Our police cars, vehicles that get used very hard, all went to automatic transmitions many years ago. That's because they hold up much better than any manuel transmition when used like that.
The only thing you need to do with one is make sure it gets serviced regularly. So they cost alot more than a manuel transmition to maintain. I have one in my 06 dodge diesel. Nice to have when carrying and towing heavy loads in the mountains.
Actually, having had a auto trans in an IH ScoutII for many years, I found them better for off roading. Much easier to ease over nasty rocks. Easier on the drive line components as well.
I dunno about you guys, but when I'm hunting, I tend to look around too much which means I don't drive as well as I should over rough ground. An auto transmition is much more forgiving. E
