Auto or Manual Tranny for pulling?

[jeepers06]

The new automatics with the "tow & haul" mode, which changes the shift points, make great tow vehicles.

[switch back]

stick all the way! Thats the main flaw in my truck. some day Ill get a ZF 5 speed like my boss has

[64longstep]

Originally Posted by jeepers06

The new automatics with the "tow & haul" mode, which changes the shift points, make great tow vehicles.

i agree 100%

[791ton]

Originally Posted by chevyguy

. Hey look at 18 wheelers. They are stick because they last under alot of heavy pulling.

they have automatic 18 wheelers too.


But manuals usually allow for more torque, therefore getting the load moving easier. But my auto with shift kit does great too.
So im torn and didnt vote.

[STPETEBLUE]

I voted "Manual", but I gotta tell ya' this Allison in "Tow/Haul' is an unbelievable transmission.

Just my

[greasemonkey]

Id' go with stick and a aftermarket tranny cooler. Depends on personal preference though. Im more comfortable with stick. Thats whats in my pullin' truck.

[peterbilt]

i think the ford auto torqshift trans with tow haul mode works wonders. my dad has it in his excursion.

[crabtruck]

I love these kinds of questions. Not only can they only be answered by scientists in a lab, the answers only would apply in the lab.

[quote=02F2504x4;18334].... if you know how to drive it right ....../quote]

This is probably the most important thing said so far. I get far far better milage than anyone else who drives the same rigs I do over the same roads because I try for the best results from that rig as opposed to getting there fastest, jack rabbit driving, or any of the other things that kill mileage. For the same reason I have no controll issues because I think about what the rig can handle ahead of the need and stay within that. Driving habits rule.

Just in terms of towing a trailer, I can only say what I've done, not if it's better than another setup. Mostly I pulled a 7-9,000# box trailer with a 94 k1500 5.7 auto. Miles split 50/50 between freeways and 2 lane in Norhtern california which includes crossing several mountain ranges. I averaged 950-1,000 mi/day and have about 65,000 doing this. I handled up to 10% grades both up and down and long run up and downs. I never had a breakdown or overheat. It never got "hot" engine nor brakes. I have all the same parts except pads and plugs. I do change tranny fluid at 5,000mi.

No one seeing me on road would have been impressed seeing me go by but that was kinda the point. I did it for a living, so I did it right. I know lots of people who had thrashed rigs. I don't think I got the "lucky" chev so I say " how do YOU drive ? "

Some of the others can talk to you about the trade off for power and mileage, not my science. I can tell you gas mileage doesn't come from auto vs man tran, I'll smoke you for mileage with either. I spent most of my time getting good at driving, not racing, so that what I know. I hear about the new shift point trannys and it sounds interesting but I have always told mine when to shift, either by lever or foot on gas.

I think this is another "wrong question" since towing is done with power and supported by suspension. IMO the right tranny is one that can handle the ENGINE.

[bubbas91lariat]

Im gonna have to go with stick on this one. i like sticks when pullin or just regular drivin. automatics are for lazy people. too bad i cant afford a stick in my truck.

[peterbilt]

autos are way easier for just driving around the town.