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Subject Topic: automatic?
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PersonRevMartin
06/9/2014 at 9:12pm
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I am about to retire and move to the west country. After many years of happy tenting we have to buy a small caravan.
I'm about to change our car prior to purchasing the caravan. We've lined up a 13 plate Astra 2Lt CDI with 31K on the clock. However, the dealer has also shown us the same model in the estate version, with top spec, and only 8K on the clock, for a similar price. Downside is that it is an automatic. Is towing with an automatic gearbox OK or advisable?   

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Martin


PersonAcornis
06/9/2014 at 10:07pm
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My last three tow cars have been autos, I've had no problems at all. But what ever you decide check the compatibility on one of the tow match sites. If you haven't already decided on the van pick one that you might like and check it is suitable for your vehicle.
I did just this for the Auto Astra against a small Swift Charistma and it look OK.
The vehicle tax may be higher on the auto.
I have to say I wouldn't change back to manual.

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Just saying
If all is not lost where is it then?


PersonGrampian91
06/9/2014 at 10:31pm
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It may use more fuel and have a higher tax band.

Just make sure the towing limit is not less for the auto also.

Max tow around 1400kg?

Have you tried a Ford Focus?


PersonDavid Klyne
06/9/2014 at 11:17pm
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Before we changed to a motorhome I towed for 7 years with and automatic and certainly would not tow with a manual through choice. Just check that all the car stats add up for the caravan you intend to tow.

David


Personbirdman101
07/9/2014 at 6:02am
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Automatic every time.After 42 years of caravanning and all types of tow car i will never go back to manual gearbox.As David says just check the figures.


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Personalpiner
07/9/2014 at 7:24am
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Auto is not a downside but a plus, i would never go back to a manual

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alpiner


PersonGCMS2012
07/9/2014 at 10:10am
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Do small / average sized cars have a lower towing limit than big 4x4's.

And check if it's a DSG etc type auto box... You still have clutches to think about. (lesson learned on a another thread).

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Damned if I do...

Damned if I don't!!!!


Personblueexpo97
07/9/2014 at 11:15am
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Auto every time, again, would never go back to a manual.

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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.


Personbillyboggins
07/9/2014 at 5:05pm
 Location: norfolk
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auto with cruise control every time


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billyboggins


Personlisterdiesel
07/9/2014 at 5:08pm
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Prefer manual, but we do tow at the top limit of 3500kg with one of those big ugly 4X4's that Skoda Bob hates so much.

Peter


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PersonHairywol
07/9/2014 at 6:08pm
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Another vote for auto. Check your car's max tow limit; if it says you're Ok you will be. Odd-on that it's way higher than the 85% rule in any case.

Listerdiesel's trailer will have, I expect, very different towing dynamics than a caravan with two or four wheels in the centre, so I wouldn't use that as a comparison. I also personally find Discos quite pretty beasts

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Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.


Personjaiash
07/9/2014 at 7:38pm
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Auto here too since 2004, never having a manual again!
Check the towing weights though!


PersonRonPlatt
07/9/2014 at 8:49pm
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Current Astra will have DSG auto so can give better mpg than manual.


PersonGCMS2012
07/9/2014 at 9:21pm
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But they have clutches, don't they?

That's why I changed to an auto Shogun.

No more clutch worries when towing, in general a better drive all together solo and towing in these stop / start / standing in traffic days.

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Damned if I do...

Damned if I don't!!!!


Personglittering-prize
08/9/2014 at 12:04am
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i have a chrysler 300 auto,fantstic,auto for me,manual is not so good.My mpg is good aswel.Just make sure your tow car is diesel.so much better and more reliable than petrol


Personlisterdiesel
08/9/2014 at 1:49pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Hairywol on 07/9/2014
Listerdiesel's trailer will have, I expect, very different towing dynamics than a caravan with two or four wheels in the centre, so I wouldn't use that as a comparison. I also personally find Discos quite pretty beasts


Not hugely different, given the weight of the Discovery at 2.2tonnes or so, there is the normal bump and surge you get with all towing, but the drawbar is hinged so not as much up and down as with our rigid trailer.

It only gets used fully loaded, except for this year when we took it down to France without the show engine in the back.

Peter



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