Towing- Auto trans vs manual

I noticed in the specs for the Explorer that when equipped with auto
transmission it can tow a heavier trailer.

For example, a 1998 with 4.0L OHV engine and 3.73 differential can tow
up to a 5160 lb trailer, vs 2700 lbs for the same specs except with a
manual transmission.

Anyone know why that is- is the transmission not as robust, or is it
the clutch? Or what?
-Paul

On 10 Jul 2006 13:05:00 -0700, wrote:

>I noticed in the specs for the Explorer that when equipped with auto
>transmission it can tow a heavier trailer.
>
>For example, a 1998 with 4.0L OHV engine and 3.73 differential can tow
>up to a 5160 lb trailer, vs 2700 lbs for the same specs except with a
>manual transmission.
>
>Anyone know why that is- is the transmission not as robust, or is it
>the clutch? Or what?
>-Paul


Such differences are relatively common in all brands. I heard it was
due to premature clutch wear with heavy loads, i.e., most people don't
know how to drive a manual. It would not surprise me however that
it's also because the manual transmissions don't hold up well under
the constant load.

The torque converter in the automatic provides more starting torque
than you can get with a clutch.

On Mon, 10 Jul 2006 21:37:30 -0700, Ashton Crusher >
wrote:

>On 10 Jul 2006 13:05:00 -0700, wrote:
>
>>I noticed in the specs for the Explorer that when equipped with auto
>>transmission it can tow a heavier trailer.
>>
>>For example, a 1998 with 4.0L OHV engine and 3.73 differential can tow
>>up to a 5160 lb trailer, vs 2700 lbs for the same specs except with a
>>manual transmission.
>>
>>Anyone know why that is- is the transmission not as robust, or is it
>>the clutch? Or what?
>>-Paul
>
>
>Such differences are relatively common in all brands. I heard it was
>due to premature clutch wear with heavy loads, i.e., most people don't
>know how to drive a manual. It would not surprise me however that
>it's also because the manual transmissions don't hold up well under
>the constant load.

Big Shoe wrote:
> The torque converter in the automatic provides more starting torque
> than you can get with a clutch.
>

Ah- that makes sense. That's exactly what "torque converter" means.

There's also the parking brake. I was thinking about towing a boat to
one of our local lakes. There is one intersection with a stop sign on a
somewhat steep uphill grade. That would be a royal pain with a heavy
load, that @#$% foot-operated parking brake and a clutch....
-Paul