Just Ordered a 6 speed - how much harder to drive???

[DHerzog]

I just ordered a new 6 speed, and getting a little nervous... I only started rving last year and have towed one year with an auto... my wife was really concerned when I ordered the manual...



Any suggestions on differences... . please keep me out of trouble... thanks

 

[klenger]

Easiest manual trans in the world. You'll love it.

 

[Grizzly]

Just don't use your cell phone while driving through downtown LA with your 6 speed. Seriously, you'll get used to it. You may put it in the wrong gear a lot at first, especially while downshifting, but that too will get better as time goes on. Something that helps me is when downshifting as I turn is make a u-turn on the gear shifter, that is, shift from 5th to 3rd, or shift from 6th to 4th. I was very used to my 95 CTD 5 speed, When I got the 05, 6 speed, it was a new learning experience. It will come to you.

 

[WardJ]

Piece of cake... ... . my 5'1" wife drives ours with no problems.

 

[kelly4463]

You'll love that 6sp now you need some stacks on that rig :-laf :-laf

 

[JRMora]

I just ordered a new 6 speed, and getting a little nervous... I only started rving last year and have towed one year with an auto... my wife was really concerned when I ordered the manual...



Any suggestions on differences... . please keep me out of trouble... thanks

One thing about these trucks that's a little different (but good). You'll be better off doing what's called a "zero throttle launch". In a normal car, if you don't feed in some gas as you let out the clutch, you'll stall. With the mighty Cummins (and their torque management), I let the clutch out and start rolling before I feather in the fuel. I do the same thing with my trailer attached (only I use 1st gear instead of 2nd) and have had zero problems with the clutch overheating or smoking. You can really heat up a clutch in these things by putting in too much fuel before the clutch is completely engaged.



That said, it's easier to tow with one of these that any of the old gasser's I have driven.



Have fun!



Juan

 

[Boondocker]

You have much more control over what engine RPM you run with a 6-speed. Plus an exhaust brake is an easy option. E-brakes aren't cheap, especially on the 3rd gens, but once you tow with one, you won't want to be without it. That's great safety factor / selling point of the manual for your co-driver

 

[Gene Arnold]

When I bought my '96 in 2001 to pull my 34' Airstream, I told my wife, "This is the truck I want, but just so you know ahead of time (so you know I'm not jerking you around), if my bad left knee won't stand up to the constant clutch use, I'll have to sell and buy an automatic. " I'm happy to say I've had zero problems. It had been a lot of years since I had driven manual shift trucks but I had no problem other than an occasional memory lapse when I neglected to disengage the clutch when coming to a stop . My big surprise was, it is easier to back my trailer with the 5 speed than it was with my automatic transmission Chevy that I had before. It did take me a while to learn the right shift points for smooth operation but that was no biggie. You'll enjoy your new ride.



Gene

 

[macdaddy]

More choices for gear selection for any given speed, keeps the CTD in the sweet spot.



Made the switch from the perf auto to the manual on the 05 I love it and so does the wife.



Electronic throttle makes backing with the trailer into a campsite a dream, you made a wise choice.



If not anything else the cost of maintaining the manual out weighs having to shift the thing even is stop and go traffic.



Mac

 

[Wdoucet]

Had an 05 auto, changed for an 06 manual, would never go back (you have to like rowing).

 

[mbhw]

It rocks

I love my 6 speed... ... ... . it shifts easier when pulling my 36' 5th wheel than it does solo. So do not worry. Ejoy

 

[RMachida]

I felt the same thing since I ordered my '05 6sp without ever even test driving one and about the first 5 minutes after picking it up from DSM, I was wondering if this was a good idea. By 10 minutes I was convinced that it was definitely the right choice.



Since the exhaust brake was an assumption, and after my poor experience with my last diesel-auto combo (Ford 7. 3), the 6sp manual choice was a no-brainer for me.

 

[Matt42]

Don't worry. Be happy.

I just ordered a new 6 speed, and getting a little nervous... I only started rving last year and have towed one year with an auto... my wife was really concerned when I ordered the manual...



Any suggestions on differences... . please keep me out of trouble... thanks

Let not your mind be troubled. You will absolutely love the additional control that the 6 speed gives you.

 

[WStephens]

This is my third diesel truck and the second manual and I really like the 6 speed it is very smooth. but you can not get into a hurry with it, it does not like to be speed shifted just acclerated smoothly and take your time making the shifts even double clutching up and down it really works well. the low first gear is great for slow driving and for launching your loaded trailer.

 

[Mundgyver]

Get the Exhaust Brake. I have 164,000+ miles and still have 35% of my original factory brakes left. Still have my original clutch in also. I figure some where beyond 200,000 is when I will have to do a brake job.



One things for sure, on those long down hill runs, you will have allot more control, especialy with an exhaust brake working for you. You will wonder why you ever towed with an automatic and you should get better mpg also.

 

[MN Cummins Lvr]

I agree 110% with the all the posts here. I had a 5 spd in my 99 and have a 6 speed in my 05. I just feel a lot more in control and comfortable with the manual while towing the 5'er, especially on mountain passes. I sold my 99 with 183K and the original clutch was still fine. There is an auto in the 'ole 92 I just bought but I don't plan on towing heavy w/it. Be sure to look out the passenger side mirror while towing your 5'er to watch for black smoke Enjoy your new ride!