Dually Diesel Manual or Auto

[JBurg]

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

Seems low at 5K. I have at least 5,800#. Can't remember is your double or triple axle?

That's exactly what I said when I weighed it.

I'm a double axle.

[glennwest]

Big trucks all run manuals even if they are autoshift. Mine has no clutch and no manual shiftier. It is a manual though. Even my Smart car is like this. I for see with the torque going on up on trucks auto's going away for manual auto shifts. They sure work great.

[Squantobon]

I've always been a manual guy. I just like having more control particularly in icy situations. I believe I'm more in tune with the car and pay more attention to driving. I think driving an AT is just push the gas and point the car which is why a lot of people look for other things to do like talking on the phone. I taught both my daughters and my wife how to drive with a stick because I don't want them limited in what they can drive whether it's a car they want to buy or if they need to drive a drunk home or whatever. I will certainly be looking for a manual in my next car if there is a next car. But as I've looked at pick ups over the years, manual transmissions have become almost non existent. So my TV will likely be an auto and from the comments here that's the wave of the future. I am wondering what the benefits of the Aisin are over the regular 6spd auto? Is it worth the extra cash?

[chertz]

The Aisin is a little stronger trans, has tighter gear ratios in the lower gears, and gives you the highest output tune.

They are sure nice... that said.. my 68RFE works very well too.

[Cummins12V98]

I towed 65K with my 11 HO Dually with 68RFE. It was flawless. I now have the Aisin. I really like starting on a steep grade with no effort, it just takes off at 33K combined. The Aisin is a True Medium Duty Trans that is used in other Medium Duty applications. It feels like you are driving with a built trans.

Per the head west coast Chrysler Rep "they don't break".

[Rolfsted]

I had manual transmissions for years. They were awful in St Louis rush hour traffic pulling my work trailer. I was way younger then and still my left leg would go numb with all the shifting.

I finally bought a truck with an auto and I'll never go back to manual. Today's auto trans are so much better than years ago.

Do what you want, but it is so nice to hop in and pull down into drive. I have an 04 F350 with the 5r110. Tow/haul mode us great for towing and helps braking too. I imagine the newer autos are even better.

[JerMcBroom]

Great information from everyone. I really appreciate all the input. Thanks to all
Jerry

[Drifter59]

I love a manual shift transmission. I can't see it for towing my 5er. It is sometimes a tight squeeze getting my 5er in a spot at some of the older, smaller campgrounds. I wouldn't want to have to push the clutch in too many times while maneuvering. As I said, I love a manual shift....in a sports car.........with rear wheel drive.

[Btipton]

We love our 2010 RAM. Has the 6.7 with the 68rfe tranny and exhaust brake. Sometimes when in tow/haul mode on a 6% grade the tranny/exhaust brake combo can get a little aggressive in the downshifts, but I just turn tow/haul mode off and manually select the gear with the paddle shifter.

Bob


Bob & Karen Tipton
2011 NuWa Hitchhiker 31.5 UKTG
2010 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW 6.7 CTD
Full-Time since September 2014

[tuffr2]

I drove a Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 6 speed manual towing an empty 40' horse trailer. Towed it 550 miles thru some mountains and stop and go traffic. I liked that truck.

I also towed a 15,750 lb 5th wheel 12,500 miles with a F-450 6.7 auto. I also like this truck.
Both trucks make towing easy.

These trucks were 2011 Ram and 2012 F-450. Since then both trucks were injected with more power...as if they really needed it...ugh.

I would guess 95% of trucks are auto. To me...you can not go wrong with either truck.