Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: DSG tow cars

Page: 1 2 3 4

Skarla

15/4/2019 at 12:18pm
Location: Lindum Colonia
Outfit: Insignia 2.0cdti SRI Sprite Finesse 2

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/6/2018

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 32

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	2

I'm looking at a couple of motors to tow our little sprite (mtplm 1100 kgs) with when the camper is sold. Both cars have a DSG gearbox. Ideally I'd like an auto as the wife can only drive these & we don't really have the need for 2 cars so a manual tow car + auto town/work car for her is an expense I could do without.
I've done the homework & the 2 cars I'm looking at are both more than capable to tow our caravan.

My question is do any of you tow with a DSG, whats the pro's & con's as all I seem to find is negativity towards it. Surely VW have been making the 'box now long enough to have ironed out all the problems.

I would like to get a proper 'slush' box as it's had 80 odd years tried & tested but nobody seems to fit them in cars anymore

-------------
Vans' of the past
1986 Sprite Musketeer. sold
1989 Swift Corvette. sold
1998 Merc Sprinter self build camper. sold
2006 Peugeot, Elddis 100 Sunstyle. sold
2002 Swift Challenger 400. sold
2008 Fiat, Timberland Destiny. sold
2003 Peugeot, Leisuredrive Calypso. sold
2011 Sprite Finesse. current

AJandhis dog

15/4/2019 at 2:21pm
Location: Norfolk
Outfit: Swift BaseCamp Plus

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/4/2019

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 14

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I tow with a VW Passat Estate that has a DSG gearbox. Until just recently I towed a caravan with an MTPLM of 1540kg and the car towed it perfectly. An automatic, DSG, is by far better than a manual gearbox. You need have no worries at all.

Mike3003

15/4/2019 at 2:49pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/7/2013

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1455

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I am on my second DSG as a tow car, and have absolutely no reason to do nothing but praise them as a tow car. They are outstanding.

-------------
Not ALL Newts get p**sed.

“Semper Fidelis”

jaiash

15/4/2019 at 5:02pm
Location: nr Derby
Outfit: Phoenix 440+

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/7/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3771

Site Reviews Total:	26

Site Reviews 2024:	3
Site Reviews 2023:	2
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	6

Site Nights 2024:	6
Site Nights 2023:	6
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	34

I've had 4 Audis with DSG never been a problem. i do about 20k a year of which 4k is towing.

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

Colin21

15/4/2019 at 6:27pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

It's probably a personal thing but I wouldn't want to tow with a DSG gearbox. There is no torque converter with these gearboxes just a couple of automated clutches.

I don't have any personal experience, as I wouldn't buy one, but from what I have heard they can be jerky on taking up drive, and without a torque converter they don't have the benefit of torque multiplication on starting away. That to me is one of the big benefits when pulling away with a caravan on the back up a steep hill.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

daveyjp

15/4/2019 at 6:31pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/6/2010

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 596
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	2
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I have had two DSG cars. The reason I haven't had more is because the second was a complete nightmare.

Not something I could own outside of warranty.

With VAG recent history they aren't a manufacturer I would want my hard earned cash going to.

saxo1

15/4/2019 at 7:04pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/10/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4489

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

My neighbour had a VW Caravelle with a DSG it packed up after 28000 miles at a cost of £8000!
saxo1

Broadside

via mobile 15/4/2019 at 8:32pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/4/2017

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 184

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	7
Site Nights 2018:	0

I agree with daveyjp, I wouldn’t own one outside of warranty.

I had a DSG on my last car, it was found to be faulty a week after I bought it. The replacement twin clutch was £2k and it was likely to need a £5k gearbox replacement on top. The dealer was great and agreed it was the start of a nightmare so gave me a full refund on the car.

They do drive very nicely but I don’t think they age well after 60k miles and become extremely expensive to maintain. I would like one again but only if it had full warranty cover.

birdman101

via mobile 16/4/2019 at 8:10am
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/8/2011

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2693

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you intend to tow with it for the long term better with torque converter.

checkley1973

via mobile 16/4/2019 at 8:12am
Location: Sheffield
Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1698

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I’ve had 2 and one failed. VW have had issues with these gearboxes and have to offer a longer warranty in the states, they don’t stand for the rubbish our government do.

I think failure is much less likely now however when they do fail you’re in for a huge bill, to the point it can make the uneconomical to repair. It’s not something I’d want on a car outside of warranty. I’m not convinced towing increases the risk with any gearbox, you can simulate similar loads by flooring the gas.

agri

16/4/2019 at 5:10pm
Location: Staffs
Outfit: Bailey rimini & Skoda Superb

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/6/2004

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 597

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	4
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I have a Superb with a DSG gearbox my first automatic car that I have owned. I brought it believing that automatic is better for towing (having read it on here) and I am not disappointed with it. Towed around France last year and down to Cornwall as well as Wales. It can be jerky driving solo with the auto brake on in traffic so I switch it off no problem.

-------------
Agri

AJandhis dog

16/4/2019 at 6:01pm
Location: Norfolk
Outfit: Swift BaseCamp Plus

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/4/2019

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 14

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Whatever there is that is man made, there will always be a few that will be faulty. That’s just the way it is. There must be hundreds of thousands of VW cars running with DSG gearboxes and without problem. But it seems to be the nature of things that we only hear from the people who have something to complain about, and that’s a shame because it gives a good product a cloud of doubt.
Like Agri, above, I have towed heavy Caravans all over the place. Firstly with my old Passat and later with my new one... always without problem. As before, I would recommend towing with a DSG gearbox above towing with a manual gearbox any day of the week. I even swopped in a manual LandRover Freelander for an automatic one. Miles better.

-------------
Now where’s that dog gone?

Colin21

16/4/2019 at 7:13pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

It is very true that you will hear far more about things that have gone wrong than about others that are working perfectly, but my concern is more about the way these things work. DSG gearboxes use a system of clutches rather than a torque converter and that is what I don't like. I was at one time considering a particular type of vehicle that I liked the look of, until I discovered it had either a manual gearbox or a DSG. No torque converter option. The final decision was made for me when I discovered how much these things cost to repair! It was more for a replacement clutch system than I had paid for a complete replacement auto-box for my Volvo!

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

Trunnion

17/4/2019 at 8:03pm
Location: Lancashire.
Outfit: ELLDIS INFINITY554 .SKODA KODIAQ

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/12/2008

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 183

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I have the Skoda Kodiaq, which is the 2 litre 190 DSG,4x4, It has only done 8,ooo miles, but most of this towing my caravan, effortlessly, Its the first automatic I have owned, its a dream to drive. Stop while in drive, the auto brake comes on, as soon as you set off, it goes off, hill starts or declines , doesn't make any difference, hope this helps.

Skarla

18/4/2019 at 7:20am
Location: Lindum Colonia
Outfit: Insignia 2.0cdti SRI Sprite Finesse 2

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/6/2018

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 32

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	2

A big thank you to all who responded

I must admit I'm a little sceptical on these new fangled 'auto' boxes

& I'm struggling to find a decent car with what I call a 'proper auto box' with torque converter.

The wife has one in her car, but I don't see a Kia Picanto towing a caravan anytime soon

The search goes on, now at an increased rate as the camper is now sold & being collected tomorrow.

Weekend away cancelled

-------------
Vans' of the past
1986 Sprite Musketeer. sold
1989 Swift Corvette. sold
1998 Merc Sprinter self build camper. sold
2006 Peugeot, Elddis 100 Sunstyle. sold
2002 Swift Challenger 400. sold
2008 Fiat, Timberland Destiny. sold
2003 Peugeot, Leisuredrive Calypso. sold
2011 Sprite Finesse. current

Colin21

18/4/2019 at 1:34pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Might be worth checking out the larger Kia models such as the Sportage and Sorento, or the Hyundai Tucson. I'm not sure about the later models but my 2007 Tucson has a torque converter box and it barely notices when my caravan's on the back!

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2 3 4
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

7744 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder