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Subject Topic: Can you tow using an automatic
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via mobile 20/11/2024 at 12:17pm
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Hi, probably a really dumb question but we were thinking of changing our car from a manual to an automatic, however a couple of people have suggested that towing with an automatic will ruin the gearbox, I’m no expert and I’m hoping there will be someone out there who can clarify this, I don’t want to spend a fortune on a new car if it can’t be used to tow, many thanks.


20/11/2024 at 12:54pm
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Easiest thing in the world, towing with an automatic.

Go for it, you'll never look back.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


20/11/2024 at 1:04pm
 Location: Yorkshire
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You would have to check the car that you intended to buy, some are ok however some used to need a cooler fitted, I'm a manual fan for towing but for no particular reason.


via mobile 20/11/2024 at 1:24pm
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Go for it!
We've towed thousands of miles with automatic transmission cars without any problems whatsoever!


via mobile 20/11/2024 at 1:33pm
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Brilliant thank you, only moving to an automatic because of knee injuries and arthritis but I refuse to give up the caravan


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20/11/2024 at 6:53pm
 Location: Inverness
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Quote: Originally posted by SimSel on 20/11/2024
however a couple of people have suggested that towing with an automatic will ruin the gearbox,



They are talking nonsense!
Modern auto boxes are fantastic. I've been towing with autos for many years now and they are getting better all the time.
Go for it, you won't regret it!

-------------
I came into this world with nothing and I've still got most of it left.


20/11/2024 at 8:23pm
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One of my neighbours had to have an oil cooler fitted to his automatic but that was about 20 years ago.

-------------
Bernie


20/11/2024 at 8:34pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
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I wouldn't tow with anything else. The two Sorento's I had gave me no issues what so ever when towing. I should perhaps add they both had addition oil coolers fitted as standard.

David


via mobile 21/11/2024 at 8:09am
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Towed with nothing but Automatics for over 25 years and would never have manual again. Towed with manuals for 27 years before that and once changed to Auto have never gone back.


21/11/2024 at 8:41am
 Location: Worcestershire
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We have towed with autos for well over 20 years and done thousands of miles with no issues. Makes towing so much more comfortable and less stressful.


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via mobile 21/11/2024 at 10:52am
 Location: Shropshire
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Our Tucson hybrid is auto,and tows fine. More and more manufacturers are only doing autos. We have a Mini convertible which is automatic, Our choice at the time, but they don't do manuals now.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


21/11/2024 at 11:44am
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No such thing as 'automatic'. There are now lots of types.

Traditional torque converter
CVT
KCVT
DCT
PDK
DSG
Automated manual


Some will tow well, some have a reputation for being unreliable and very expensive to fix (VW DSG in particular, been there got the T shirt, as have a few other owners I know).

Do your research before taking the plunge.


21/11/2024 at 7:45pm
 Location: South Staffordshire
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Go for an automatic and you won't miss the smell of the clutch burning when reversing, or the constant gear changing in slow moving traffic, and then there's hill starts at traffic lights.

My Dad had an oil cooler fitted to his Wolseley 6/110 (1967) but that was after one alpine pass too many with four passengers aboard, and a boat on the roof. The caravan was loaded with enough tinned and dried food for the four of us for about four weeks too!

I have towed with a Freelander, a Sorento and two XC60s, and never had a problem with overheating. I'm happy never to drive a manual again.


21/11/2024 at 9:25pm
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Go for it! Been towing with automatics for just over 20 years now - would never go back to manual.

-------------
Grahame


via mobile 22/11/2024 at 8:10am
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I have the last of the Kuga Automatics with a proper torque converter box 2.0 Ecoblue engine 190ps and tows effortless. In fact the best auto for power and fuel efficiency I have ever had.


via mobile 22/11/2024 at 9:48am
 Location: Cumbria
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We changed to a Sorento automatic 7 years ago after 40 odd years of driving manual cars due to OH's knee problems. Our first one towed really well but we needed to use the manual override on occasion as the revs went crazy high now and again when towing. Our current 24 plate is even better, you can barely notice the gear changes and we haven't yet needed to correct over-revving. It is a pleasure and so much easier to drive solo and towing and we would not now choose to go back to a manual car.
100% go for it!



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