Manual vs Automatic transmission in TV

E&J push'n wind wrote:
DessertSpooners,

I think you pretty much got the answer to your question.

RJCorazza wrote:
My previous truck was severely derated by the manufacturer if equipped with a manual transmission. Auto transmissions have come a long way over the years with computer controlled tow/haul modes, 6+ speeds, ability to manually shift, and lock out higher ranges.
I still like manuals, but I would have to say that they are not going to out perform an auto. IMHO.

That said, I've often wondered why to this answer? Just to use as an example, semi's. The manual tranny still remains to be more efficient and you have a whole lot of forward gears to choose from. As far as light trucks and modern transmissions, there are manual transmissions with as many as 8 forward gears now rivaling the auto tranny's with as many forward gears as well.

So the question is why the "de-rating" of light trucks when equipped with a manual tranny as an option? I know one of the "weak links" is the clutch assembly in a light truck manual transmissions. That could be easily overcome in the mfg process. Personally, I would prefer a manual tranny when it comes to towing. You just don't have it as a viable option in today's light trucks.

100% agree with you. Towing (driving period) is far easier with a manual transmission. I hate my automatic transmission, but with a crew cab and gasser, there was no choice. I still need to use the up/down arrows to keep the truck in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th while towing my trailer because it goes through way too much gas in 5th and 6th and hunts gears. My transmission temperature goes way too high and the truck struggles to pull the load. I have the Sierra 5.3 with the 6 speed auto. When I downshift and keep those revs above 4000, everything runs wonderfully. Transmission temps go down, fuel consumption goes down, speed stays up at 55 for almost all grades.

I can say, these newer automatics certainly tow better then automatics 15 years ago. There seem to be much lower gear ranges in 1st and 2nd now.