Towing auto vs Manual

[wpurple]

An oddball question:
I tow with my 97 Sport 5 speed stick a 4500# trailer (inc passangers and stuff) quite a bit over the 2800# limit and tow very well....never any problems.
I have always pondered whether to get a Sport with an automatic such that I would be well in the realm of what it is rated for and be more reliable.
*I do have the mod to get 2WL so I don't need to ride the clutch to backup or crawl through a campground.

Is a manual transmission more reliable that the 5 speed automatic? (While towing 4500#)



I ask because I hear of so many more problems with the automatics (although there are so many more of them)

 

[RiverRat]

The only problems with the manual I had was the clutch system. If you go the manual route then budget extra cash for clutch/flywheel replacement. Plus, the manual tranny is pretty small. It does't look very tough.

That being said, stock for stock, I'd get an auto if I were to tow 4500lbs.

 

[Alec]

I wouldn't tow that much regularly with the V6 period. The clutch system of the manual won't like it, and you'll grenade your auto in a short time.

I towed 5000 a bit with mine (auto). The truck handled it beautifully, but I only did this around a ranch for a couple of hours. And due to various reasons, my tranny went at about 65k.

 

[wpurple]

I figure when the clutch does go I will put a HD in.
I change the fluid once a year with synthetic.

Going to go to do a 3000 mile trip towing next summer so I guess that will be the real test (CT to FL) Although once I get south of NY, it is quite flat.