Using the manual shift vs. automatic
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New User
Joined: Sep 2017
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Using the manual shift vs. automatic
I have a F250 with a fifth wheel.. a friend has told me i should use the Manual shift instead of just dropping it in drive and pulling the 5th wheel.... better gas mileage and better for transmission ...
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
I doubt the transmission cares and mileage may be a crap shoot, but I use manual when out West with serious grades. I think it makes the truck perform more the way I want it to then allowing the transmission to choose. Back home in the Southeast, I just lock out 6th and go. There just are not enough serious grades to give it a second thought.
I would opine that where one travels plays a major role in driving preferences.
Steve
I would opine that where one travels plays a major role in driving preferences.
Steve
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,711
Likes: 12,853
From: Wyoming
Like Steve said in post #2, I only use Manual mode when descending mountain passes. Otherwise, I leave in D and let the transmission do its thing. I do enable tow/haul mode, but only when I have my RV trailer behind me. The ATV trailer is light enough that it tow/haul isn't needed.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 418
Likes: 24
From: Greeneville TN USA
As I was traversing a steep grade and down another today, I was experimenting a bit on the best way to control the speed of the rig. I had done this grade with the same partially loaded trailer several days in a row, trying tow haul, exhaust brake, manually selecting gears, etc. I commented to my wife who was riding with me that it was so much easier to drive a manual transmission, so much more intuitive, and satisfying as well.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
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From: SE Florida
It's not better for the transmission. On the other hand, it's not worse for the transmission, either. The transmission was engineered to be durable in either mode.
If you really understand the engine BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption) charts then you MIGHT be able to squeak out a couple tenths of MPG out of manual mode. But that was considered when creating the automatic shift schedules, so there really isn't much to be gained.
Do you want to know what BSFC is? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_...el_consumption
If you really understand the engine BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption) charts then you MIGHT be able to squeak out a couple tenths of MPG out of manual mode. But that was considered when creating the automatic shift schedules, so there really isn't much to be gained.
Do you want to know what BSFC is? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brake_...el_consumption
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
I use automatic and cruise control in tow/haul mode as a general rule.
On steep descents then I switch to manual to better control the downhill run.
On steep descents then I switch to manual to better control the downhill run.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2016
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Pretty much agree with everything said already. IMO, there are more benefits to today's auto besides giving your left leg a rest. They're formulated to keep your truck in the "sweet spot" for power and efficiency. They protect your engine from being excessively lugged and over revved. So unless you're in a peculiar scenario or headed down some steep hills, just stick it in D along with tow/haul when towing. I click on the cruise too on the interstates.
Used to be manuals got better fuel economy with a prudent driver...not so sure anymore. Today's autos are pretty good.
Used to be manuals got better fuel economy with a prudent driver...not so sure anymore. Today's autos are pretty good.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 83
Likes: 9
From: Idaho
It is mostly what we are comfortable with. I live out West, and use manual shift with the 5th behind me on/in the hills. On the flat I just lock out OD-- however, I continue to lock out gears when braking just because I can.
With my diesels, it was a different story.
With my diesels, it was a different story.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Steve
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
It's in the owners manual. When you are running in "D" on the shifter just press "-" and you will see 6 vanish from the selector. You can go the same to lock out any gear to avail constant shifting in hills or when pulling a load. You can bring them back by hitting "+". When you turn the engine off, it all resets. Your transmission still shifts automatically, but you limit the number of gears it can choose.
If I have to lock out more than 6th, I am likely to move the selector to "M" and just shift manually.
Steve
If I have to lock out more than 6th, I am likely to move the selector to "M" and just shift manually.
Steve