Which is better for towing--Manual or Automatic

[FATCAT]

Manual ... period. You control the truck, not some computer in the transmission.

 

[Bob4x4]

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...

I have to disagree with that I have both stick and auto the auto has a lot more advantages off road (if it is set up correctly) except maybe on the down hills. The new auto with the slap stick capability will change many peoples minds... ... ..... it is that good! Now if it is as durable as a stick watch out.



Bob

 

[KDoerr]

I have to disagree with that I have both stick and auto the auto has a lot more advantages off road (if it is set up correctly) except maybe on the down hills. The new auto with the slap stick capability will change many peoples minds... ... ..... it is that good! Now if it is as durable as a stick watch out.



Bob

I still Like the old stick for the the mud. It all comes down to what you want. Good luck with the new truck



Keith

 

[RVTRKN]

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.

My G56/3:73 is the same as my NV5600/3:73 in the taller gears, but the lower gears are slightly different, they are slightly taller on the lower end.

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.

You will like the G56, it is smoother and the your blisters will go away. The only thing I dont like about the G56 is when you start out in 2nd it tends to stall due to the slightly taller 2nd gear.

Manual ... period. You control the truck, not some computer in the transmission.

That was the deciding factor for me to stay with the manuel, which I have a strong opinion on, the fact that autos are torque robbing and generate a lot more heat and I control all that power.



I did test drive the the new aison trany and think that it will convert many manuel fans but not for me, don't know about the 68RFE.

 

[jeepit]

I have 6 vehicles all are manuals. Son and daughter were taught on manuals. It is funny when a friend wants to use their vehicle and jumps in and gets right out cause they can't drive a stick

Anyway, if I was looking at a new truck I would take a long hard look at the new auto. For towing nothing beats a stick. Around town nothing beats an auto.

 

[LesStallings]

For towing nothing beats a stick. Around town nothing beats an auto.

I'll certainly agree with that...



When I was going back and forth across I-40, running 10 hours a day on the interstate, the manual transmission was exactly what I needed. Now that I'm doing just as much or more local "commuting", an automatic would really be nice.



My next truck will most likely have the 6 speed automatic, assuming folks here are happy with it.

 

[AKaiser]

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.

I think (MHO) that the whole "they derate the manual" is overblown. I don't know the exact specs on the auto setup, but didn't the 48RFEs have torque management to protect the transmission from the initial shock. I'll bet there isn't a whole lot of difference in the real world capability of the 07. 5 auto and manual because of torque management. Something to ponder.

 

[JFaughn]

Did you mod your last truck ?
If you keeped your old truck it wouldn't be throughing money away to mod the trans . vs. modding a brand new truck .
But if you get the new one , drive till warentee is over , then mod the trans to just what you want , the manual , there is no modding , except clutch .
& if money is not an issue , mod the new auto .

 

[EMD-Run8]

All my trucks have been stick but the new generation autos are gonna be hard to beat. I love a manual but when you have to handle all the other stuff in your truck like phone calls, lunch, etc. it can be a pain. Now when I get my Ariel Atom----hey that's a manual you can have some fun with!

 

[RDHamill]

I have an '01 with a stick and now an '07 with the 6sp auto, while



I prefer the stick, I don't like the overall final drive ratio of the G56 & 3. 73. The 68RE results in 2000rpm @ 80 mph. The NV5600 has been perfect for over 300,000 towing miles, we'll have to see about the new auto.

Time will tell.



thanks guys

 

[FATCAT]

I have to disagree with that I have both stick and auto the auto has a lot more advantages off road (if it is set up correctly) except maybe on the down hills. The new auto with the slap stick capability will change many peoples minds... ... ..... it is that good! Now if it is as durable as a stick watch out.



Bob

Just another computer controled gismo that will break and cost big bucks to fix. stop being lazy and get a manual transmission. Auto tranies are for cars.

 

[Grizzly]

Just another computer controled gismo that will break and cost big bucks to fix. stop being lazy and get a manual transmission. Auto tranies are for cars.

I agree with you 100%. GO STICK!!! Oo.

 

[MCummings]

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

 

[RDHamill]

I have always prefered the stick as it's so much easier on the drive line, putting an Auto in reverse is so hard on the transfer case, ujoints and rear end.

My new 07 will be my first time with an auto truck. So far I'm pleased with how tight the converter is.

I'm still reaching to shift... ... .

 

[Regcabguy]

I have always prefered the stick as it's so much easier on the drive line, putting an Auto in reverse is so hard on the transfer case, ujoints and rear end.

My new 07 will be my first time with an auto truck. So far I'm pleased with how tight the converter is.

I'm still reaching to shift... ... .

I had a DTT w/89% convertor on my '99. I loved that transmission but i must say that I'm easier on the u-joints now with the G-56 then that transmission ever was.

Stock trannies are mush.

 

[RDHamill]

then we are in complete agreement !:-laf

 

[MHudson1]

auto tow

I Just have to say, with my new 6. 7 auto 2500, towing my 13000 lb skid steer and trailer combination has been a treat!!! The transmission chooses the same gear range I would, holds it, with the exhaust brake down shifts smoothly in each gear, ( with no brake assist). It is as seamless and perfect a combination for towing I have used. The exhaust brake is great, even unloaded in a traffic situation. This new combination is a real winner for DC. My 2003 that I loved dearly, (and sold to my son), is no match for the power and control of the new drivetrain.

 

[AKaiser]

I have always prefered the stick as it's so much easier on the drive line, putting an Auto in reverse is so hard on the transfer case, ujoints and rear end.

My new 07 will be my first time with an auto truck. So far I'm pleased with how tight the converter is.

I'm still reaching to shift... ... .

Actually, one of the benefits of fluid driven automatic transmissions is that they take the shock off other driveline components, owing to their viscous coupling system. You don't do that much damage putting a car/truck in gear from a stop. There's more damage to be done upshifting and downshifting that the average joe driver would do more damage to the entire system with a manual that the automatic transmission (esp. electronic versions) would protect the system (engine, trans, clutch packs, driveline, etc) from with its viscous couplings. Obviously, veteran truck drivers are not the "average joe" drivers.

 

[RDHamill]

I'll take the vetern truck drive line as a complement.

I probably would have not considered thinking you way about the coupling thing ... . until today.

I spent the day with my employee in my '01 (6spd) I ended up telling him to either learn to shift smoothly, and gracefully, or I'll replace the pickup/ trailer with an auto Sprinter van.



Now I understand exactly what you're saying, and agree.



thanks

 

[Mrudolph]

My G56/3:73 is the same as my NV5600/3:73 in the taller gears, but the lower gears are slightly different, they are slightly taller on the lower end.





The G56 is the same as a NV5600 with the 4. 10 not a 3. 73