MT Question for 2nd Gen

As a former 2nd Gen owner, I now have a 3rd Gen with AT so I'm not up on the way it used to be, so I'm seeking some help from the "Old Guard". I have a friend with a 2009 4 cyl MT and I'm trying get an answer for him. Whenever he is in reverse, not riding the clutch, it smells of burning clutch. This is happening only in reverse, especially when on any incline. Any thoughts? He tows very little (small wire trailer) and not very often if that matters.
Thanks in advance!

 

It sounds like your buddy is slipping the clutch a bit. Reverse in an MT requires a bit more finesse than moving forward, especially on an incline. Clutch smell is also a bit more evident when in reverse because you are backing up into the “smell” instead of driving forward and away from it. How many miles are on the clutch is also a good question, perhaps it’s getting aged and isn’t catching as quickly as it used to.