Elkman
Senior Member
All my trucks for many years had manual transmissions. But for towing an automatic transmission is far superior. Even with professional cross country tractor and trailer rig drivers the ones with rigs with automatic transmissions get 2-3 mpg better fuel economy. When these rigs get 6-9 mpg a savings of 2-3 mpg makes all the difference in the world.
Drag racers switched to automatic transmissions in the 1960's as they got faster times than the guys with manual transmissions. And every vehicle I have owned, cars and trucks, provided the ability to select the gear myself. I guess those that do not realize this have never bothered to read the vehicle's manual.
The only advantage of a manual transmission is to be able to use engine braking in off road situations and to be able to slip the clutch when "walking" a vehicle ups a grade with loose dirt or rocks where torque needs to be moderated. Even in this situation 99% of drivers would do better with an automatic transmission with grade control or hill assist or other machine assistance. Raptors and Power Wagons and similar trucks are marketed to such off-road novices.
Drag racers switched to automatic transmissions in the 1960's as they got faster times than the guys with manual transmissions. And every vehicle I have owned, cars and trucks, provided the ability to select the gear myself. I guess those that do not realize this have never bothered to read the vehicle's manual.
The only advantage of a manual transmission is to be able to use engine braking in off road situations and to be able to slip the clutch when "walking" a vehicle ups a grade with loose dirt or rocks where torque needs to be moderated. Even in this situation 99% of drivers would do better with an automatic transmission with grade control or hill assist or other machine assistance. Raptors and Power Wagons and similar trucks are marketed to such off-road novices.