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Old 07-31-2016, 09:23 AM   #1
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Dually Diesel Manual or Auto

Looks like we're gonna make the move to a dually diesel. I don't think I'd mind a manual. Do manuals on a diesel act like an exhaust brake or is there a lack of backpressure to slow vehicle? Are manuals more reliable than autos?Are 5.9 Cummins as good as the newer 6.7? Wife never learned a manual and if something happened she would have to learn. Thinking a Ram. Any thoughts?

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Old 07-31-2016, 10:16 AM   #2
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I have a 6.7 with 6-speed auto and wouldn't go back to my 5.9 stick shift.
I also, wouldn't own a diesel without an exhaust brake.

Buy the newest Ram you can.
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Old 07-31-2016, 10:16 AM   #3
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Be hard to find a manual shift truck I would think. Autos generally have better towing stats and new ones have retarding features.
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Old 07-31-2016, 10:42 AM   #4
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A bit more info would get a better answer. New? Used? $ willing to spend?
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Old 07-31-2016, 04:11 PM   #5
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Not enough info to truly evaluate a buyers situation.
I can't think of any good reason for a manual transmission in this modern era, except perhaps some masochistic pleasure. The initial cost savings is amplified in losses in resale.
Arguments from a bygone era just don't hold up anymore. Clutches, pressure plates, throw out bearing yokes, synchronizes are highly over-rated. (potential learning permit disasters)
Engine braking is just that, so a VV turbocharged diesel will still exhibit the same reverse brake horsepower available. Naturally more forward gears gives you increased flexibility with ratios and RPMs and speed reduction.
YMMV

Decades ago I once got caught in a 20+ mile detour backup in the Pocono mtns. with my very last 5-sp. My sciatic nerve in my hip/leg was to the point were I cursed that clutch every start. Used the sycro's once rolling, and sold that rig upon getting back. Never again!

Happy motoring
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Old 07-31-2016, 04:43 PM   #6
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Ram is the only one left that still makes a manual in a pick up (if you buy a new one). The torque on the motor is also de rated by a few hundred pounds.

The new auto's are great and a manual is no longer needed to have a reliable transmission in a heavy duty truck. HOWEVER I would prefer a manual and using a clutch is no big deal for me traffic or not. Now the autos have manual features that allow you to select or hold a gear for different situations. Which still doesn't give you the control of a manual. Resale value only matters if your the type to trade up every couple of years. You can also add an exhaust brake to the older diesels.

Many people nowadays can't properly handle a manual trans and it's becoming a lost art. I would take a manual any day over an auto in a heavy duty pick. Just my preference
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Old 07-31-2016, 05:56 PM   #7
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IMHO I would go with an automatic. As others have said there is no performance reason to go with a manual and who needs something else to think about while towing. I have a diesel with an exhaust brake and I love it. It will hold speed going down hills with 10k lbs of RV behind it with no problems.
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Old 07-31-2016, 06:12 PM   #8
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Being a diehard manual guy, it hurts me to say, for heavy towing, go for the automatic.

The key phrase in the original post is "wife never a manual".
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Old 08-01-2016, 05:03 AM   #9
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The Rams are great trucks! Not knowing what your budget is makes it hard to get too specific...

I had an 05 Cummins with auto trans. Loved that truck very much. I always wished it had more than 4 gears though, and you could not add an exhaust brake to it easily. The 5.9 and the truck itself was great (other than the seat cushions giving out). If going with 3rd Gen fits your budget, I would recommend the 6 speed manual as exhaust brake and grade braking can of course be done with that.

My current 2014 is the 6.7L and the 68RFE. Any 6.7L will come stock with the exhaust brake and 6 speed auto. I have been very happy with this 6 speed auto and hear great things as well about the Aisin Trans also available in the later years. In 2013 the exhaust brake was upgraded to include an Auto mode in addition to the Full mode. Also, 2013 see big improvements to the frame and steering on the 3500s. In fact the newer trucks there are some differences between the 2500 and 3500, that is not just Springs.

Long story short... if you can swing it, get a 2013+ Ram 3500 (SRW or DRW) with the cummins... the 2013+ emissions systems are better also.
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Old 08-01-2016, 10:52 AM   #10
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You really can't beat these new (Aisin) automatic transmissions. We have been up some pretty insane hills in the Rockies and I still have yet to see the tranny temp get over 167 degrees. (Until we stop, of course. Then it climbs to 171.) That's with pulling ~25,000 pounds of trailers behind our Cummins powered rig.

And like others have said-Wifey doesn't know how to drive manual? Don't get a manual. Granted there certainly isn't a better vehicle to learn with though.
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Old 08-01-2016, 11:03 AM   #11
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"That's with pulling ~25,000 pounds of trailers behind our Cummins powered rig."

I think we both need to go on a weight loss program!
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Old 08-01-2016, 06:06 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cummins12V98 View Post
"That's with pulling ~25,000 pounds of trailers behind our Cummins powered rig."

I think we both need to go on a weight loss program!

Right? The thing is though, we still have empty cupboards! I would blame my wife and her clothes, but the pin weight is only ~5,000. (Haven't re-weighed since we started pulling the second trailer)
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Old 08-02-2016, 01:16 PM   #13
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Right? The thing is though, we still have empty cupboards! I would blame my wife and her clothes, but the pin weight is only ~5,000. (Haven't re-weighed since we started pulling the second trailer)
Seems low at 5K. I have at least 5,800#. Can't remember is your double or triple axle?
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Old 08-02-2016, 05:39 PM   #14
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I ended up with a F350 because I got a deal I couldn't pass up. With the select shift transmission and the exhaust brake that's on the new ones I would never consider a manual again-& I used to swear by them. It's nice to not even have it in manual mode and still lock out the gears you don't want to use. Came over Wolf Creek Pass yesterday at 26500# and barely touched the service brakes.


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