I was told by an RV guru I respect very much that auto was the way to go when towing. Any gurus out there can explain why? BTW I won't see him for a while or I would ask him. (He runs the maint. side of a very large RV dealership)<br><br>Thanks for thoughts, opinion etc just please back them up with hard facts.

 

Everyone that I have talked to it always comes down to a matter of preference. Comfort, ability to shift manual trans and so on. About a 50/50 split. I prefer the 6 speed over the auto. Feels like I have more control while towing. <br><br>Hard facts - keep that auto serviced if your going to be doing a lot of towing. $$$$<br>

 

Like the gentleman before me said, it is largely a matter or preference. However given one doesn't mind shifting and has mastered the ability to use a clutch properly, the manual transmission is probably a more reliable and durable way to go when towing heavy. Just my humble opinion and I don't want to start a flaming war between auto and manual fans but you don't see many 18 wheelers out there with automatic transmissions.<br><br>Casey

 

Yea mostly a matter of preference. Autos are usally a little easier on the horses, but if you learn to shift easy it's not so bad. If you get the auto, make sure you do the fluid changes regular.my.02

 

I agree with the majority. But let me pose a question to you all. Has anyone ever seen a standard transmission on a class A of Class C motorhome, either gas or diesel? ??? I can't remember seeing even one in all of my shopping for an RV. Is there a differance between 22,000 lbs. in a motorhome and 22,000 lbs. when towing with a truck?<br>One of the reasons I went with a truck and 5th wheel is because I Love driving a standard transmission. Like T.Clark said, &quot;Feels like I have more control while towing.&quot;<br><br>JD<br><br>

 

Good point on the 18 wheelers. But a good counter point on the class A and C motorhomes. I prefer the manual but it is strange that you don't see the class A/Cs with them??? BTW if I ever want my wife to help with the driving it's got to be auto. I was still hoping someone could give details on why one or the other is a better way to go. How about it some of you engineering types???

 

Auto trannys are ok but in hilly country they are more prone to overheating and should be downshifted to stay out of a engine lug...if your traveling with your wife or girlfriend most times they prefer the auto also if they will be driving...alot of your decision should be based on how much of the time will the truck be towing compaired to unloaded driving...if I was towing a load most of the time I think I would want a manual tranny less problems to contend with and exhaust brakes work better with a manual tranny <br><br>I currenty have a auto tranny thats been upgraded for towing which I pull a heavy trailer with and 50% of the time I drive with the trailer on....my next CTD will be a manual tranny only because of the problems Ive had with my auto and I would like a exhaust brake...manuals will be a little more forgiving with horsepower upgrades also

 

I agree with most - it is a matter of choise. I have towed with both and prefer the manual transmission. I feel that manuals stand up better to heat especially in the mountainous west. Heat is the big killer of auto trans fluid but if you install a temp guage and watch your trans temps you should be OK. Remember that for every 20 degree rise in transmission fluid temp the life of that fluid is halved. Change your tranny fluid on a regular basis - depending on how much you tow and how hot it gets and your tranny should last quite a while. When I drove an auto trans I changed my fluid at least once a year. I never had a transmission failure but I never towed with a torque monster like the Cummins.
Bob

 

With stock engines and routine maintance, both are good. If you increase the engine power:

with a manual tranny you should install a stronger clutch;

with a automatic tranny you should install stronger clutches (additional clutch plates and valve body tweaks).

The automatic tranny can be further upgraded with billet shafts, billet hubs, redesigned seals, etc. The 700 hp diesel drag racers are using automatics. How much money you spend depends on where you stop upgrading.

 

With the auto you could wait till the new 48e start hitting the street!<br><br>Good luck!<br><br>KC

 

An automatic will never be as strong as a manual by design. Fliud makes automatic transmissions work. Gears make manual transmissions work. If the fluid gets burnt, or gets low, the automatic is likely to die. Yes you could spend $2000+ on an automatic and make it very strong. Probably the only thing that manuals would need is a better clutch. It is a matter of preference, but if you're going to constantly pull heavy loads, the manual is stronger and will save you $$ in the long run.

 

Did you ever notice that the long haul truckers on the highways have manual trannys while the garbage trucks, buses, etc with lots of starting and stopping in city traffic have automatic trannys.

 

That is exactly why I got a standard, wanted to keep it in one piece . seriously though, I had an auto on my prior dodge and never had a mechanical problem with it and I rode it hard, but I could not stand it having control of the shifting. My current ride is a standard trans. sometimes I wish I didnt have to row thru the gears. I wish there was a way to combine the two like the slapstick or something.

 

All the above aside, there is one other consideration not mentioned. Physical limitations. I've had both style of trannies and prefer the stick because of it's &quot;control&quot; of the situation. However, age has snuck up and slapped me across the back of the knees and those leg joints just don't like messing with clutches all the time. Next, I'm going to see if I can get my windshield &quot;fixed&quot; like bifocals. .

~Dave

 

Thanks for all the good input everyone. I currently have a van that requires fluid change every 15K. I switched to synthetic and it does fine. I am researching my next vehicle which is a Dodge2500 Quad HO SB. Just couldn't make up my mind about the dang tranny. At least now I have more to chew on. Thanks again.