Auto vs Manual which is better

[Doc]

I don't want to start any wars, but I need some help from the experts to help settle an office diagreement. One of my colleagues swears an auto tranny is the absolute best way to pull anything, I disagree. I think it depends on what you're pulling.

I'm looking at a 30ft, bumper pull, TT to take to the hunting lease on weekends. I feel very confident my E4OD will handle just fine, but I also think a 5spd would actually be better. Not that I plan to change it.

What's yall's .02 on the subject?

 

[poolguy]

I pull way more load than that with my E4OD. Works just fine.

 

[JwS]

I have heard the same thing, and I think it is bunk. The best tranny for towing is a manual, there is less to go wrong, and the only wear item is the clutch. Assuming it is designed for the load it should be able to haul it almost forever and have no overheating issues. The auto will always generate more heat the more you load it, and there is alot going on in there, many clutches and planetary sets that are not inheritly as strong as plain old gears.
The only thing the auto has going for it is it is easier to get things moving for the 'unskilled', especially on things like boat ramps etc where you would need fancy clutch work.
Of course if you have the right tranny in either case, things should work, and if you have the wrong one, you may break it. (but the auto will be 2-3x as expensive when you get it un-broke)
Jay

 

[Mr_Roboto]

I hate shifting.

From a technical standpoint, a manual transmission is going to last longer for "towing" (or about any application). A manual transmission is simpler and when the clutch wears it is much easier to replace than an automatic's clutches.

Now if we are talking ease of use while towing, I think an automatic will win. Especially from a stop, a torque converter works much better than slipping a clutch. I run into that while towing, if I have to start from a stop on a hill. I really have to slip the clutch to keep the RPM's up enough to have the torque to move.

 

[Agnem]

There are 2 things that an auto has going for it.

1) - the torque converter is a torque multiplier. You can actually get more torque to the ground, so the potential to start a heavier load is better.

2) - A planetary gear set is stronger than gears on a streight shaft.

Other than that, the manual reigns supreme. For towing over the road, I doubt you can beat a manual. There is no heat of any consequence being generated by a manual trans to throw in front of your already hot radiator and engine. There is only one clutch surface instead of dozens, and you have 100% solid engagement front to rear. Also, the manual is lower maintanance and has fewer parts. If I had to tow something heavy at low speed over uneven but level ground, I might take an auto over a manual. But if it is to be towed up hills at highway speeds, the manual is my choice.

 

[haywire]

one more thing the manual has going for it is superior braking. most stock and some upgraded auto's, don't do a whole lot to slow you down when descending a grade with a heavy load. (at least the ones i've driven.)

 

[creighta]

had both, and prefer to tow w/ the manual by far. . . I really don't like the way the e40d shifs under load, plus every e40d truck i've driven has seemed sluggish

 

[Cat_Rebel]

I have the E4OD & there are somedays I wish I had a stick. A auto is great for going fast because you don't loose boost between the gears. I just like the idea of a stick for just being easier to work on & hold more power. I'd also like a stick for towing but I like my E4OD works just fine for me. It's more of a matter of personal prefrence as either one can either hold up well or break.

 

[MUDKICKR]

i have a 5-speed if someone wants to trade for a good auto

 

[subway]

manual




the end

 

[BROWNIEBOY525]

my vote goes to the maual trans

 

[Fordsandguns]

I vote for the manual. But that said, I know the newer autos are supposed to be stronger than a stick. But I enjoy the manual. I feel as if I have more control that way. Whether that's true or not. Although I have found in stop and go traffic, that clutch gets heavy FAST!

 

[suv7734]

I've done both and I also like the manual but once you get used to driving the auto it works just fine as well. Since mine spends most of the time not towing I have to agree with a friend of mine who said "if I wanted to row to work I would have bought a canoe" Whatever works for you...

 

[swampdigger]

I like eating a big greaseburger and smoking while I drive.

Manuals just don't support my lifestyle as well.

Anyone wanna trade a T-19 for a auto?

 

[JwS]

Refer to the post titled "so how was your day" below to see the advantage of an automatic.