automatic vs manual tow ratings

[KFranco]

Why is it that tow ratings are now less for a manual than automatic for both the dodge and ford. It used to be the other way around. Then they were the same. Now it's reversed. Can anyone explain?

 

[mberry]

The manual transmissions weigh more than the automatics. As such, the weight ratings adjust because of that. There's also the factor that the new auto's can probably handle as much or more power and/or trailer weight than the manuals now but don't quote me on that one.

 

[Jim W]

Another reason may be the gear ratio that is being offered between the manual and the Auto. The Auto is being offered with 4. 10 gears but the manual is only offered with 3. 73's at least with Dodge.

Just my $0. 02

 

[Grizzly]

Even though the tow rating is more for an auto than a manual, I still prefer a 6 speed manual.

 

[AH64ID]

The GCWR's are the same auto to manual when you talk the same rear axle ratio. 19,000 for 3. 42's, 21,000 for 3. 73's, and 24,000 for 4. 10's. From there trailer rating is the GCWR minus the GVW. The auto is about 75lbs lighter (which seems weird) than the manual.

Even thou you can only get 3. 73's with a manual the final drive is actually higher on the manual than the auto with 4. 10's (which in my eyes means it should have the same or higher GCWR). .

GCWR is really only based on the ability to get a load moving. . because there is no physical difference in a truck with 3. 42's and 3. 73's. . assuming all other options are the same.

Manuals used to have a higher rating because they used to have more hp... now its the same for both.

 

[KFranco]

The GCWR's are the same auto to manual when you talk the same rear axle ratio. 19,000 for 3. 42's, 21,000 for 3. 73's, and 24,000 for 4. 10's. From there trailer rating is the GCWR minus the GVW. The auto is about 75lbs lighter (which seems weird) than the manual.



Even thou you can only get 3. 73's with a manual the final drive is actually higher on the manual than the auto with 4. 10's (which in my eyes means it should have the same or higher GCWR). .



GCWR is really only based on the ability to get a load moving. . because there is no physical difference in a truck with 3. 42's and 3. 73's. . assuming all other options are the same.



Manuals used to have a higher rating because they used to have more hp... now its the same for both.

I hear what you're saying. When I test drove the new 09 I "felt" like my 02 5spd had more load starting torque as it can rock the truck left and right as the clutch engages. I guess this, however, is a result of the auto just engaging smoother. I have not performed a tow comparison on take off.

 

[BrianJ]

Manuals used to have a higher rating because they used to have more hp... now its the same for both.

That's not true anymore for the 6. 7L, the auto (Aisin or 68RFE) has the full torque of 650, whereas the manual is detuned to 610 ft lbs.

 

[GAmes]

That's not true anymore for the 6. 7L, the auto (Aisin or 68RFE) has the full torque of 650, whereas the manual is detuned to 610 ft lbs.

I believe that is the key. 2nd gen's autos had detuned engines because Dodge knew the automatics were weaker than the manual trans. Dodge finally came up with a good auto trans and things were good. Now the autos are apparantly rated to handle more TQ, OR Dodge has gone the way of brands g and f and don't trust that people can drive a pickup with a clutch without screwin' things up. :-laf

 

[WOT]

My money is on the fact that there are fewer ways to "idiot proof" a manual and therefore they derate them as a lame means of protecting their warranty interests.

 

[KFranco]

I think you guys are right on with the manuals. The tow ratings go up but it gets harder to idiot proof the manuals with heavier loads. I learned from my dad who owned a heavy equipment business and had many trucks. When I was a teen learning to drive I remember getting into the driver seat of a peterbuilt with 18spd. Talk about arm fatigue. It actually wasn't that bad. Just like my 5spd when in first hooked up to my trailer you don't need throttle to get the load moving. I can't get enough people to believe me about this including my wife. If they would just listen it's actually easier to drive and harder to stall these trucks with manuals than a car with a manual. But rev it up and go a head and burn your clutch. She usually drives for a while when we are on the highway to give me a rest. I always hear the truck rev up when she starts in first but I keep quiet knowing what's best for me. It's just a short time. I wouldn't let anyone tow with my truck who doesn't understand how to drive with a load using a manual.

 

[BrianJ]

From what I understand (i. e. read on the subject) it is more of an issue of the weight/cost vs benefit vs drivability for the transmission/clutch that would be required handle the torque.