Yeah very true!

When I used to lug that Searay around at 6k, it gave the truck a run for it's money on some long steep grades, but it did great for what it was. It helped being manual because 3rd is a great gear for stuff like that.

My new truck has only pulled 4,500#, and it was a piece of cake. Then again, it should be because it is stick with 4.10s. I was even able to start it out on 2nd on flat areas with no hesitation at all, just gave it a little bit more gas, and off she went. It's almost like having a low first gear, especially on hills!

I do recommend for better towing performance going with 4.10s with stock tires. You might burn a little more fuel, but you are guaranteed to be within a decent torque range on all gears if driven properly.

What I also like about the manual is the control over downhill grades, chuck it in 3rd and forget it, no brakes usually down a 10% grade @ 50-60 mph. Plus it don't over-rev the engine like if you were to drop it in 2nd like the automatics.

Personally, the v6 with the 5 speed is the best bet towing or not. You get full potential out of the engine.

And don't pay attention to some of the rumors that float around about automatics being better, it's hogwash. Then again, the automatic that is mated to the v6 is nearly indestructible, but it doesn't efficiently use the power of the v6.

 

I think it's the perfect truck for you if you want to keep the price down. I had a V6 manual for two years for the same reason, because it kept the price down. It did everything I needed it to. My trailers are small utility trailers under 5k. They pull fine. I don't remember any moment when I though it was not enough truck.

Even when I took the big trailer down the the sand pit. It's a real pit, so you need to pull the loaded 4k trailer up hill out of the pit. It pulled fine in 1st, and the tong weight gave the wheels traction.

There are many days when I miss that truck. Because with the better fuel mileage I would tend to drive around more often., and I would just go places because that's what i wanted to do. Now, with the V8, larger wheels, and 4x4 I need to be more disciplined. I lost a bit of freedom when I left that truck at the dealership.

 

lol i dont think i will ever sell mine. dont get the millage it should but it has not had any problems in 113,100 some miles it still runs and drives like new and is not showing me any signs of slowing down. yeah i will buy something diffrent but i will never sell this pickup. plus it has centimental value to me casue i have liked it since the day my brother bought it off the show room floor and still do today. and it has been in my family since the first mile was put on it. im gunna keep in the family till the last mile is put on it.