I have a built auto. Can't beat it for drag racing, and does well for long pulls on the freeway, but in traffic it gets quite retarded.

I end up using manual second a lot.

Overall, I'd prefer the simplicity of a manual.

 

^^ Let me amend that:

When Dodgezilla was going to get rid of his '06 quadcab dually (manual), I went over there to see if he wanted to trade trucks (mine is an '06 megacab auto as per my sig). After driving his truck, I remember thinking I liked the auto better. So I guess I want a manual in theory but one back-to-back comparison says I really prefer an auto.

 

I've towed across country with an automatic. 21K load for 8500 miles in 3 weeks. The auto was great above 65. Going to camp grounds on the back roads at 25-40 it would hunt for gears with the weight of the trailer going up and down small hills. It never seemed to be in the right gear. My current truck is an 05 6-speed. For towing, it's always in the right gear, with the exhaust brake it's terrific. The flip side is constantly rowing around town or being stuck in slow highway traffic. For full time (10K and above, 2-3 times/month) towing, get the manual. For occasional, get the auto and enjoy the ease of use on a daily basis.

Michael

 

I tell ya I was on the fence big time on this issue. I like a manual, period. So, I went out and drove a manual. It was O.K. Then I got to thinking of backing up my 32 ft box trailer with an manual, chattering clutch, which they all will do no matter what brand of vehicle. Getting stuck in traffic on the interstate due to a wreck for a couple of hours, which has happend before pulling a load, and I can say one thing, built auto's are nice and worth every penny. As far as telling anyone what to do, go drive it and see how you like it. Just keep in mind, the auto's TC issue does not come out unless you are pulling a good size load.

 

hhahaha....have you ever tried backing up a heay load with a stock autotranny....my neighbor comes over to borrow my tuck everytime he has to back his trailer up his steep driveway....his 06 auto will not even back his trailer over a curb unless it has a running start!!!!!

 

LOVE my 6 spd! In stop and go traffic I just put in first and let it idle along. My last truck (04 F-150) had an auto in it. It's nice to just put it in D and go but, I'd rather shift it myself. It's always in the gear I want to be in. Besides, I don't like all these electronic transmissions that they put in trucks now days.

To each is own though. Get what YOU want.

 

As old as I am you would think I would know better than buying an automatic to tow with, But I did. My 2002 was 5spd and it was great. No automatics for towing.