Re: [A/S] Stick shift for towing? Technology has advanced

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I almost get amused at the arguments between a stick shift and an automatic.
[I'm sure I will get a lot of flack for my comments, but so what. It's my
opinion and you can do with it what you want.]

The reality is, that automatics have come a long way since the old days. So
most of the old arguments in favor of the stick are no longer valid.

Sure, automatics are more complex than sticks, but the engineering of a
modern automatic, properly sized for the job is up to the task and then
some. All things being equal, with periodic fluid and filter changes, an
automatic will usually last longer than a clutch on a manual.

Perhaps the most famous documented failure of automatic transmissions was
the Hydra Matics on the GM army trucks in hilly Korea in the 50's. That was
almost a half century ago!  The  automatics kept breaking down because they
kept up shifting and then had to down shift when the truck could not
maintain speed climbing the hill with a load.

Today, automatics, with computer controls, are smarter than most drivers.
For example, my 2002 Chevy pickup (as do Tahoes and Suburbans, etc.) has a
Hydra-Matic with a "Tow/Haul" button. It's use requires some intelligence on
the part of the driver - engage the tow/haul mode if towing or hauling a
heavy load on a hill.  In this mode, the computer will change the shift
points of the transmission so you don't have the Korean trucking problem.

However, if you are dense, and the transmission starts to overheat, no
problem. The computer will sense this and automatically put the transmission
into tow/haul mode.

In the old days, there were far fewer automatic transmissions to choose from
due to the higher design and tooling costs as compared to a stick. Thus,
many automatic equipped vehicles were probably built with an automatic that
was not the best fit for the job. [A stick could easily be modified, within
reason, to have different gear ratios, and mated to a clutch of adequate
capacity.]

Nowadays, there are so many automatics to choose from, and the production
volume so high, that a satisfactory automatic can be readily mated to the
power train.  If not, the automakers can and will build a new one (for
example, the GM Allison for the Dura Max diesel engine, since the
Hydra-Matics couldn't handle the torque).

So, from my perspective, it's a no brainer. The automatic has it all over
the stick.  The only caveat is to make sure that the automatic is strong
enough to do the job, and that the bean counters with the green eyeshades
haven't torpedoed the engineers who know better.

Many of the newer automatics even have a "smart computer" which learns the
driving style of the driver and shifts the transmission accordingly.  If the
driver is aggressive, the transmission will hold the lower gears longer on
up shifting, and downshift sooner on decelerating.  It will subsequently
adapt when a different, less aggressive driver takes the wheel.

Now we even see the "Tiptronic" automatics which let the driver upshift or
downshift by simply pushing the shift lever to one side or the other. (This
is a feature only if the driver knows better than the transmission what gear
to be in.)

From a safety standpoint, the automatic makes it a lot easier for the driver
to keep the tow vehicle in the proper gear.  Down shifting a stick (for
engine braking) while descending a hill and the rig is picking up speed
(especially when the shift lever is in neutral in the middle of the shift)
can be a very harrowing experience (but no sweat with an automatic).

But in the final analysis, you pay your money and take your choice.

My best, whichever route you go.

Oliver Filippi