Tow Command avail. with auto and not manual??

[25BGD]

Why is the Tow Command option and the 26K GCVW available with the automatic and not with the manual??? I have manual trans. in all my vehicles and from reading the posts about the reliability of the Torque Shift trans, I would prefer the standard trans. But the standard trans. is not rated for the max. GCVW of the automatic. I have even considered the F450 or 550 but they're also down rated when equipped with the standard. Go Figure!!!
Thank you for the help.

[unmguy2000]

I have owned both manual and auto's since '87 model year. Ford has consistently over the years rated the auto's with a higher GCWR. IMO I believe this is due to the amount of slipping of the clutch to take off with higher loads. I know that when I was pulling a big 5er with my '88, I would occasionally get a bit of clutch smell when backing my 5er up a 6% grade driveway. This, however, was with my old 7.3L IDI truck and a 5 speed manual.

With the 6.0 and lower torque off idle, I already need to slip a clutch MUCH more than I would have ever done in the past. Once I get a big load on it, I can see why maybe Ford would derate the manual. However, the 6 speed with the very low starting gear would help. I just haven't pulled anything over 7k lbs with this truck yet.

Robert

[bakersfield]

[ QUOTE ]
Why is the Tow Command option and the 26K GCVW available with the automatic and not with the manual???

[/ QUOTE ]

The Tow Command option (see past threads) is a marketing term by FMC which includes the brake controller, auto trans, TT mirrors. (see Ford’s marketing video: here click on available TBC).

You could accomplish the same thing by ordering the options separately.

The 26K GCVW uses a 4:30 rear end, and takes advantage of the torque-converter multiplier factor in the auto tyranny. I would think a 6-speed with 4:30 would work as well, but is not offered. I own both (auto 04 and 6-speed 05), and both have their pros and cons.

[25BGD]

I agree with Robert G in that the 6.0 is doggy off the line. I drove a F450 with the 6.0 and 6 spd and had a terrible time launching after being stopped. I kept thinking I was in 3rd instead of 2nd or 1st. The salesman thought I hadn't driven a standard before!!
And Bakersfield, I wonder how the liability issue would shake out if an accident were to occur while towing with the six speed at or near the 26K gcvw considering all the other options were equal to the tow command list of options. ie, would the lawyers consider the six speed to be equal to the auto in handling the total weight??
I dunno. I just wish a manufacturer would come up with an automatic that would stand up to the rigors of a diesel! I know the Dodge automatics sure can't stand up to the Cummins. I think GM may come as close as any with the Allison.

[sixonthefloor]

As Bakersfield said, just order the brake controler and the mirrors seperately. That is what I did on my truck.
Also I have one of those "old school" non ESOF 4X4's so I just put the transfer case in low range without locking the front hubs in and have all the gears I need for backing up the driveway and any other times I have to move the trailer around on a slope. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[bakersfield]

[ QUOTE ]
I wonder how the liability issue would shake out if an accident were to occur while towing with the six speed at or near the 26K gcvw considering all the other options were equal to the tow command list of options. ie, would the lawyers consider the six speed to be equal to the auto in handling the total weight??


[/ QUOTE ]

I would not recommend exceeding the GCVW. If your pulling 26K, you really need a medium duty truck and not a F350.

[25BGD]

Bakersfield
The 26K mentioned is the truck and trailer weights together, ie, gross combination weight rating. That is the total of everything. I fully agree, that to pull a load of 26K, a med. duty would be very advisable.
Thanks all for your comments.
Don