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Subject Topic: Manual v automatic
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10/6/2014 at 6:00am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Touring caravan
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Hi
Still trying to decide whether to swap the car - what do you all think about towing with an automatic as apposed to a manual - thanks

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2014 - 15 trips
2015
Jan - betws y coed




10/6/2014 at 6:42am
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford
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Towed for over forty years,always had manuals years ago, but now with the modern Auto boxes over the last ten years i would have nothing but AUTO. Also if you read through other forums you will find with the DMF clutch units now being fitted to manual cars a lot of people are suffering burning clutches when using them for towing purposes.


10/6/2014 at 7:46am
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Modern autos are no longer torque converter boxes, they do have dual mass flywheels. If they go wrong they will cost more to fix than a manual box & of course towing causes more stress on gearbox which is more likely to lead to premature failure. So if you are looking at secondhand with no warranty I'd stick with manual unless car is a few yrs old & has torque converter box.

For towing though, an auto is equally as good or better than manual same as it is when not towing.


10/6/2014 at 9:18am
 Location:  Wales
 Outfit:  Volvo XC60 R Design
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Had an Auto Volvo V70 for the last 10 years, great towcar. Looking to change when we get back from hols this year. Already been to the Volvo garage to eye up some replacements. Leaning towards the XC70 this time as slightly higher which will help with the hip.

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73 going on 25
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder



10/6/2014 at 10:46am
 Location: East Midlands
 Outfit: Coachman VIP 575.Santa Fe
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Used both for towing -now would only have auto.

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Mister G


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10/6/2014 at 11:18am
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford
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Quote: Originally posted by fixings on 10/6/2014
Modern autos are no longer torque converter boxes, they do have dual mass flywheels. If they go wrong they will cost more to fix than a manual box & of course towing causes more stress on gearbox which is more likely to lead to premature failure. So if you are looking at secondhand with no warranty I'd stick with manual unless car is a few yrs old & has torque converter box.

For towing though, an auto is equally as good or better than manual same as it is when not towing.
---------------------------------------------------------
There are still some new cars with torque conveters


10/6/2014 at 12:48pm
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My C5 auto can only pull 1300kg, the manual a heck of a lot more and the at #$^&*urd of a salesman knew that when we bought the effin thing.

I would have a auto everytime BUT check out all the spec first. 

I didnt!



10/6/2014 at 2:09pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome
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Before giving up towing a caravan I towed with an automatic, so much more relaxed. Just wish my motorhome was automatic!!!

David


10/6/2014 at 3:58pm
 Location: Halifax West Yorkshire
 Outfit: VW Amarok Crewcab Pickup Truck
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Automatic for me every time they just take all the work out of towing wish I had one years ago

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Sandy Gulls caravan site
Mundesley
North Norfolk
1st July to 22 July


10/6/2014 at 4:13pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S
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I converted to a torque converter based auto in 2005; for towing I would not go back to manual, nor would/could I come to terms with none torque converter automatics.

The essence of what is "right" about automatics for towing is the torque converter itself. Friction clutches designed for solo use and targeted at optimised fuel economy IMO have not the substance to withstand much towing.


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10/6/2014 at 4:22pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford
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Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 10/6/2014
Before giving up towing a caravan I towed with an automatic, so much more relaxed. Just wish my motorhome was automatic!!!

David
---------------------------------------------------------When you posted that the Sorento and van where going, and you were getting a Motorhome,my thoughts at the time were you will miss the Auto,although there are a few Auto Motorhomes about.



10/6/2014 at 7:01pm
 Location: Northumberland
 Outfit: Knaus Sudwind 550 TK
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Quote: Originally posted by birdman101 on 10/6/2014
Quote: Originally posted by fixings on 10/6/2014Modern autos are no longer torque converter boxes, they do have dual mass flywheels. If they go wrong they will cost more to fix than a manual box & of course towing causes more stress on gearbox which is more likely to lead to premature failure. So if you are looking at secondhand with no warranty I'd stick with manual unless car is a few yrs old & has torque converter box.

For towing though, an auto is equally as good or better than manual same as it is when not towing.
---------------------------------------------------------
There are still some new cars with torque converters




My Shogun's got a torque converter auto box.

Max towing weight 3300kgs.



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Damned if I do...

Damned if I don't!!!!


10/6/2014 at 7:42pm
 Location: notts
 Outfit: avondale 470 2
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Santa fe has torque converter.


10/6/2014 at 8:22pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome
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Quote: Originally posted by birdman101 on 10/6/2014
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 10/6/2014Before giving up towing a caravan I towed with an automatic, so much more relaxed. Just wish my motorhome was automatic!!!

David
---------------------------------------------------------When you posted that the Sorento and van where going, and you were getting a Motorhome,my thoughts at the time were you will miss the Auto,although there are a few Auto Motorhomes about.





Birdman

The problem is that Peugeot don't have an auto option and Bailey only used their base vehicles. Had they used Fiat bases we would have had the choice. I made up for I by swapping the Sorento for a Venga auto as our normal transport around town

David


10/6/2014 at 9:26pm
 Location: Falkirk
 Outfit: 2022 Elddis Avante 840 2022 Audi q7
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Always go for Auto. It's much easier.


10/6/2014 at 10:16pm
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Torque converter boxes being replaced on most makes by dsg autos, reason is fuel efficiency, older auto boxes worse fuel consumption than manual, dsg box often better. So check type of auto box before you buy.



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