Why do the car makers say not to tow with a standard trans?

[parnold]

I've noticed in my recent research for a new tow vehicle, that many of the car manufacturers have a tow capacity listed for a vehicle with an automatic trans, but no capacity listed, or not recommended under standard trans.

My thoughts are that most people drive a stick poorly, and they are afraid of people burning out the clutch.

Any thoughts? Or does someone know for sure what the reason is?

[JohnnyG]

I would think a standard transmission is more robust, better for towing. With automatics you need to worry about overheating- tranny coolers are often installed for them.

[High Desert]

Paul, I think you have it. It's about the driver not the vehicle. I had this confirmed a few years ago by a Ford dealer when specing out a new company pickup. Even a one ton had a lighter rating with a manual.

I personally prefer a manual for towing, but thats just me.

[hotrod]

Paul, I think you have it. It's about the driver not the vehicle. I had this confirmed a few years ago by a Ford dealer when specing out a new company pickup. Even a one ton had a lighter rating with a manual.

I personally prefer a manual for towing, but thats just me.

got many thousands of miles towing with a maual 5 speed in a half ton ford... never a problem...

[doug hodder]

I think you have it...they are covering their A$$es.....kinda like "don't use the hair dryer in the shower" warning labels thing.....unfortunately we are a country of dopes anymore and the "legal" profession has found it out. Just my opinion. doug

[Lgboro]

In the 70's Ford put a auto transmission in my company car LTD that they used in a Pinto. Had the transmission rebuilt 4 times in 45'000 miles just hauling a trunk of cigarettes . The good news is Phillip Morris had more money than I did.

[Rock]

The reason automatics have always been rated higher is because of the torque converter. This allows for pretty much ideal conditions for starting out in 1st gear, as opposed to slipping the clutch on a manual.

These days lack of driver skill comes into play - but clutch friction plates are "wear items" and not covered under any warranty (other than 12 months/12,000 miles.) So the manufacturers aren't overly concerned with that. The auto also has the "good sense" to downshift when the motor is lugging, but many drivers may not.

It should be noted that Dodge offers a 6 speed Allison manual mated to it's Cummins diesel. So manuals can be made to work for towing as they always have, but it requires skill, which 95% of drivers no longer have these days.

Eric

[stevem50]

yes, the driver skill level comes into play, but another reason is heat... most automatic transmissions are standard with coolers, as with a manual-no cooler. more corporate cover your a@$. you will need to change gear fluid more often when towing but a manual will get you down the road fine.

[GPW]

Driving skill ... that was a Joke huh ??? Around here , everybody's driving with a phone in one hand , a Daiquiri in the other ... No free hands to bother steering or using the "turn stick" or a shifter... All in a great hurry to burn up that expensive gas ... grrrrr!!!!!
I've successfully towed many Boats , some quite Heavy , in the past with a manual tranny ... No problems ... Only time I ever burned up a clutch was going up a mountainside in Colorado ... towing nothing ..
I was Concerned about towing my 3500#+ TT with an automatic ... first thing was to install a trans. cooler ... No problems to report , but I still think I'd feel more comfortable with a manual trans. and a tach . JMHO...

[Larry C]

It may also have to do with final drive ratio. Many newer cars with std trans have 6 speeds. They have significant overdrive. In any given vehicle maybe the manufacturer feels there is no gear that has an adequate final drive ratio for towing.
Also, in the pursuit of lighter weight vehicles, everything is made less heavy duty such as clutches . Most new cars now have an all aluminum engine which makes them throwaway.

Larry C

[stumphugger]

I do have a problem with my little 5 speed Chevy. It is high geared. It gets great gas mileage. However, when backing my teardrop up, the clutch gets hot. Yes, I'm probably riding it more than I should, but the pickup is so high geared it won't go slowly back, and when backing into the shop building, I also have an uphill grade to consider. The Chevy is not a creeper.

I've been driving manual transmissions for 43 years. Never had this problem before.

[john warren]

well,,,,, since just about every tractor trailer i have ever seen or driven was manual......i'd say its because they get more money for an automatic trans.

[canned o minimum]

Gee ! How many times can I git a "plug" in fer my 1965 VW Beetle ??

I tow my Little Guy 4 wide( 785 lbs dry) with my vintage VW. Have been many miles in 2 years !

Jus got back from a trip from Riverside,Ca. to Solvang,Ca. and side trips along the way... bout 500 miles all tolled.

Only prolen "I" had was when the throttle cable came lose and fell off the carb...put er back on and tightened er up... ON THE ROAD AGAIN.

Ya gotta be jus a little bit smarter than the cars... and have sum common sense..

I jus love my VW and my LG teardrop !! Happy Trails !!!

[Bucko6]

Teh quick answer is torque multiplication. The torque converter in an automatic transmission provides slippage to get the extra weight moving. That is not to say you cannot tow with a manual. As some have pointed out, the auto trans generates heat which is an enemy when towing. I prefer to tow wiht a manual, although it can be challenging pulling a boat up a launch ramp. However, the ratings are there for a reason and I adher to the manufactures limitations.