Im looking at buying a new 3500 dually diesel. I'm towing a 40ft 5th wheel weighing close to 15K loaded. Would the new auto's handle this load well and last, or should I stay with the 6 speed? Thanks

 

Just wanted to throw in that i just got back from driving both the Dodge auto and manual. The manual felt like it pulled better with the extra gears. This one only had the 3.73's, should I find one with 4.10's? Also drove an F450 with the 6.0, felt like a turd, my 97 F350 pulled harder than it, so its definately Dodge for my new truck.

 

If you have drove and towed with a manual before and are going to tow 15,000 lbs regularly I would suggest the manual 6 speed HO truck. I drive an auto but since day one (4/15/1999) have wished I would have bought a manual. I will say the way my truck is set up now is a pure pleasure to drive, but it was spendy.

 

Regular heavy haulers have the manual tranny. If you go w/ an auto you'll have to get an aftermarket torque converter pretty quick. The stock manual clutch seems to hold up a bit longer under a load than the auto torque converter, but there are still some people who get a nice aftermarket clutch once the stock one dies.

 

If you are pulling horses, get the auto. If not, get the 6-speed. I love mine.

 

The auto is fine if 90-95% of your driving is unloaded the new auto's are better then the 47RE's for towing
The manual would be best for towing .....and if you decide on a exhaust break the manual would be the better choice
If you tow on flat roads the auto will do the job....but if you tow in hills and mountains the manual would be better

 

I bought my Dually with the auto because I spend 95% of my time driving unloaded. The new Auto seems a lot better than the 47RE. If I towed at 50% of the time, I would have gotten the Manual.

 

Very well put, I agree 100%.

 

6 speed only love mine

 

I have an auto and have regretited it since day one

 

Another vote for the six speed. (I have had both) I seriously doubt that you will need the 4.10's with the manual.

Good luck.

 

"I seriously doubt that you will need the 4.10's with the manual."

Yeah...the only time you'd want 4.10's is if you're up around 20,000 lbs constantly.

 

I've been really pleased with my manual, a 5-speed in the SO model. I tow some but not all the time. Hey it's a TRUCK make it work, that's why we have them, right?

 

Another vote for 6 speed. I like mine very well. Good ratios, easy to shift once it breaks in, so easy to control it in the mountains. I pull 16000#. Do not even think about the 3.73 pulling that much weight. 4.10 only. In fact, that is the only ratio that gives you the GCWR you are seeking. And, absolutely, get the exhaust brake. The control this gives in the mountains, and even on the flats, is superb. I use it even running solo quite often.

 

Thanks for all the replys! Looks like I'll go with the 6sp and 4.10's. Im in Colorado, so just about everywhere we go, have to go over some passes. Just have to get my current truck sold now. Thought it was, but the guy backed out.