Manuals are longer lasting than automatics in my application. I tow with a '98 Dodge Ram with manual 5-speed. Even on newer models, auto transmissions are prone

Manuals are longer lasting than automatics in my application. I tow with a '98 Dodge Ram with manual 5-speed. Even on newer models, auto transmissions are prone to hunt under certain circumstances (which causes heavy internal wear) and wear out much faster than a comparable 5- or 6-speed. You can install various lockout switches (i.e., lockout overdrive), but at that point my muscle memory with the manual is less effort. On the road, the manual needs no attention other than to keep it in a gear that doesn't lug the engine. Being in too high a gear is the only thing that causes excess heat. In the automatic, despite two coolers in my model (air to air and air to coolant, lots of lines and aluminum to fill and have fail), keeping an eye on the trans temp is a necessity. Service is also simpler. Manual gets oil topped off at normal oil change intervals (seldom needs it), and a change when I do clutches (every 100k-200k miles, depending on load.) Automatics require the same level of fluid top-off, but also require fluid flushes every 60-80k miles (requiring a machine I don't have.) Though it's never been necessary, I can rebuild a manual transmission in my shop fairly easily, where an automatic takes much more specialist knowledge and has many more moving parts. In this application, it's likely you need an automatic transmission rebuild every 200-250k miles (way more expensive than two good clutches.) This all aside, where in the US can you rent a manual for the weekend? Even the luxury car segment has transitioned to paddle shifting everywhere I've asked (which is everywhere I've rented.)