Main reason that the automatic has a higher towing capacity is the use
of a torque converter with variable vane design which will multiply the
torque at a higher engine speed to move the load. The standard
transmission relies on a single plate clutch to transfer torque and you
know what happens to your clutch when you try to back a loaded trailer
up a driveway, it really smells bad! Having said all that I would still
prefer a six speed manual transmission even though I have an automatic
in my one ton dodge Dually. 13 to 14 mpg at 65 mph hauling a 16 foot
enclosed trailer
Jerry Barr
On Aug 24, 2004, at 8:09 PM, R. John Lye wrote:
> At 01:15 PM 8/24/2004 -0400, Bill Sohl wrote:
>> Keep in mind the fact that the tow ratings for most (maybe all) trucks
>> is actually greater for trucks with automatics as opposed to the same
>> make/model/engine truck with a manual gearbox.
>
> Yeah, but I still don't understand that. I've seen more overheated
> auto
> trannies towing than manual transmissions giving up. Maybe there's a
> good reason, but I don't know what it is.
>
> Cheers,
>
> R. John Lye
>
> rjl6n@cstone.net
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