Which is better for towing--Manual or Automatic

[DEickhoff]

I am in the process of researching for a new truck. I have already decided on going through Dishman Dodge after all the positive comments I read about here. Adam is going to get another sale when he can start ordering again. (Gotta sell my old 12V) I had him price out a new rig with a manual transmission but was wondering if an automatic wouldn't be better for towing? I plan on getting a 30-35' 5th wheeler. So those of you with the new 6. 7L engines, which is better the manual transmission or the automatic transmission?



Dawna



ps I am really getting excited about this!!!

 

[RustyJC]

I used to be a die-hard 6-speed manual transmission advocate for towing because of the gear spacing, but if I were buying today I would look long and hard at the 6-speed automatic!



JM2CW... .



Rusty

 

[mberry]

I agree with Rusty on this one. It also, to me, depends on how much towing is actually going to be done.

 

[gonzo2]

I'll look at the Auto next time around as well, especially since the G-56 is geared so low and they now de-rate the engine on manual trucks.

Don't forget to check out the new exhaust brake set-up.

 

[BGlidewell]

with a manual you have more control over the gear selection and on grades, an exhaust break might work better. If you were buying strictly on capacity, the auto has more GVWR.

 

[klenger]

I used to be a die-hard 6-speed manual transmission advocate for towing because of the gear spacing, but if I were buying today I would look long and hard at the 6-speed automatic!



JM2CW... .



Rusty

My thoughts too, but I'm not buying a new truck, so I don't have to decide. Given that the 6 speed auto doesn't have a granny low because of the TC, you actually gain an additional gear with the 6 speed auto. I still like rowing my own though.

 

[RustyJC]

To explain a little further, my wife would drive the truck towing the 5th wheel when we had our 1996 3500 V-10/47RE. She refuses to even try to tow with the 6-speed, however. On some of those long runs on the Interstate, I wouldn't mind her spelling me off on driving, so that's one reason I might go with the 6-speed automatic next time around, even though it might not be my absolute first choice.



Rusty

 

[Bob4x4]

with a manual you have more control over the gear selection and on grades, an exhaust break might work better. If you were buying strictly on capacity, the auto has more GVWR.

On the new 6. 7 you can select the gear you wish and the exhaust brake works in all gears down to 2. If second gear locked won't hold you back you better bail out :-laf :-laf



Bob

 

[Grizzly]

I have never had a truck with an auto and I am not willing to make that switch. I feel more confident with my NV5600. When I put it in any particular gear I know it will stay in that gear until I decide to change it and that's the way I like it.

 

[BGlidewell]

She refuses to even try to tow with the 6-speed, however.

Rusty

I would like it that way:-laf

 

[BGlidewell]

On the new 6. 7 you can select the gear you wish and the exhaust brake works in all gears down to 2. If second gear locked won't hold you back you better bail out :-laf :-laf



Bob

#@$%!



Thats COOL!

 

[RustyJC]

I would like it that way:-laf

Actually, she's pretty darned good at it.



Rusty

 

[BGlidewell]

Actually, she's pretty darned good at it.



Rusty

No doubt, sorry if that was offensive.





BTW, I just realized I'm in the wrong forum. (6. 7L) I'll shut up now

 

[RustyJC]

No doubt, sorry if that was offensive.

Nope, no offense taken at all.



Rusty

 

[CUMMINZ]

After driving a chassis cab with auto, my personal opinion the new 6. 7 pickup with 4. 10s and auto will revolutionize the hauling market. I'll bet within 2 years the manual market will suffer 60% sales. :-laf

 

[CUMMINZ]

What I liked best about the 6 speed auto was that 1st. and reverse are lower. Making things easier for the 3. 73 crowd.

 

[tmh1955]

I use the 4spd auto on my 2001 2500 to tow a 5th wheel. WHile the manual will gain you some tow capacity, the auto sure is tough to beat.

 

[Mel Swanson]

Why would I shift?

I am in the process of researching for a new truck. I have already decided on going through Dishman Dodge after all the positive comments I read about here. Adam is going to get another sale when he can start ordering again. (Gotta sell my old 12V) I had him price out a new rig with a manual transmission but was wondering if an automatic wouldn't be better for towing? I plan on getting a 30-35' 5th wheeler. So those of you with the new 6. 7L engines, which is better the manual transmission or the automatic transmission?



Dawna



ps I am really getting excited about this!!!

The only time I push gears around is when I drive my old Kenworth. The new 68 AT is great. I even had good luck with the old 48 AT, in my 2001 Dodge, CTD. I delivered heavy RV's from the manafactures with the old 48 AT. Never had a problem. The old school can write pages about why the manual shift may be better. I say it is a distraction.

 

[KDoerr]

I personally would go with the manual. If it is a work truck and you are in the mud and crap like that it is nicer then the auto. But for personal use it would be the auto it is simple. That’s my 2 cents...

 

[DEickhoff]

Thanks guys. I guess when I get ready to order (sometime in July) I'll have Adam order the 6sp Auto. Don't plan on playing in the mud/snow with the new rig just daily driving to/from work and hauling the 5wheel on weekends or vacation where ever I end up down south.



Dawna