What do you guys prefrer for offroad? AUTO OR MANUAL AND WHY?

 

I like auto because I am lazy, and I dont like to stall.

 

I've never wheeled a auto but it seems a bit easier just from watching people I go wheelin' with like MarcP.

I have a manual 5-speed and I stall now and then but that's more because I'm impatient than anything. Manual you HAVE to learn how to use the e-brake to keep you from rolling backwards off a rock you're stopped on. Still something I'm trying to master since I have the twist and push/pull kind.

Definatley lower gearing in a manual would be a big help as you can let the motor do a bit more work at idle in gear.

I think though in the long run the manual might be abetter option if you're good at it. More control for bumping over things and gear options.

 

I stall a good amount, I'm a horrible driver. But I still prefer the 5spd to auto. Auto is careless, but I think you can get more finesse with a 5spd if you know where the clutch "grabs".

I am no stranger the the burning clutch smell. I suck.

 

Autos are less reliable, and much more difficult to rebuild properly after the much earlier failure rates they suffer. Look at what the guys COMPETING in any kind of motorsport and they are SHIFTING. A driver wants a clutch! Or a paddle, button ect. Whatever the system, the gear selection should be at the drivers disposal, instantly

 

Having wheeled both, I know the auto is SUPERIOR offroad and on-road....anyplace else the manual is ok.

Now an auto tends to be more complicated and requires a little more TLC and preparation in the form of heat controllers like tranny coolers.....but an auto has something that a manny will never have....LAUNCH. Launch allows the auto to go UP things that a manny just wallows on.

 

I've been raise on autos - my first manual was (and is) my 1st gen. So far all my offroading trips have been major embarrassments with my lack of control (stalling, etc). I'm confident that I'll get the hang of it though.

I just need to get certain parts fixed so that I can drive it around and practice more now

 

Manual is better for off road....especially down hill. Just put in your lowest gear and don't step on the brake.

 

Most UROC, WeROC and CALROC comp buggies are two or three speed autos.

If you have trail failure that results in a hole in the pan, either will be dead.

If you have an auto, you can fake a crawler. Most of my wheeling is crawling up stuff so control there is better than control descending.

I wheel an auto crawler and wouldn't have it any other way.

I wheel with non-crawlered 5spd's and the smell of clutch is getting to be a favorite of mine.

 

im new to my toyota still and have never pushed that button on the far left of the dash. clutch start delete or whever it is...but wouldent that be good on a steep hill so you would not need the parking break right? when starting out in the manual?
would i only need that on a big steep hill?

 

Ditto...

 

In 1st gear and 4LO I hardly ever have to ride the clutch, even up steep stuff.

Of course the type of wheeling I do vs. what some of you are talking about is probably very different. For my needs, on and off-road, a manual is superior. I agree though, an Auto is easier to wheel.