Which is better for towing--Manual or Automatic

[Driftwood Ram]

Tow Rating

I do not know how much you plan to tow, but if you go to the Dodge Web Site and configure your truck and change transmissions only, you will see a 6 speed is rated higher.

Just my $. 02.

 

[DSpivey]

When it comes to towing, I much prefer the auto. The power never falls off and comes back on so the load shifts alot less, downshifting is done near seemlessly, with minimal speed loss, the u-joints and rear-end are much more taken care of with less torque spikes sent through them. Backing is much easier controlled with an auto, and if you are towing offroad in the mud, a auto will keep the tires spinning, and you won't have to worry about burning up the clucth, or not having enough wheel speed.



We have had less stressfull work, less spilled drinks, more interior room, and less broken parts with our Automatic trucks than our manual trucks. Try backing 20,000Lbs over a curb smoothly in a 2wd. With an auto, it's easyyy.



We do more offroad towing, and tigh manuvering in rough terrain, and much prefer the auto. It's awesome to get on the throttle, see some smoke start rolling out, and feel the truck start to really pull and feel all 6 tires start grabbing for traction while you pull the load up a rocky hill.



Now, with the 68RFE, you can choose your gear, and it will stay there. Want to use 5th gear for 200 miles while towing on the straight and level. just choose it, and cruise it.



That's my $. 02.



It's not really a "lazy" thing. It is what best suits your needs, and if you are doing alot of highway driving, the auto will probably be a better choice with the ability to choose gears, and the higher O. D.





Merrick

MY GOODNES YOU TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH. IVE HAD 2 6 SPDS SND THE ONLY ADVANTAGE TO ME IS WIND UP THE MOTOR MORE. WHICH REALLY DEFEATS THE PURPOSE CAUSE SOON AS YOU PUSH IN THE CLUTCH YOU LOSE YOUR BOOST AND YOU HAVE TO START OVER. THE AUTO STAYS IN THE BOOST BETTER AND THE AUTO... WELL WHY WOULD YOU OWN ANYTHING ELSE ITS BUKOOS BETTER

 

[MAshley]

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

Are you and us "TDR" talking about the auto in the C&C or the standard pickup?

The asin in the C&C has a 185K warentee .....

The standard pickup only has 36K warentee .....

Both 3 years.


Im a manual owner 06 5. 9 and tow at 25K total all the time 42K miles so far and it towes great so im sold on the G56 transmission... but if I had to buy another I might get the CC auto.

So if your getting a C & C yes im impressed, only a test drive but it seemed to work well, seemed to allways want to go to the highest gear, I didn't like that when I want to pick up some speed at 40 MPH but was really easy to drive.

 

[jcarey]

I'll have Adam order the 6sp Auto. Don't plan on playing in the mud/snow



If you're going 4x4, you won't have any problems with mud or snow. Transfer case will take care of that, especially with a 6-speed trans. For such conditions that's my preference.



We have the 4-speed auto, and with the xFer case in 4-lo, I think I could climb walls.



Well, you get the idea...

 

[mlewis73]

Depends on what you want.



1. Pretty good towing, races between the lights and expensive rebuilds: 6 speed auto.



2. Pleasurable towing and longevity, plus lower purchase price: stick.



I took option number 2. No complaints... even beat at least one Ford 6. 0 with automagic. Regarding the complaint about losing boost, I've never had to wind up my engine to acclerate in the new gear. The Cummins is a low/mid-range monster. Works VERY well with the 6-speed manual. Not looking back to the auto...