Manual Tranny
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Manual Tranny
Hi all. I'm new here so I'll say a big how y'all doing and get on with my first of what will probably be many questions.
What I would like to know is why the GCWR is rated so much lower for my truck, with a manual transmission, than the same vehicle with an automatic transmission? I know it's just a half ton but the rating on my truck is half of what it would be if it had an auto tranny. Anyone I have spoken to feels the same as me in that a manual transmission is an inherintly more reliable transmission for towing. I've been trying to get someone at Ford to admit that they only rate it lower because it is vulnerable to failure due to operator error or misuse. God knows that the world is full of stupid people and there are a lot of them out there keeping transmission shops in business.
What risk do I run if I tow beyond what they rate the truck for ... other than the obvious voided warranty?
What I would like to know is why the GCWR is rated so much lower for my truck, with a manual transmission, than the same vehicle with an automatic transmission? I know it's just a half ton but the rating on my truck is half of what it would be if it had an auto tranny. Anyone I have spoken to feels the same as me in that a manual transmission is an inherintly more reliable transmission for towing. I've been trying to get someone at Ford to admit that they only rate it lower because it is vulnerable to failure due to operator error or misuse. God knows that the world is full of stupid people and there are a lot of them out there keeping transmission shops in business.
What risk do I run if I tow beyond what they rate the truck for ... other than the obvious voided warranty?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
This is not because of the transmission being weak. It is because of the fact that an automatic allows a heavy load to get rolling from a dead stop with MUCH less strain on the engine.
I am a manual transmission fan also and will not purchase or drive anything else. I had this same question when I bought my 5speed F150.
Good luck,
I am a manual transmission fan also and will not purchase or drive anything else. I had this same question when I bought my 5speed F150.
Good luck,
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 80
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
they rate the manuel at a lower capacity basically to cover their a@#. just as long as you know how to use the clutch when towing up steep grades you shouldnt have much of a problem. i wouldnt recomend going over 5000 pounds. i have the manual tranny and live in baton rouge, LA so i dont really have the towing over hills and mountains problem. and yes they still use that mazda tranny, M5OD.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
I tend to agree with fordguyforlife as long as you are GOOD with a clutch. I have about 45 years experience of driving with almost ALL of it being a manual and take a lot of pride in my manual transmission ability.
To add to what he said, though, I think the important part is how you use the clutch to get the extra load rolling from a dead stop. Use light throttle application and ease out the clutch with a minimum of slipping. Once you have released the clutch pedal COMPLETELY still use a light throttle until you've picked up a few thousand RPM.
The key is not to LUG the engine. That's what they are trying to prevent with the low tow capacity number. If you do end up lugging the engine while getting the load to move away from a dead stop, it will do MUCH less damage to the engine with light throttle application than if you were standing on it.
Good luck,
To add to what he said, though, I think the important part is how you use the clutch to get the extra load rolling from a dead stop. Use light throttle application and ease out the clutch with a minimum of slipping. Once you have released the clutch pedal COMPLETELY still use a light throttle until you've picked up a few thousand RPM.
The key is not to LUG the engine. That's what they are trying to prevent with the low tow capacity number. If you do end up lugging the engine while getting the load to move away from a dead stop, it will do MUCH less damage to the engine with light throttle application than if you were standing on it.
Good luck,
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Thanks guys and or gals ... not sure of who is who here yet. I had suspected that it was a CYA rating. If anyone has any further information I'd love to hear it. Even some specs and comparisons of the Mazda tranny to others on the market.
I have been driving standards since I started driving (legally) 25 years ago. I haven't burned the clutch out of one yet and don't expect to anytime soon. I love this truck and don't want to part with it just because Ford put an unreasonably low rating on the tow capacity. I'll just get all my warranty work done in advance (a couple of minor items I want to get looked after) and then I won't have to worry about any voiding of that.
Again, if you have more info I'd love to hear it. And thanks again.
I have been driving standards since I started driving (legally) 25 years ago. I haven't burned the clutch out of one yet and don't expect to anytime soon. I love this truck and don't want to part with it just because Ford put an unreasonably low rating on the tow capacity. I'll just get all my warranty work done in advance (a couple of minor items I want to get looked after) and then I won't have to worry about any voiding of that.
Again, if you have more info I'd love to hear it. And thanks again.
