I went and looked at the dealer site; they say "will covert to automatic". I don't know that any of the roadranger transmissions can be easily converted, so I am assuming that they mean remove and replace, which would be spendy.
Auto vs. Manual: It depends on the transmission and needs. Unless one is in town a lot, running a lot of backroads, or has a physical disability, shifting is a small concern - once up to road speed, anything more than a splitter move is unlikely. For most purposes, the Autoshift (gotta have a clutch, sorry) Fuller 10 speeds are ample. Sadly, the wide ratio transmissions (I think it is the "C" series) are only rated to 1650 foot pounds, which makes little sense to me. (Likwise the Lightning series, the only manual 10 speed which makes sense IMHO.) I would expect a higher torque motor would be more capable of having the wider ratio spreads. (Oddly enough, if I recall correctly, the 10 speed wide ratio transmission has a wider overall spread than the 18!) One of my concerns is that I want to be able to have long gears for some of the open roads of the west (I live in Washington), without having it forced to cruise in 9th when in places with lower limits. Example: when I recently had to go the People's Republic of Illinois, I was reminded that the RV limit is 55. If the truck is geared for the 70+ cruise of the far west, 55 is almost certainly a 9th gear proposition. Answer: 13 speed, which can be driven like a 9, and probably have more than a few gears skipped, too. None are made with autoshift, which mandates an 18, which is a ton of $$, and borders on stupid when not in a heavy hauler operation.
In addition, I suspect that when moving in a tight spot in a rig this size, (extra low) lower gearing for reverse and 1st would be a darned valuable thing. The only transmission which offers that as a possibility is from Mack, a manual. I am in fact considering a Mack for the foundation, using a Vision daycab, 355/380 powerplant, and the 13 speed. This would provide ample power (1560 foot pounds, the real issue, not HP), plenty of speed and flexibility, and among the better fuel usage levels. Mack can also build an AWD version if I think it is worth the hassle. (The only other manufacturer I would seriously look at is Western Star, using their aerodynamic tractor; I think it is the 4900. They too can make an AWD in the factory and set up everything so the tractor goes right to the maker ready to go. The torque rating of the automatics is an issue here, as I would want a C15, which can be ordered or turned up pretty far.)
FWIW, take a look at this rig - they have set it up with additional solar panels, etc, so it can be more flexible without a generator or much use of propane. I have determined to go without propane, using only diesel (generator) and electric. I can use regular household appliances, which should perform better and cheaper. I am also looking at serious levels of solar panel and storage battery capacity (check out "earthroamer.com"), and lots of water capacity. It will either be a tandem or have a tag axle so that I can make the maximum use of the inherent ability to carry lots of weight safely and easily.
But I'm a little more rough edged than some.
