all the earlier issues where automatic trannies are concerned.

 

[Scrappy]

I have had 2 different trucks with the 5600, an '01 and an '03, I likes them for the ease of upgrading for holding high HP. But they are slow shifting no matter what. There are things I could not do with my 5600's so my '07 is a 68rfe. The same rule that applied to the older trucks still apply to the new trucks though. It is still cheaper to build the manual to hold higher hp. Also right now no-one can build a 68rfe to hold higher than 5-600 hp. overall I am impressed with my 68rfe but am not looking forward to spending the money to bulletproof it!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Probably not possible or even practical, given the heavily computer-controlled nature of our trucks, but wonder if anyone has seen or done a swap of the newer 6-speed autos into an older model 5600 equipped truck?

 

[Regcabguy]

I had a DTT upgraded auto in my '98. 5 which was a pleasure to drive. When looking for a 3rd gen to replace it,I drove a '06 w/a 48re. I immediately could see $4500+ in my not too distant future,thus I elected to go the G-56 route. It's worked out great,but if a 68rfe would have available,I'd be in another auto.