Manual transmission gasser
Any one remember when the last big cubic inch. Gas engine with a manual trans came out. I bet they are rare if the owners are like me. Lol The new autos just don't seem right for my mountain dri...
Forum Discussion
Most of my vehicles over the years have had a manual transmission, usually to have more gears than was possible with an automatic transmission. My current truck has the GM Grade Control and it has a 6-speed transmission. It works perfectly.
I have done descents of 10 miles on grades that went from 6% to 8% and kept the truck at 35 MPH without touching the brakes. Going into a section where I needed to go slower still all I have to do is tap the brake pedal and the transmission downshifts and maintains a slower speed. It ONLY works with the transmission in auto mode. Put it into manual selection and the grade control is disabled - which I would bet many owners do not realizing that they have disabled this function.
An automatic transmission can allow for some slipping and shock absorption that if done with a manual transmission would damage the synchro gears or the clutch or both. For offroad excursions I prefer a manual transmission and a clutch but for towing an automatic is the better choice.
A secondary consideration for people towing a camper is the power lost while shifting with a manual transmission. The newest tractor rigs are coming with a new type of transmission that allows for constant power during gear changes to avoid the loss of power and wasted fuel.
With my Chevy truck I have the Grade Control, an exhaust brake, and tow/haul mode and a trailer brake controller which can be used individually or together to provide a great deal more control when towing if used properly. These systems do still depend upon the person behind the steering wheel.
I have done descents of 10 miles on grades that went from 6% to 8% and kept the truck at 35 MPH without touching the brakes. Going into a section where I needed to go slower still all I have to do is tap the brake pedal and the transmission downshifts and maintains a slower speed. It ONLY works with the transmission in auto mode. Put it into manual selection and the grade control is disabled - which I would bet many owners do not realizing that they have disabled this function.
An automatic transmission can allow for some slipping and shock absorption that if done with a manual transmission would damage the synchro gears or the clutch or both. For offroad excursions I prefer a manual transmission and a clutch but for towing an automatic is the better choice.
A secondary consideration for people towing a camper is the power lost while shifting with a manual transmission. The newest tractor rigs are coming with a new type of transmission that allows for constant power during gear changes to avoid the loss of power and wasted fuel.
With my Chevy truck I have the Grade Control, an exhaust brake, and tow/haul mode and a trailer brake controller which can be used individually or together to provide a great deal more control when towing if used properly. These systems do still depend upon the person behind the steering wheel.
