Ricco
Coquitlam b.c.
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Joined: 12/28/2003
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wondering about standard transmission for pullin a small tt 5000 lbs loaded,I prefer them and I hear there better on fuel,any problems besides backing up and clutch issues? I just do one stop down south and then back north again.
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VintageRacer
Dundas, Ontario
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Joined: 04/02/2005
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I think standard transmissions are better for towing than auto trans - eliminates the whole tranny overheating issue altogether. If you know how to drive, you won't have clutch issues.
Brian
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Hemi, 5 speed manual, 3.73 gears, Tow Beast hitch with 24" extension.
28 ft race car hauler, Lola T440 Formula Ford, NTM MK4 Sports Racer
2004 Travel Hawk 8' Truck Camper - Roll at 16K combined weight
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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Joined: 02/25/2005
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I agree with Brian, I really like my stick and backing up can be easier if you get a 4wd and use low range.
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4 Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
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TankerDude
West of Middle Earth
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Joined: 01/05/2007
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I would suggest one other thing:
If you decide to go with a manual tranny, 2 WD or 4 WD, I'd try to find one with a really low first gear. Usually referred to as a 'granny' gear.
I've found that this can be VERY helpful, especially if that granny gear can actually get the rig moving without touching the throttle.
2004 Ford F350 PSD 6L 4x4 Crew Cab.
2007 Jayco Eagle 322 FKS.
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Rubiranch
Salt Lake City, UT
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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TankerDude wrote:If you decide to go with a manual tranny, 2 WD or 4 WD, I'd try to find one with a really low first gear. Usually referred to as a 'granny' gear.
A low first gear is more important in a 2-wd because a 4-wd has low-range.
I have one of each and prefer the auto trans for towing over the stick. The low fisrt gear would have been nice a few times but not enough to trade the auto for a stick, I'm tired of shifting. I like to put the selector in the D position and go.
When climbing steeper grades I don't loose 5 mph when I need to downshift either with the auto.
I really think it's a personal choice, I'll take the automatic. 
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The HitchHikers
Gold Bar, WA
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Joined: 09/04/2003
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I personnally prefer the stick for my driving but will admit that an auto is nice at times. I believe that mileage differeances are a wash between the stick and today's autos. Where I believe there is the greatest difference is that with a stick you can save your service brakes by using downshifting much better than an auto (exhaust brake helps even more). At all times when applying your brakes and while stopped you are pulling on your brakes with an auto unless you put it in neutral. I drive a vehicle at work that has a four speed auto and at 25 mph it doesn't slow down (engine brake) unless I put it in neutral or use the brakes.
Steve and Gayle
2004.5 Dodge 3500 4X4, SRW, QC, SLT, LB, NV-5600, 3.73 AS, 325/600 Cummins
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JustLabs
Washington State
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My fifth wheel is 11,000. I pull it all over the NW with a manual transmission.
I don't have any problems with backing up. My truck doesn't have an exceptionally low reverse gear either.
Its not as likely,but you can overheat a manual tranny.
I don't remember the exact gearing,but the 1st (granny) gear in my Dodge is something like 6.5:1,its REALLY low.
With the no-throttle launch feature of the Cummins,I can just let the clutch out on virtually any hill and my truck just starts climbing,even with the fiver in tow. Not having to work 3 pedals on steep hills is a very cool feature.
2007 Dodge Ram 3500 SRW,4x4,Cummins 5.9, 6spd.
2007 Keystone Cougar 289BHS Fifth Wheel.
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Engineer9860
Eagle Scout dad
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Joined: 08/10/2003
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I have autos, and manuals, and regularly tow with both.
The auto is easier to drive, the manual is better in every other category. However, some trucks have higher tow ratings with the auto, and some have higher tow ratings with a manual. You may want to check this out before buying.
My wife's 2001 2500HD is an auto. We wanted a manual, but couldn't find one when we were shopping for her truck.
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L80E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454
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Dave H M
IL
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Ricco
You did not say what kind of wheelsvehicle you are thinking of runing.
If you are towingon relatively flat terrain with a good puller you should not have to do much down shifting.
On autos, since i don't know when, once you are on the road and cruising, and the torque converter is locked up, that is about the same as hoving a standard in gear. Alos depending on the trans/vehicle - anyway my ole 99 F 250 with psd does lock up on the torque converter after i down shift on long grades or in the mountains, so I am still running basically sandard geraring when on the road.
Also, you gotta get what you are comfortble with. Me the only thing I would conside stick shift in are the old tractors that I do for a hobby.  I am too old to be jamming gears, that ain't fun for me.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Generally speaking standard transmissions have a lower towing rating than automatics. This is because the weak link in a standard is the clutch. If that is what you prefer driving, then by all means get one. Just be sure it's towing rating is up to the task.
* This post was
edited 10/05/08 10:32am by donn0128 *
Donn
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