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^^ If you want a Toyota pickup, Tundra would be much better for towing. Something else that you should consider is that a LOT of RVers decide to upgrade to a larger camper after a year or two. Having a larger pickup than what you need is often a good idea.
As for the manual transmission, I bought a new F250 PSD 4x4 with the 6-speed manual in 2000. I'd previously had an '89 F250 with automatic and didn't care for it. (All my pickups before it were manual.) If I'd been smart I'd have at least discussed the automatic with my salesman, but I went to the dealer wanting a stick, and the salesman didn't argue with me. I discovered a few weeks later that the automatic had a higher tow rating.
The 2000 automatic turned out to be problematic, so I was glad I had the stick... except that I had to replace the clutch at around $2800, iirc. Then a few months later I had clutch problems again, and the dealer said my warranty wouldn't cover it because this time it was failing due to gunk leaking from the turbo wastegate. New wastegate, new clutch and a couple other problems with it, so instead of fixing it I traded it last year for a Prius! LOL
Even if I had a choice of manual or automatic, this time I'd choose an automatic. They're much better than they used to be, and I've heard of few complaints from people who use them hard (ranch trucks, oil field trucks, etc.).
EDIT to say I pulled small-medium sized 5th wheel campers with the trucks mentioned above -- three different ones from 25 to 30 feet. The larger two both put me right at GVWR.
i operate a small fleet of delivery trucks and we quit buying sticks in the early 80's. (our franchisor conducted all the tests and collected all the data to recommend engine and transmission combos for about any of the manufacturers we wanted to use) the automatics we are buying now, are just about trouble free. we have put 300k miles on most with no issues at all.
i still recommend a full size pickup as a tow vehicle and the tundra should be a good one. i have towed with a tacoma and i just don't recommend that for regular use on any heavy tows.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Electrician4you
Add the biggest trans cooler you can fit and install a aftermarket trans temp guage. That's pretty much standard for a automatic trans the cooler you can keep it the better it is. You wont have a issue.
Not Toyota / light towing relevant, but for 'heavier towers / readers'.
I add an additional point to the above.. Use a high synthetic ATF fluid and change fluid at least every 40,000k (if towing heavy or dirty environment / stop and go).
Duramax and Allison seem to work for 'pickup' heavy towing (automatic)
Friends with Cummins pickups seem very pleased with an aftermarket Automatic from Canada (DTT most often)
WARNING: I have never been able to get as good of economy towing heavy (20,000#) with an automatic (12mpg) vs manual (14-16 mpg) I tow 9% grade Mtns and HEAVY, so I waste a lot of energy making TC heat on switchbacks.
There are some great Automatic options in Class 8 Semi trucks. If you need to tow 100,000# or similar
If you have a fleet and tow (using employees),,, as mentioned automatics will usually be your friend (as are female drivers, more often 'gentle' or at least follow expicit instructions!!!!). Your WORKING truck does not earn any revenue while getting new clutches installed. (But your abusive / careless drivers still expect a paycheck)
Not Toyota / light towing relevant, but for 'heavier towers / readers'.
I add an additional point to the above.. Use a high synthetic ATF fluid and change fluid at least every 40,000k (if towing heavy or dirty environment / stop and go).
Duramax and Allison seem to work for 'pickup' heavy towing (automatic)
Friends with Cummins pickups seem very pleased with an aftermarket Automatic from Canada (DTT most often)
WARNING: I have never been able to get as good of economy towing heavy (20,000#) with an automatic (12mpg) vs manual (14-16 mpg) I tow 9% grade Mtns and HEAVY, so I waste a lot of energy making TC heat on switchbacks.
There are some great Automatic options in Class 8 Semi trucks. If you need to tow 100,000# or similar
I f you have a fleet and tow (using employees),,, as mentioned automatics will usually be your friend (as are female drivers, more often 'gentle' or at least follow expicit instructions!!!!). Your WORKING truck does not earn any revenue while getting new clutches installed. (But your abusive / careless drivers still expect a paycheck)
we also found automatics opens you up to a larger pool of potential employees, as a lot of these millennials can't drive a standard. (or at least not safely) didnt mean to get off topic, sorry
I am liking the Ford 5r110 automatic in the F250 I own.
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