Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-07-2014, 05:08 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
Old car's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: south Kansas City area
Posts: 1,298
Transmission: Manual vs Automatic

Does anyone pull their camper (particularly a fifth wheel) with a vehicle that has a manual transmission? We eventually want to move up to a fiver and I found a great deal on a new truck with a manual transmission. Just curious.
__________________

Randy and Patty
2015 Sabre 33 CKTS-6 Platinum Edition
Reese 16K Slider hitch
2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD diesel dually
Old car is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2014, 05:38 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
davel1971's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Seaford, De
Posts: 2,377
tell us a little more about this new truck and how much you think your future 5th wheel might weight
__________________
David & Lynn
2014 Coachmen Chaparral Signature 327 RLKS
2016 Ford F350 Lariat CC Dually
davel1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2014, 07:08 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
SKnight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,428
I pull my 5er with a manual transmission, what would you like to know?

It does just fIne, every now and then I get clumsy on the clutch and with all the hitch weight over the rear axle the front end will bounce. Just push the clutch, start over and go on about my business.
__________________
Now-2014 Sierra 346RETS 5er BUB
Then-2002 Keystone Springdale 286RLDS TT

Nights camped in 2014-28, 2015-127, 2016-10
SKnight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2014, 07:50 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Taranwanderer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: NEPA
Posts: 1,477
I've been pulling my TT with my 6-speed Dodge and will be pulling my 5-er with it when it comes in. I love my manual transmissions, I don't own an automatic trans in my fleet (except DW's SUV, but that's HERS!) I love the engine braking, and couple that with the exhaust brake, I can stop my rig pretty effectively. Never had any issues.
__________________
2015 XLR Hyperlite 30HFS5 (mods being performed regularly)
2009 Salem LA 292fkds (gone)
Nights- ('12)23 ('13)23 ('14)15 ('15)31 ('16)27 ('17) 20 (‘18)21 (‘19)23
2019 Honda CRV (camping support vehicle)
2014 Harley Davidson FLHX (XLR cargo)
2011 Ram 2500 CC 4X4 CTD, B&W Companion (toy hauler hauler)
Taranwanderer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2014, 07:58 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Independence, Kansas
Posts: 755
Some years back I pulled a travel trailer with a truck that had a manual transmission. Most of the time all was fine but occasionally some camping spots would require a lot of jockeying around to get into position. Then the clutch would overheat and you could smell it burning. If you plan to do much backing in tight spots I would go with an automatic.
comfun1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2014, 08:49 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Old car's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: south Kansas City area
Posts: 1,298
This is all early speculation but the fifth wheel would be 33 ft. (living space) and dry weight right at 12,000 lbs. The truck would be a Dodge 2500 diesel so there is plenty of truck there. Just was wondering how inconvenient it was using a manual over automatic; as far as if there was constant shifting. We look for pull throughs whenever possible but back in spots are the majority in Missouri State Parks.
__________________

Randy and Patty
2015 Sabre 33 CKTS-6 Platinum Edition
Reese 16K Slider hitch
2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD diesel dually
Old car is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2014, 12:22 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
SKnight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,428
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old car View Post
This is all early speculation but the fifth wheel would be 33 ft. (living space) and dry weight right at 12,000 lbs. The truck would be a Dodge 2500 diesel so there is plenty of truck there. Just was wondering how inconvenient it was using a manual over automatic; as far as if there was constant shifting. We look for pull throughs whenever possible but back in spots are the majority in Missouri State Parks.
I've got a Dodge 2500 diesel with a six speed, nope, no constant shifting or anything of the sort. Just pulls pulls pulls. In sixth gear I can get down to 45ish and it just will roll away. I lose a little speed on the hills but I don't push it either, I could drop to fifth but it's no big deal to me.

Only time I wish I had an auto is traffic, but I know very few manual drivers that disagree with that. I personally like it, they're tough, old school and get the job done.
__________________
Now-2014 Sierra 346RETS 5er BUB
Then-2002 Keystone Springdale 286RLDS TT

Nights camped in 2014-28, 2015-127, 2016-10
SKnight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2014, 03:36 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
BigTJohn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Palm Coast FL
Posts: 746
The man trans will reduce your payload and towing cap. some and that is about it. 4x4 will reduce it more. You may not really have enough truck for that rig. You will be very close if not over on payload. I know I am w/RAM 2500. Looking for a 3500.
__________________
Brenda and John
'14 Ram 3500 MCSB 6.7L HO PullRite 16K S/G, Grey Columbus 320RS Camped '14 - 146 days/'15 - 196 days
USN-EOD(Ret), Master Chief, 30 yrs,
Master Blaster of the Navy
BigTJohn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 07:34 AM   #9
Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 98
I have a 06 2500 dodge with the 6 speed manual. No problems at all. As far as backing and the clutch getting hot ( never had that happen) I would just put mine in low range. Of course you have to have a 4 wheel drive for that. I pull a 38ft sabre 33 ckts that weighs a round 13000lbs loaded and my pin weight is 2700lbs. I do run air bags. I have towed it about 4000 miles so far with no issues. Oh and my truck is leveled running 35 inch tires.
bignugget is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 06:05 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Taranwanderer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: NEPA
Posts: 1,477
Quote:
Originally Posted by SKnight View Post
I've got a Dodge 2500 diesel with a six speed, nope, no constant shifting or anything of the sort. Just pulls pulls pulls... I personally like it, they're tough, old school and get the job done.
X2. I don't own an automatic transmission!. My friend's 3500 just crapped out his auto trans (again) and he decided to buy a new truck instead of fixing it again. Some day he'll learn and buy one with a third pedal...
__________________
2015 XLR Hyperlite 30HFS5 (mods being performed regularly)
2009 Salem LA 292fkds (gone)
Nights- ('12)23 ('13)23 ('14)15 ('15)31 ('16)27 ('17) 20 (‘18)21 (‘19)23
2019 Honda CRV (camping support vehicle)
2014 Harley Davidson FLHX (XLR cargo)
2011 Ram 2500 CC 4X4 CTD, B&W Companion (toy hauler hauler)
Taranwanderer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 06:15 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Ford Idaho's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Idaho
Posts: 9,839
When I bought my SD I wanted an auto because I was tired of running a stick.

Two pedals = less complications.

__________________
2016 F350 6.7L LB CC Reese 28K 2014 Chaparral Lite 266sab
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." 2014 19 days camping 2015 17 days camping201620 days camping
Ford Idaho is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 06:38 PM   #12
Mddle of the Rd Extremist
 
MeepMeep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 553
To maximize your payload, you might want to look at auto 4x2...
__________________
Dan, Carolyn & The Bandit (1999-2015 RIP...)
MCPO (Retired)
United States Navy ('65 - '87)
2014 Cedar Creek 38FL
2013 RAM 3500 6.7L diesel DRW Crew Cab
"When you get to the fork in the road, take it....."
MeepMeep is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 07:27 PM   #13
Member
 
KB3MMX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 49
What year Dodge Diesel? If it's a 08' up, the TurboBrake feature works great to slow the rig down.

As far as durability, a fully built Auto(proper build is essential) is actually stronger these days than a stick with any upgraded clutch...especially the 6 speed Dodge stick.

The only time you might regret a stick is being in traffic or slow maneuvering and getting started with the trailer.
__________________
-Forest River Sierra 355QBQ Bunkhouse
-2007 Duramax/Allison Stage 2 Garrett Turbo W/ KB3MMX EFIlive custom tuning & lots of other goodies...
KB3MMX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 07:36 PM   #14
Moderator Emeritus
 
acadianbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 3,365
Quote:
Originally Posted by comfun1 View Post
Some years back I pulled a travel trailer with a truck that had a manual transmission. Most of the time all was fine but occasionally some camping spots would require a lot of jockeying around to get into position. Then the clutch would overheat and you could smell it burning. If you plan to do much backing in tight spots I would go with an automatic.
Also, in very hilly terrain, you may wind up up-shifting downhill, and down-shifting uphill (because yo can't hold your gear). That gets old fast. And, under that circumstance, you also cannot use your cruise control. Every time you push in the clutch, it disengages.

Don't need to hear about not using cruise control when towing. Do it all the time and it works fine.
__________________
https://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/acadianbob/IMG_2757.jpg
2021 F350 Lariat 7.3 4X4 w 4.30s, 2018 Wildcat 29RLX
2012 BMW G650GS, Demco Premiere Slider
1969 John Deere 1020, 1940 Ford 9N, 1948 Ford 8N
Jonsered 535, Can of WD-40, Duct Tape
Red Green coffee mugs
acadianbob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 07:42 PM   #15
Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 98
Once I hit 6th gear I never have to down shift unless I hit slower traffic so cruise works fine if I want to use it.
bignugget is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 07:58 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
fast murray's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SD
Posts: 441
Not sure of the years but the automatic Dodge's have higher torque ratings. My 2012 auto is rated at 800 and the manual is like 660.
__________________
2015 Sierra 357TRIP
2012 Ram 2500 CCSB 6.7CTD
fast murray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 08:13 PM   #17
Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 98
Yea the newer ones you have to get a automatic to get the higher torque truck. I like my manual but my next one will probably a automatic. After sitting in traffic for three hours at the beach last year the manual was getting old. That's the only time I don't like it. Plus I'm running a south bend dual disk clutch.
bignugget is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 08:51 PM   #18
Member
 
97Powerstroke's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 95
I've had my powerstroke 5 speed since it was new in '97. The only time I ever regret a 5 speed is reversing with my 5'ver up a hill. It's 4wd so I shift it in 4Lo so I don't burn up the clutch.
97Powerstroke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 09:31 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
Iwannacamp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,916
[QUOTE=acadianbob;585533]Also, in very hilly terrain, you may wind up up-shifting downhill, and down-shifting uphill (because yo can't hold your gear). That gets old fast. And, under that circumstance, you also cannot use your cruise control. Every time you push in the clutch, it disengages.



??? When I use the clutch.... I expect my cruise to disengage.
__________________
2017 Puma 297RLSS
2005 Ram 2500 4X4 diesel SMOKER!!
I love puns, irony and tasteless jokes...
born in Texas.... live in Arkansas
Iwannacamp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-11-2014, 09:55 PM   #20
Member
 
KB3MMX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by acadianbob View Post
Also, in very hilly terrain, you may wind up up-shifting downhill, and down-shifting uphill (because yo can't hold your gear). That gets old fast. And, under that circumstance, you also cannot use your cruise control. Every time you push in the clutch, it disengages.

Don't need to hear about not using cruise control when towing. Do it all the time and it works fine.

Just a FYI, there's absolutely nothing wrong with cruise control and towing. Plenty of Commercial trucks use this and offer "driver incentive" programming in the ECM to promote it's use by drivers.
__________________
-Forest River Sierra 355QBQ Bunkhouse
-2007 Duramax/Allison Stage 2 Garrett Turbo W/ KB3MMX EFIlive custom tuning & lots of other goodies...
KB3MMX is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
manual

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:50 AM.