Why bad MPG with manual (6 speed)?

You guys have it good, I'm lucky to see 15mpg at 70mph on the freeway

I have 6th gear envy

 

I'm in same range...even better sometimes. Summer temps all stock 9.x/100kms is common. Even hit 8.8 on a 200 kms trip once.

Now, winter temps, tyres and headwinds...sees me at 11.x/100

Maybe B10 is more efficient lol

 

I don't think there is a huge gearing difference, if any. It is just that the automatics can shift better than a human can, as far as fuel economy goes. I got the manual because I love to row my own gears, and I am hoping to get fewer requests to borrow the truck on moving day. Also, the day is coming when the automatic will know a steep uphill grade is approaching and will downshift in anticipation, but that day is not today.

 

Mine has consistently been 20 MPG since day 1, recently it has gone down due to Winter Blended fuel

 

I regularly get 21-22 Tank average during the summer. 20ish during the winter. I rarely ever see anyone with an Auto report higher tank averages. I think the EPA drive cycle (max speed 60 mph) artificially inflates the AT mileage.

However, yes, the 6MT is geared a bit too low. The spacing of between 4th and 5th could have been larger...bumping up 6th proportionally. Many people report skipping 5th.

 

Agreed. It’s crazy because the speed limit where I live is 70. If I drive 75, I get about 17mpg. I drive 65 and I get 22.

 

No, there is a huge gearing difference on 5th and 6th gear. The Auto is much Taller, which is why with bigger tires the autos stay in 5th or 4th gear.

Edit: Add gear ratios.

 

Actually you are right, there is a big difference. In fifth, 3.66 vs 2.70. In sixth, 3.05 vs 2.27. Is that right?

Glad I got the manual.

 

That's the key. And 40mpg roads give me even higher, but I'm not on those for long.

 

I hardly ever use 5th Gear, probably skip it 95% of the time.

 

Same. 12-13 in the city (which is 99 percent of my driving). I usually tap out at 14 on the highway.

 

Actually truer than vehicles that actually have "PZEV" badges on them.

One of my proudest father moments was when one of my kids asked "How the heck do you get "partial zero"?"

 

And the cracked windshield.....


More on that Friday. 13k miles.

 

My 2011 quad cab 6 speed on 285 70 17 gets 13 to 14 calculated. Mix of highway and city and I'm a very relaxed driver. I'm a little disappointed to say the least.

 

Yup. Even regearing to 4.88 gears leave you short of the manual.

 

Look at that reverse ratio on the V6 M/T. Just look at it. Now look at 1st gear.

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!

/rant.

 

If you do the math, the money you save by saving just a couple MPGs doesn't really add up to much. I know "much" is relative, but if you're in the market for a new truck I'd imagine it isn't going to do much for your bottom line either.

One thing to consider, depending on your need, is the high gearing of reverse. I find myself riding the clutch way more than I'd like, and I could imagine that if I were trying to back up a trailer it would be a pain in the ass.

 

To me, that's my biggest complaint about the 6MT. I don't understand it at all. Should be just the opposite and have a granny reverse.

 

I consistently see guys up north getting better MPG than we do in the south. A/C Compressor costs at least 1MPG on these trucks. Also, we have 85mph speed limits down here. That said, I've tried to push it as hard as I can a few times and have only gotten high 19's, with the best tank ever in 92 fill ups being 19.7 mpg. If I go by the computer in the truck, it says over 20mpg all of the time. Are y'all reporting numbers that the truck says or are you hand calculating at the gas pump?

 

Wish the diff ratio was different in the autos, that is for sure. This thread is a giant rationalization post, which is pretty hilarious.

To be fair, I would say that on a new truck, this is the only time it really matters since you will have the vehicle for longer. If its a used truck, or your only going to own for a few years (90% of drivers) then it doesn't matter