manual or auto

[RGardner]

I am considering purchasing a 3/4 ton 4x4 quadcab, but don't know if I should get a manual or automatic transmission. I tow some heavy loads 24' gooseneck stock trailer with cattle probably 15,000 lbs+. Also does anyone remember the names of the low price dealers in Oklahoma? TIA

 

[TomGolden]

You will of course get tons of responses, likely. Since you tow regularly and heavy, the 6 speed seems the best choice, and the 5 speed second best. I personally can't stand auto trannies, I like to be in complete control of my vehicle. But that's personal choice... .



My $. 02



Sorry I don't know the answer regarding OK based dealers.



Tom

 

[MikeR]

Simply put, you'll tear apart an auto trans in a short amount time of pulling that much weight. If you look at the literature the auto is not even rated for it.

Just get a 6spd and it will do just fine.

 

[BBrodin]

My vote is the 6th speed. I tow a 20 ft stock trailer.



You'll be able to add an exhaust brake and save on brakes. I miss not having the engine compression to aid in braking on hills.

 

[Joe Mc]

I have an auto. I don't tow anything yet. If/when I'm ready to I will have to fork out some cash (torque converter, valvebody, bands & chutch packs - need I continue) to protect it from inevitable self distruction. Even if I didn't tow for me to BOMB I'd only do so after the trans mods.



MHO You are towing loads - Go with the stick - consider a 3500 - replacing the clutch every 100 k or so is cheaper and like the others said you'll have control over what the situation is.



$. 02

 

[abledog]

I'm with Joe, the auto can be made to work but it cost big bucks! The NV5600 is the way to go for towing even if it shifts like crap.



Terry

 

[RBSOB]

DITTO above

Got to agree with the others, if you are going to tow that regularly get the standard. I bought my CTD auto [only the 2nd auto, anything i've ever owned] 2 years ago this month and it's my only regret Good Luck with your new one, Jim G.

 

[RustyJC]

What do the engineers say? They give the highest GCVWR to the 3500 ETH/DEE with 4. 10's. That pretty much answered it for us - go with the NV5600 6-speed if you're gonna tow heavy! (We pull a 13,500 lb GVWR 36' 5th wheel. )



Rusty

 

[klenger]

See sig.

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Manual - 6 speed - nuff said.

 

[BigMike]

Better get a 3500 if you're going to tow 15k. You'll be way over your GVWR on a 2500.

 

[Briar Hopper]

Chapprel Dodge, Ada, Oklahoma, used to run ads in Trailer Life magazine. Went to look in this months' issue, no ad. 411 can give ya the number.

Manual trannies are better for towing , no matter how you look at it. A clutch is cheaper to upgrade, than an entire automatic.

BUT..... BUT... ... . if you don't mind spending the $$$$$... ... .

Check out the customer testimonials section , about John Wind and his towing heavy loads, at www.atsdieselperformance.com

 

[Rcpilotlv]

autos are nice, but for stock versus stock, manuals beat autos everytime for pulling... . nuff said

 

[nautidog]

I had a 1998. 5 with the auto. At 32k miles the torque converter went out. I was only pulling a 6k boat.



I traded it on a 2001 with a 6 speed . I'm sure I could have bombed the transmission to make it work for me but any excuse to get a new truck is good to me .



Now I use it to pull my boat and 10k 5er (not at the same time ). I really like the control of the manual. I've even got the wife doing the driving Oo. .



My vote is for the manual .

 

[rdanley]

like everyone else 5speed or 6 is the way to go. i have found battison auto center to be the best all round dealer in oklahoma they are in duncan. are you from the lawton area your name looks familer. look at my sig i have not had any troubles except for front brakes at 45k and a oil sending unit.

 

[Okie-Go]

This is an easy question. Go with the 6 spd. I traded a 98 auto for the 01 6 spd. Have not regretted it one time.

 

[Rob Thomas]

What they said, plus... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... REAL MEN DRIVE STICKS, auto's are fer wusses. :-laf :-laf :-laf



Of course I have a 6-speed, and LOVE IT!!



Later, Rob

 

[abledog]

Let's see. Short stick on the columb or long stick on the floor .

Sounds like a no brainer to me.

 

[TomGolden]

Originally posted by Rob Thomas

What they said, plus... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... REAL MEN DRIVE STICKS, auto's are fer wusses. :-laf :-laf :-laf

If God hadn't meant for us to shift our own darn gears, why do we have a left leg/foot??? I agree with Rob.

 

[RByford]

auto or stick

I vote for the six speed, I sold an 01 auto and bought an 01. 5 3500 with a six speed. I love my truck it pulls the 5er with ease.

BTW Chaprell Dodge in Ada OK. will sell at invoice less any incentives. The # is 580-332-9400 ask for Don P. S. there is a $2500 rebate now.



Later Roy