Can You Drive a Stick Shift When Towing?

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Throughout most of my driving career, I have relied on manual transmissions for most of my vehicle operations. This includes towing a variety of boats ranging from 8 feet to a hefty 2000 pound 19-foot boat, with a car that had 219,000 miles on the original clutch when I sold it.

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A Decades-Long Experience

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I have done this for 55 years on and off, and during that time, I have always towed every trailer or caravan I ever owned using a manual transmission.

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The Reality of Towing with a Manual Transmission

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While many people may wonder if it is possible to tow with a manual transmission, the answer is yes. However, you must consider the gear settings appropriate for the load. If the lowest gear is sufficient to start the vehicle on the steepest hill, it will tow the trailer. You will need to use lower gears, particularly going downhill, which will slow your progress.

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For instance, my 2-litre Subaru Forester was easily able to start and drag a little trailer full of gravel weight, around one tonne, up our 1 in 4 driveway in its first gear (low ratio 1st). In fact, many Australians successfully towed big, heavy trailers with F100s using the splendidly low 6.68:1 first gear in the 4-speed manual.

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Towing without the Hassle of Trailers

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Some people might wonder, "Why do you need a trailer hitch or a 5th wheel plate for towing?" The reality is, until the invention of the automatic transmission, there were no trailers. The primary purpose of automatic transmissions was to enable vehicles to pull trailers. Previously, drivers often became confused when the extra weight of the trailer required them to shift gears differently. This was confusing even for the best drivers, leading to frequent stalling or over-revving.

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Comparing Manual and Automatic Transmissions for Towing

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Many individuals, particularly in regions where manual transmissions are the norm, successfully tow trailers using their stick shifts. For example, in countries with extensive use of manual transmissions, it is common for people to tow comfortably. However, based on your question, it seems you may not have such experience.

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It is often better to use a manually geared vehicle for towing because you can adjust your gear changes to accommodate the additional weight. This allows for more precise control and prevents issues related to stalling or over-revving.

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Conclusion

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Towing with a manual transmission is entirely possible, but it requires careful attention to gear selection and adjustments. Whether one driving a stick shift or an automatic, the purpose is the same—to move and guide a trailer or caravan safely and efficiently.

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