transmission
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts rm866869. We're glad you've chosen the best source for Fords.
I always prefer a manual transmission for a tow vehicle (or any other vehicle) because I think they are more durable, get better milage, and make it easier to control the engine. The only exception I might make is for towing livestock...the slushbox gives them a smoother ride. A tough choice, but I would go for the manual...if you can find one.
I always prefer a manual transmission for a tow vehicle (or any other vehicle) because I think they are more durable, get better milage, and make it easier to control the engine. The only exception I might make is for towing livestock...the slushbox gives them a smoother ride. A tough choice, but I would go for the manual...if you can find one.
Last edited by cookie88; Oct 7, 2005 at 10:33 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 0
From: STEPHENVILLE,TX!!!!!
i go for the manual. i tow my horse trailer with the manual. i think you can keep it smoother with the manual. sometimes you dont know when the slugbox is gonna down shift. if you askin me go levers!!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 835
Likes: 0
Manual. !!!I've been driveing sticks pullling horse trailers all my life. but I got the auto in my truck now " long story" but evry time I pull a hill I wish I had the manual.
1 main point if you are ever going slow up a hill you dont get enough air flow over your trany cooler. and the torque converter dose not lock below 30 so you can smoke your trany in a hurry. plus you can get a 5 or 6 sp manual and get better MPG.!J
1 main point if you are ever going slow up a hill you dont get enough air flow over your trany cooler. and the torque converter dose not lock below 30 so you can smoke your trany in a hurry. plus you can get a 5 or 6 sp manual and get better MPG.!J
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: sprague, wa
I agree with barebackjake, go for the manual I've got a 97 PStroke with a manual that I tow and haul with. However keep in mind if you have a chip or any other mods you're clutch will likely be the weak link. As the p/u I have I bought from a buddy and he managed to tear out the center of the stock clutch and that was with a 100hp chip and 3in dp.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: minneapolis, ks
Wow im suprised no one has said auto. I tow with my auto and wouldnt have it any other way. And yes i tow heavy, 20k-24k gross so i give the ole girl a work out. As for the trans downshifting that can be adjusted via tuning on the chip. I get 10mpg towing and i doubt a manual will get much if any better than that. So imo it all comes down to what your most comfortable driving, auto or manual.
later,luke
later,luke
