Heavy Duty i.e. 2500 series Rams and up.

CVT transmissions can be done extremely well (go take any new snowmobile for a spin and you'll agree) but current implementations I've experienced in cars leave a LOT to be desired. A true CVT will almost always result in more engine noise since it's designed to let the engine run at it's most efficient RPM and varies the gear ratio to pick up speed.

 

Snomobile CVT's are definitely the key to their performance. A strong sled with a studded track will rip your arms out of their sockets.

But all sleds come with a bracket to hold your spare belt when it shreds to pieces on the trail; they trade performance for the reliability that car drivers demand. They also get hot as hell, so alot of HP is still going into the belt and pulleys.

Some automobile CVT's did use steel belts, but I don't know if they are being made anymore.

 

hope nobody took the phone comment wrong, I just think alot of people are saying "I'll buy an auto so I can talk on the phone all the time" Heck, I did just fine without a headset when I had my 03 SRT-4, need to shift, just put the phone on your leg, or the seat beside you. My wife drives a Patriot with the CVT, 2.4L. 4x4. Does just fine getting up the hills here, smooth, smoother than my 02 Neon 4 speed auto 2.0L, had to keep pushing more & more to get that thing to downshift...Gas mileage I think definetly suffers with the CVT, but, that's the wifes car. If I bought a Caliber, it would be 6 or 5 speed RT with the torqier 2.4. Auto trans take more power to turn, if they gear exactly the same, the manual will out mileage the auto anyday

 

Nowadays, automatics can out-MPG a manual if driven similarly. Modern autos have more gears (6 is becoming common), better torque converters, etc. A 6 speed can have a low-low 1st to get the vehicle moving, 2 overdrives for efficient cruising at city and highway speeds, and enough range overall to use tall rear end gears. The overall effect is the torque converter locking out sooner, whereupon the automatic more or less behaves like a manual; no slip and minor fluid losses.

Of course with a manual, you can still lug around at 30 MPH in 5th gear and maybe edge out an automatic by an MPG or two. I used to do that, but I prefer to let my truck live in the 1600-1900 RPM range to save wear and tear on the clutch and gears.

Manuals are also, IMO, superior for towing. As long as the clutch is in, there is no slip, and minimal heat buildup. Find the right gear and let the engine pull hills at 4,000 RPM all day.

 

I manuals are better at towing, why are they rated lower?
http://www.trailerboats.com/towratin...t=&max_tlimit=

 

They are rated lower, but only by a couple hundred pounds. Also, note that when you bolt a V8 up to the manual, it is still strong enough to pull 5300#, and probably more.



I'd say it's probably due to axle choices and their impact on clutch wear; since you can only get a manual with 3.21's or 3.55's, getting a 5000# trailer rolling requires more clutch slip.

Dodge didn't make 3.92's available with the manual I suspect because highway RPM's would be too high for some people's taste.

Also note that when you look at a truck designed for big-boy towing, there really isn't a difference between the two:

http://www.trailerboats.com/towratin...t=&max_tlimit=


An automatic also makes use of torque multiplication, where the torque converter slippage increases the torque delivered to the transmission beyond what the engine alone can deliver. So you can get a heavier load moving.

I wasn't so much implying manuals can pull *more*, although a manual with 3.92's looks like it could, but that they suffer less wear and tear on during accleration and hills. I'd bet they get better towing fuel economy too. The 6 speed has 4 gears that can be used at highway speed, so it's easy to find just the right gear for grades. No hunting, converter locking-unlocking, no need for a trans cooler.

 

I was just looking at the Dak's IF I wanted a big-boy tow vehicle, I'd get a CTD. Can't get them in Manual either. 400 LBS difference in towing between what is available in the manual and the auto can make a big difference for those that got the truck mostly for towing. Please don't get me wrong, I learned to drive with a stick. Had a Comet with 3 on the colume. Fun to drive. Also a VW bug with 4 on the floor but that was years ago. in my case, the fun over usage (wife being able to drive it and 400 lbs more towing) would be enough to sway me towards the auto IF I had the choice. I didn't so choice was easier. Plus it came from factory with the tranny cooler, and I had a tranny gauge installed "just in case".

 

You absolutely can get a CTD manual. In fact, the CTD option is the only way to get a 6 speed manual.

They're pretty popular; probably 1/3 of the 3rd Gen CTD's on eBaymotors are stick shift.

Reg cab long bed 4x4 CTD manual...My personal dream rig

No doubt automatics can tow alot. Alot of day-hauler fleet big rigs are automatic now, to save on abuse from bad / careless drivers.

 

Anyway, looking at the Dodge website, they don't offer a Manual trans w/ a V8, at least in the "build your own" mode. Love to have an 8 foot bed too to lay plywood down flat. I guess next time I'll read the rules instead of insulting everyone.

 

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