Manual vs auto trans for trailering?

I'm shopping for a 2014 Access cab 6-cyl 4x4. I'll be pulling a lightweight travel trailer (most likely between 2,500 and 3,000 lbs). I'm concerned that the Tacoma auto trans will wear out faster if pulling a load. Am I better off getting the 6-speed manual? In general, doe4s the Toyota manual trans last longer/have fewer problems than the auto trans?

 

I've had both and pulled with both and I prefer the auto. The auto trans in the tacoma is solid. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it was the same trans that was used in the V-8 (4.7L) 4Runner and Tundra's. Before you buy one, I suggest you drive both but the 6speed are harder to locate. Also the 6speed had/has it's issues with the aluminum shaft wear. Don't know if Toyota ever fixed it. Just do a search.

 

Auto is generally better for towing all around. For the Tacoma, I didnt think the first gear was short enough to be good for towing.

Remember, in lower gears, the torque converter is also a torque multiplier and with modern day lock up clutches, you dont have to worry about loosing efficiency in higher gears.

That said, manuals are cheaper and easier to fix and maintain. If you go with a manual, I would suggest a re-gear depending on how much you plan to tow.

 

Yeah umm.... i see people replacing clutches in their manuals quite often.... its few and far between i ever hear of anyone having to have work done on their autos.

After that first clutch (which usually happens before 100k) that price difference from the auto is completely voided.

 

Theres someone on here who replaced his clutch for the first time at around 325,000 miles, and it still had some meat on it. Most people have their OEM clutch for WAY past 100,000 miles

 

Not saying that there arnt the cases where the stock clutch lasts a long time. Just that there are far far more threads asking how to replace a clutch / cost of clutch replacement / issues with the clutch. Than you see of the auto trans needing a rebuild.

 

There's a lot of people having to fix and maintain their autos around here. The two more prominent issues would be the strawberry milkshake (failed radiator) and the torque converter shudder (sometimes caused by the former ruining the lockup clutch). Coming from the factory underfilled is an issue but it's cheap to fix.

That said, I'd tow with the auto if given the choice. The main detriment to the 6 speed isn't how it behaves on the road; it's how it behaves if you have to back up your trailer. That reverse is absurdly tall and it's very hard not to smoke the clutch with a load if there's any incline at all.

139k on my factory clutch btw and I know for a fact the previous owner towed stuff with this truck.

 

I guess I'm missing those threads.

I see threads about the squeaking throwout bearing, but thats not an actual issue. The auto trans is solid as well, I'm partial to driving a stick shift though.

Also, agreeing with the above post that reverse in the manual transmission when towing SUCKS, its way too tall of a gear

 

sounds like the 2low mod would be perfect for reverse tailoring.

if you have the 4x4 that is.

 

fixed

I smoked the clutch on my six speed backing up with nigh but a COUCH in the bed, and it was barely a hill.

Reverse could probably do 50 mph if you tried

 

Go with the automatic and the tow package... you won't regret it.

 

I just got the 14, 6 speed manual access cab... so much more fun than auto... I say worth the cons... if any.

 

For towing, auto.

The tow package is a MUST. It includes a tranny cooler AND a 'supplemental oil cooling'. There's also a A/T Temp dummy light. So you'll at least know if you've overheated the tranny fluid and can change it ASAP. Heat IS the killer of an auto.

Also, you don't need to do the 2 low mod. You can use 4 low for short distances in many cases. Especially when going very slow and very short distances, much like reversing with a trailer. Not a bad mod, but not necessary to take advantage of the low range for short, infrequent dry pavement use. Ever been to Moab? The traction on the sandstone when dry is like driving on fine grit sandpaper. Much more traction than concrete or asphalt. I've done 100s of miles in 4 low there. I've also seen A LOT of carnage when using too much pepper. My self included. Rarely a 4 low problem. Usually an axle or ring and pinion.

And how about a link to the 2 low mod?

 

Towing with an auto trans with the tow package is the way to go. Auto has a torque converter as stated earlier. They multiply torque at take off, no jolts, no reving, just smooth pulling.
Is there a tow package for the 6 speed? Stronger clutch? Bigger throwout bearing? Bigger radiator? Lower gear ratio?
That's the beauty of the auto, less stress on the other components.

 

You're always better off getting a manual. Slush boxes are for ninnies.

 

Either will be fine for towing, though the high ratio on the 6spd in reverse is a valid concern. 2lo would cure that. 1st is PLENTY low enough.

The tow package is available with the 6spd transmission, and includes the same things as its automatic counterpart, save the transmission cooler.

 

Well if your concern is wearing out the transmission early then you need a standard. The automatic will go out when the standard will not. The standard will however need a clutch at some point. When that happens will depend on the driver and if you ride the clutch or not. I personally would choose the standard.

 

That's about the same amount of weight I tow w/ my '13 6-Speed. Gets the job done just fine. If you're preferential to an AT you could always go that route

Biggest difference would be on your slight upgrades and whenever you're going down hill. The AT will be jumping all over the place trying to decide on a gear when pulling up hill. Coming down you wont have the peace of mind of being able to downshift into the gear you want when you want it and you'll begin to understand why you hear a lot of these AT guys talking about how "soft" their brakes are. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before some slushbox AT guy will praise his trans of being able to do everything a 6-speed can. But....we all know it's nowhere near the same.

Good luck with your purchase.

Welcome to TW and

 

You can shift an auto to the desired gear when going down hill. So while not quite as effective for engine braking as the manual, it will still help. When going uphill you can also choose the gear you want to keep the auto from hunting. This is advised as the hunting really increases auto tranny temps. And the temps are what kill the auto tranny fluid which kills the auto tranny. If you keep it within the needed temps, your auto tranny should last many, many miles without replacement. More miles than a clutch and likely the life of the truck. If you overheat the tranny then it's a different story. The brakes on the tacoma may be 'soft' but they're huge for this size truck and do a great job stopping a trailer under 3500 lbs. without brakes. Add brakes to the trailer and it's not really an issue whatsoever.

I've pulled many trailers and have had many trucks. From a 88 Toyota to an 05' Ram 2500 w/ Cummins diesel. All have had autos except the 88 Toy. I would never buy a manual to tow regularly. Auto trannys have come a long way in the last 20 years. Especially the last 5 to 10.

I will say that I'm not extremely impressed with the Tacoma 5 speed auto but it's not terrible either.

If you want an auto, get an auto. If you want a manual, get a manual. I don't think either will give you problems towing.

 

I start my camper rolling in first at an idle it will pull it. At highway speeds I can cruse in 6th. If you don't know how to drive a stick get the automatic.