how many of you guys are towing with a turbo diesels and a manual trans

ratman · 10-12-2006, 03:30 PM

i was thinking about going with a manual trans for the truck im taking to costa rica, but was wondering if manuals trans are a pain to tow with, say pulling out at the ramp and hualing a heavy boat. any feedback would be great, thx, rm

sakoutis3 · 10-12-2006, 03:51 PM

I hate shifting. Been towin with deisle automatics since 94. Would never deal with a stick again.

CigDaze · 10-12-2006, 04:53 PM

I'd hate to do it. A sports car, sure no problem, but up the ramp with 10K#, no thanks.

Sydwayz · 10-12-2006, 05:08 PM

No way I would want a stick shift on a ramp. I've done it before. It sucks big time. Launching is no problem. Retrieving sucks.

Cattitude · 10-12-2006, 05:22 PM

I had autos in earlier 1/2ton type stuff- smaller loads etc.

I've run an 01 Dodge/Cummins for 80k+, 80% towing- 5 speed

now have 03 Dodge/Cummins hit 80k miles today, towing 90% 10-16k wt trailers -6 speed

most towing now OTR with my FL70 toterhome- eaton fuller 6 speed

the sticks are simple and reliable, could be a consideration for outside US support. each has a granny gear- a breeze on the ramps- with the gov on the diesels you'd have to be an idiot to stall it- my 12 yr old son, daughter and wife can all run the truck on the ramp with no issues. That said- the FL70 granny is a bit taller an needs a little clutch finess on hills and on the ramp. The Dodges are idiot-proof, don't even use low range or 4wd

88Fountain · 10-12-2006, 05:29 PM

Have been towing with my 7.3 PSD since new (1996), not a problem at all. No different than starting off up a hill with a stick. Just use 1st gear, don't even have to give it throttle. When driving normally, with no trailer, start off in 2nd. My boat/trailer is probably around 8500 pounds. I actually wanted a stick when I bought my truck new, because at the time, automatics were known not to hold up well with the diesels. Automatics have come along ways for diesels since 1996 though.

tomtbone1993 · 10-13-2006, 01:47 AM

easier to slow down with a manual...no problems here

puder · 10-13-2006, 01:56 AM

i've done ramps plenty of times with a manual its no biggy.

learn to drive ladies..........

Indy · 10-13-2006, 07:39 AM

I'm going to go manual on my next truck. I've never liked automatics with their inherent problems. Not worried one bit about a ramp. I had a F250 that was manual and I loved it.

scottc · 10-13-2006, 07:53 AM

I use a Kodiak with a Cat 3116TD 6 speed trans. No prolbem at the ram pulling out @13,000lbs of boat. Just use the granny gear. Yes and auto would be the easiest. But do like the manuel trans.