I have an AUTO in my Mega Cab and I hate it. The tranny has a mind of its own. It shifts at odd times, it shifts often and it shifts rough. If I could afford to, I would get rid of it for one with a 6-speed.
I have heard very little if any complaints about 6-speeds. But I have yet to hear anyone say that a 48re is a great tranny.

 

Both my 03 and my 06 are autos and have had zero problems. I pull a 21k-29k trailer regularly with the 03 3500. I love the 06 auto(more refined over the 03) and when it comes down to it the auto is a whole lot cheaper to repair or replace. I enjoyed my 4,5 and 6speed trucks but sometimes the auto is more pleasurable (not to mention much quicker) to drive. Drive them both and make your own decision. Don't let others sway you, for you are the one stuck with the truck and the payment.

 

I have both an auto and a 6 speed and it all depends on what you will be doing most. if you will be towing heavy most of the time get the stick. if you are running empty on the freeway most of the time get the auto. the auto will give better mileage on the highway because of its higher final drive ratio. the stick gives better mileage around town. the auto is quicker getting up to speed . with the stick and no load it will seem like you do nothing but shift because the gears are so close together which can be a hassle around town. I rarely use 1st 3rd or 5th gear anymore. LOL. I havent had a single problem with either tranny. I think the stick will last longer but the auto has no clutch to change. if you drive in a lot of traffic the stick will get old real quick. it depends on you.

 

I am on my 3rd manual. Had an '02, '03, and now my '06. LOVE it! It is handling all my power like a dream and I drive it around town and in lots of traffic. I prefer manuals in traffic; especially diesels. You don't have to sit there with your foot on the brake!

"If you ain't shiftin', you ain't drivin'!"

 

Another vote for the 6 speed. Get the .373's.
I tow quite frequently with weights that I would guess are equal to or greater then what you said you do and I do not regret for a second the 373's.
And welcome, from another converted Powerjoke owner.

 

You are only getting 20 on the highway with a 2WD AND the US Gear overdrive? Holy Crap! Is that with 10,000 lbs+ in tow?
What are your RPMs at 65 with the OD engaged?

PS: I agree with D.Wiggs statement "If you ain't shiftin', you ain't drivin'!"
Not that I approve of the word "ain't"

 

Ya, the other spelling is what you will be doing after driving this truck and the "G" is for "Glad" to have gotten rid of the Powerstroke

 

My 06 6spd with 315/70/17 tires gets better mileage that my 06 auto did. (Speedo corrected, hand calculated)

 

I myself am going for my first auto in 30 years in any truck not old or lazy just looking for a change and a chance to enjoy the ride just a tad more.
I do about a 40/60 mix of hwy/city and am actually looking forward to the auto.
If I need to with the auto I can still hold the gear by shifting manually.
As long as I have my 4.10s and the Jacobs e-brake I'll be very happy.

 

There are a lot of things to consider here, I chose an auto on my truck because I still do a lot of driving in town(truck is my daily driver) and the auto is really convienent in that respect. I know the 6-speeds in these trucks are built very well, and I've driven them and really like it but when it comes down to it, it's mostly a matter of preference. Both seem to hold up pretty well, the new autos are built better than some in past years.

 

click on link

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=128832

 

I don't baby it. I usually drive 70-75. At 70, I'm turning 1900 rpm's. Other than the OD, my truck is all stick. I'm thinking about a Smarty, though...

 

Stick-it and forgick-it!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

6 spd 3.73 for that usage. I bought my 6 sp 4.10 even knowing it would be my one and only daily driver because I want the ultimate for towing. It would be nice if you could tow with both before buying - I think you would pick the 6 sp. Craig

 

I have a 6 speed for a daily driver. Like somebody else said the gears are close together and if you're city driving your going to be shifting like crazy but I like shifting and it doesnt bother me. This seems kind of trivial but I'll mention it anyways because I hate it and it annoys me. Dodge decided to put the cup holders right behind where the stick drops into 2nd, 4th, and 6th gears. You cannot put a large drink on the driver's side cupholder. Also if you are not hands free cell forget using a cell unless youre highway driving with the cruise set.