Ram questions

blofgren wrote:

KBOnTheRoad wrote:
I have a 2016 Dodge Ram Cummins with the 6 speed auto and I can say without reservation that it's the best transmission I have ever driven. No tonly that but it works in tandem with the tow haul mode and the engine brake to make descending long steep grades a breeze.

The 6 speed will downshift automatically when needed and work with the engine brake. You can set the engine brake on FULL or Auto. Auto will let you set the speed you want to descend a hill at and it will keep you there.

And the fuel milage will be much better with the auto trans than the manual.

By all means get the auto.

By the way I have tested mine from the Baja to Alaska and back this year so it's seen a bit of everything.

Glad to hear you're happy with the automatic. How do you figure the auto is much better on fuel than the manual? Manuals are typically MUCH better at getting power to the road which makes them better on fuel.

That idea was true many years ago before computerized fuel injection which increased fuel mileage over carburetors significantly. The automatic transmissions of at least the last ten years that are electronically controlled act in the same way. It shifts at the most optimum point for load, speed etc and fuel economy. When you are not over or under shifting (revving or lugging) which is common habits with a standard you are getting better fuel mileage.

Secondly every head to head test of standard vs auto transmissions has resulted in the auto being the winner fuel mileage wise...and efficiency too which really are the same thing.

When automatics were three speeds with no electronics and really quite crude in comparison to todays transmissions you would be right but they have advanced way beyond the ability of a manual now.

Also having a manual derates your horsepower and torque and I beleive your load ratings...at least for the Dodge and that is very telling.