I think in all actual a stick is preferred for towing, but auto's are bought because people do not know better.
Our y2k dually has grossed over 30K for many a mile. In its 200K service we have had two clutches replaced, but never a complete melt down.
If it were an auto we would have been replacing them every 25K.
Really because our 2000 psd f350 dually auto is likewise the same. last combined load with the carry deck crane was 34,120 lbs.
one trans at 182,000 miles and is starting to go again now at 355,000 miles.
Now our 94 is another story that lead a much easier life.
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1994 7.3 I.D.I. Navistar 444 CI
ATS Factory TURBO E4OD Red On white Crew Cab DRW 4:10 w/ AUBURN LIMITED SLIP
3" ATS Exhaust and turbo housing, Banks Trans Command, calibrated pump, K&N filter, Gruss style coolant filter, 203K+MI not a lick of trouble with the motor. now on 16th trans. 10 under factory 100K mile warranty
Alpine CVA-7878 XM radio 6cd changer 3 8" phoenix gold subs 75x4 Sony mobile ES gold 4ch amp, Sony 500W 1ch amp MB quart components in Q forms kick panels. 1 farad cap.
Pro car parts jewel cut headlamps and turn signals
APC clear cab markers, suvlights.com harness silverstar bulbs and L.E.D.'s in the fenders. IT's paid for and its MINE!
Family Toys and tools,
00'F350 psd CC Drw 2wd Bright Amber Western Hauler
SOLD 01' Peterbilt 330 4Dr. Texas trucks conversion cAt 350hp
02' Psd Excursion Limited ultimate Estate Green helliwig swaybar 101K miles
1996 fetherlite 4 horse GN, 2003 sooner 6 horse GN with midtack
Well first let me put to rest that a 6spd does NOT have low end torque. At 31kGCW, I can start out in 1st gear WITHOUT adding any fuel to start the load moving and that's with my 3:73 ratio. I just let out the clutch then add fuel and go.
IMO, a F350 thru a F550, it's not "cost effective" to pull more than 26000GCW. Read up on user "Pat Dolan" to confirm my thoughts on this forum.
26kGCW to 31kGCW is a huge weight increase for a F350. Much more so than going from 16kGCW to 26kGCW.
IMO, for 26kGCW and up, I would not go with less than a F650.
If you want full control at all times, go with a 6spd or better manual, or the eaton 9spd/18spd auto shift, a gear driven automatic that only needs a clutch to stop and start.
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T_Bone
02 F350, 4X6, Crew, DRW, LWB, PSD, 6spd, 3:73, Island Blue, Stock, AEB2, Phoenix Az
Buy UNION work UNION. It pays off in the long run Define Union: A labor Union is nothing more than united workers with a common goal for better working conditions.
We all are in some sort of labor Union, some are just larger than others with better working conditions!
For towing I want a manual transmission.I have 255,000 miles on my 2001 F-250 towing my own fifth wheel and old travel trailers to wholesalers down South.Knock on wood I am still on the original clutch with one salve cylinder replacement.I know my manual get at least 2 miles more to the gallon than a auto which is very important with the way fuel is going. Take care Ed from South Jersey
It is easier to damage a clutch, transmission, engine, or other drivetrain components when using a manual transmission if not operated properly. The automatic is better for inexperienced drivers. Ford has a tremendous amount of data on drivetrain longevity based on warranty claims. Based on their data, they recommend towing less with manual transmission because of the increased risk of drivetrain failure and repair costs, probably often due to improper driver operation. A highly skilled and experienced driver can take advantage of the benefits of manual transmission. For the average driver, the automatic is the better choice for towing heavy loads due to the lower level of driver skill required to avoid costly drivetrain damage.
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2001 F350 XLT 4X4, shift on the fly, 38 gal fuel tank, running boards, sliding rear window, black, crew cab, long bed, 4.10, automatic transmission, 11,500 gvwr, 20,000 gcwr, 7500 gvw, dual rear wheels, 7.3l turbo diesel, completely stock, 114,00 miles when purchased, now has 125,000 miles, repairs so far: starter, batteries, cps.
2005 Nomad Rampage toyhauler made by Skyline. 11,500lb gvwr.
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