Manual vs Automatic transmission in TV

ricatic wrote:
...and I am happy but it has nothing to do with trucks, cars or rv's...

Is it because the snow has melted?

Fast Mopar wrote:

ricatic wrote:

I once posted a question in one of these threads about "who pays". I simply asked if anyone of the angry manual transmission devotees would pay $2000 additional(above the now standard transmission truck price)for the option to have a manual transmission...IIRC...I had one taker...

I would gladly pay extra for a manual transmission in ANY vehicle. I would certainly pay $2000-3000 if necessary. But, it does not matter, since manuals are as rare as honest politicians.

So, you win ricatic, sticks are gone. Be happy.

...what did I win???...I merely pointed out the real reason that manuals are almost extinct in HD pickups...did you miss my point when I wrote I have nothing against the manual transmission??? I have over a million miles of manual transmission driving behind me...I am coordinated enough to drive even an old Mack...

I understand the passion that some have for the manuals...maybe they should have bought more new trucks so equipped so the manufacturers would have continued offering manuals...

...and I am happy but it has nothing to do with trucks, cars or rv's...

Regards

blofgren wrote:
OK, I'm going to go against the grain here and state that my preference is a manual transmission, which my last 3 trucks have been. They cost less, generate WAY less heat especially under load, are extremely reliable, and are a snap to drive for an experienced driver. I drive a 2012 F-150 for a work vehicle and as much as I will admit that the newer automatics are better than they used to be, they are still not as good as a manual. I also can't help but think that these transmissions will cost a fortune in the future to rebuild/repair when the time comes, which it will especially when towing heavy.

With all due respect to those who state that they are difficult to get a heavy load moving, back a trailer into a campsite, etc. I can't help but think that they have not driven a manual transmission mated to a modern diesel with plenty of low end torque. My Cummins/6 speed manual transmission has the zero throttle launch feature which means put the transmission in the PROPER gear (not too high, especially under heavy load), and easily let the clutch out. This is easily accomplished with any heavy load on any hill and the truck does not even snort. The Cummins/manual transmission combo was a match made in heaven!

In regards to driving in heavy traffic, as long as I am watching traffic ahead and using the exhaust brake in full on mode, I can easily drop down to 15 mph in 5th gear using the exhaust brake and pull out of it without downshifting. If you are a race to each light and hit the brakes kind of driver, this method will not work for you!

Yes, the Cummins is derated on paper with the manual transmission. I drove Cummins equipped trucks with both the manual and automatic transmissions and the manual transmission did not feel any more sluggish, perhaps because of the power absorbed by the automatic. In any case, I am not at all unhappy with the power of my truck and even if I was a programmer will easily fix that when my warranty is up.

And lastly, I'm not sure why some are saying the manual transmissions are gone when Ram still offers the Cummins with a manual.

Just my 2 cents worth.

X2
Glad I read all six pages!
I think the biggest reason for automatics is so uncoordinated people can drive cars and trucks! :B Did I just say that??? :S

I daily drive my Cummins 5 speed back and forth to work, six or seven stop lights. I don't give it a second thought. I tow an 11,000#+ 5er and have gotten stuck in stop and go traffic on the coast, hilly little towns. I don't have an issue.
It is all about the driver!! Some people just can't drive a stick, some want their coffee, and sandwich.
One of the reasons the manual is going away, likely warranty claims on clutches. Ram should offer the Cummins with a double disk clutch, that is what I installed in my Daily Driver, and have zero issues shifting or starting out.
I believe that resale is not hurt with a manual, as there are many that want them, and they are getting to be fewer and fewer available.
It is all a state of mind, driving my manual is automatic!

Most of the modern automatics have a manual mode that will hold whatever gear is selected. The only time it will shift by its self in manual is if you go beyond redline or lug the engine. Both are designed to protect the engine.

Most have a paddle shift if you want to go up or down a gear.

I have never had a heating problem with my Allison transmission.

Most automatics will go 200k with no problem. I doubt you can get 200k from a manual transmission clutch.

Paul Clancy wrote:
Can't imagine wrestling a standard by choice. I guess truckers do it for money but I'll stick with the Allison with cruise grade braking and tap shift if needed.

LOL, shifting a fully synchronized modern 6 speed manual transmission could hardly be classified as "wrestling", and the clutch is as easy to operate as a car. I don't have to even think about what to do and when in regards to shifting, clutch action, etc. I truly believe that some people have a natural touch to be able to effectively drive a manual transmission and many do not.

I agree with other comments that have been said in that unwanted shifting with an automatic transmission is and always will be a problem. With the manual, you can leave it in whatever gear you want/need at the time with no unwanted shifts. An alert driver can see upcoming grade changes, traffic changes, etc. much better than a computer can!

ricatic wrote:

I once posted a question in one of these threads about "who pays". I simply asked if anyone of the angry manual transmission devotees would pay $2000 additional(above the now standard transmission truck price)for the option to have a manual transmission...IIRC...I had one taker...

I would gladly pay extra for a manual transmission in ANY vehicle. I would certainly pay $2000-3000 if necessary. But, it does not matter, since manuals are as rare as honest politicians.

So, you win ricatic, sticks are gone. Be happy.

Add me to the list of wanting a manual, but couldn't order my Sub with one, as
it was NOT offered

HEAT continues to an issue with automatics...just wait till the NEXT thread
on ATF temps comes along...

Heat is still an issue, but it depends on how/where you tow.

I don't think any of the modern autos will lock in 1st, and enough of the heavy towing I do is slow and steep that it's a concern.

That being said my next rig will be an auto, not by choice thou.... The demand for manuals has dropped so much they aren't worth getting. Less torque and a weak clutch design.

If demand had kept the manuals up with the autos I'd stick with that. I love my 415/850 (rear wheel) Cummins/NV5600 combo. I'll be in it for may years to come.


Whoever said they don't like backing/starting with an auto has had the opposite experience as me. I much prefer the control and precision of the manual. When I use an auto for those things, sometimes with the same motor as mine, it's never consistent and always feels like it's working too hard.

seems dthat the HEAT issue always comes up.

I think that is a carry over from decades ago, when tranny's did not have locking torque converters.

I don't think my 6 speed Ford unlocks even when it shifts. Can't see any indication of that on the rpm.

as far as auto's constantly shifting up and down, I think that is a function of mashing on the go pedal.

blofgren wrote:
OK, I'm going to go against the grain here and state that my preference is a manual transmission, which my last 3 trucks have been. They cost less, generate WAY less heat especially under load, are extremely reliable, and are a snap to drive for an experienced driver. I drive a 2012 F-150 for a work vehicle and as much as I will admit that the newer automatics are better than they used to be, they are still not as good as a manual. I also can't help but think that these transmissions will cost a fortune in the future to rebuild/repair when the time comes, which it will especially when towing heavy.

With all due respect to those who state that they are difficult to get a heavy load moving, back a trailer into a campsite, etc. I can't help but think that they have not driven a manual transmission mated to a modern diesel with plenty of low end torque. My Cummins/6 speed manual transmission has the zero throttle launch feature which means put the transmission in the PROPER gear (not too high, especially under heavy load), and easily let the clutch out. This is easily accomplished with any heavy load on any hill and the truck does not even snort. The Cummins/manual transmission combo was a match made in heaven!

In regards to driving in heavy traffic, as long as I am watching traffic ahead and using the exhaust brake in full on mode, I can easily drop down to 15 mph in 5th gear using the exhaust brake and pull out of it without downshifting. If you are a race to each light and hit the brakes kind of driver, this method will not work for you!

Yes, the Cummins is derated on paper with the manual transmission. I drove Cummins equipped trucks with both the manual and automatic transmissions and the manual transmission did not feel any more sluggish, perhaps because of the power absorbed by the automatic. In any case, I am not at all unhappy with the power of my truck and even if I was a programmer will easily fix that when my warranty is up.

And lastly, I'm not sure why some are saying the manual transmissions are gone when Ram still offers the Cummins with a manual.

Just my 2 cents worth.

I'm with you but for much different reasons. Nothing is more irritating to be off throttle mid corner for two seconds, have the automatic upshift, then I get back in the throttle while tracking out once I'm past the apex just to have the auto shift back down a gear. Too much shifting and ALWAYS at the wrong time. It can easily upset the balance of the car which is critically important when driving on the edge.
As long as my brain still functions and I have the option, I'll choose the Manual transmission, at least for my 'fun car'. I gave up on truck manuals in 2002, because it wasn't an option with the V8 in the Explorer.