Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: How do you slow down when towing?

Page: 1 2 3 4

I800 dave

15/9/2016 at 2:30pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 12/3/2015

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 127

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

Late comer to this thread, tbh when driving and I know a bend is coming up etc I'll let off and whenever I get there I'll select the appropriate gear, no need to tank upto it and brake if you don't need to, I'm not sure what you mean about him overriding the box though

Colin21

15/9/2016 at 4:05pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6270

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

I don't actually remember the term "overriding the box" being used, and it would take a while to go back over all the posts, so I am going to guess and suggest that what was meant was using the gears manually on an automatic. I sometimes select a lower gear on my automatic when descending a steep hill, as it provides a degree of engine braking.

Tanking up to bends, junctions, roundabouts, or traffic lights then slamming on the brakes is just sheer bad driving, whether towing or not.

I learnt to drive a bus with a crash gearbox, and I was taught to change right down through the box and back up again, but this was to ensure that I was capable of doing it if required. I was also taught to use the brakes to slow down, then select the correct gear for the speed attained. Slow down gently and accelerate smoothly was how I was taught, back in the early 1970s.

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

phathamster

16/9/2016 at 11:40am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: raclet quickstop 2008

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/6/2012

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 581
Tent Reviews: 1

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:	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

regardless of how you slow down the ideal is to plan as far ahead as possible, giving you plenty of time to make choices.

only 12 years driving here but definatly of the brakes to slow before then picking a correct gear to move off, i would say i am very lazy with the gearbox often in a far higher gear than i should be.

Mike3003

22/9/2016 at 9:06am
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

Auto is the way to go, far, far easier for towing.

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

“Semper Fidelis”

vwalan

22/9/2016 at 10:50am
Location: roche cornwall
Outfit: lynton 5th wheel

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/7/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1075

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

be careful though as many autos dont have very good engine braking and that means more use of foot brake . so you have to slow down earlier and brake earlier.
good steady driving and anticipating things is always the best way,rushing about causes problems .

-------------
vwalan

martindf3

22/9/2016 at 11:59am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Elddis Crusader Aurora 2009

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/4/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 8

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

Quote: Originally posted by vwalan on 22/9/2016
be careful though as many autos dont have very good engine braking and that means more use of foot brake . so you have to slow down earlier and brake earlier.
good steady driving and anticipating things is always the best way,rushing about causes problems .

VW DSG transmission's do ! Certainly 2015 models onwards do ! Admittedly they take a bit of time to have a think about .

Colin21

22/9/2016 at 2:39pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6270

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

I must admit I am very wary of DSG gearboxes. No torque-converter to double up the torque when needed, and an automated friction clutch which can burn out. Seems like a retrograde step to me, but I suppose its all in the name of fuel efficiency.

Admittedly the engine braking on a conventional auto isn't as good as you'd get with a manual, but I've never had a problem with it. But then I'm a driver that anticipates far ahead and drives accordingly.

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

martindf3

22/9/2016 at 5:50pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Elddis Crusader Aurora 2009

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/4/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 8

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

Never had a problem done some real steep hill starts and no problems ,mind you I do use minimum throttle till it's moving . Changed 100's of clutches in my time ,the trouble is even TQ overheat all the Volvo' s had oil coolers fitted .I do like TQ though but progress is progress .. DSG is superb .It freewheeling when it wants to. to save fuel . I usually stick it in sport when towing on A roads, holds on to the gears a bit longer . ours is 150hp one pulling a 1645kg van

martindf3

22/9/2016 at 10:24pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Elddis Crusader Aurora 2009

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/4/2016

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 8

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

Just had a look dsg has twin wet clutches not dry that's why they don't overheat . Same as motorbikes .you can really slip bike clutches in to engagement . They have 7 speeds so no problems with torque multiplication .

Colin21

23/9/2016 at 2:08pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6270

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

Duplicated post.

Post last edited on 23/09/2016 14:17:20

Post last edited on 23/09/2016 14:17:57

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

Colin21

23/9/2016 at 2:13pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6270

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

Quote: Originally posted by martindf3 on 22/9/2016
Just had a look dsg has twin wet clutches not dry that's why they don't overheat . Same as motorbikes .you can really slip bike clutches in to engagement . They have 7 speeds so no problems with torque multiplication .

I must admit I didn't realise they were wet clutches, but I still hold with what I said. I still prefer a conventional auto with a torque converter. With a TC you don't need so many gears as the TC has a variable ratio between 1-1 and (usually) 2-1. That gives you the equivalent of at least 8 gears with a 4 speed auto. Just a matter of personal preference I guess.

Also, I have heard several horror stories about DSG gearboxes, especially how much they cost to put right or replace.

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

Xerxes

11/10/2016 at 4:09pm
Location: Winchester
Outfit: Pegasus Verona

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 01/3/2013

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 1

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 am curious about 'wet' clutches. Do they use torque converters or is it 'wet' in some other way?
Does the Ford powershift use wet or dry clutches?

-------------
Xerxes

Opensauce

11/10/2016 at 5:47pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4530

Site Reviews Total:	13

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

Wet clutch in dsg box is similar to motorcycle wet multiplate clutch that runs in the gear oil. Plenty of info if you google.

Demise of torque converter is because it is inefficient & fuel consumption was always worse that same car with manual box but dsg box can actually improve fuel consumption over manual.

Mike3003

11/10/2016 at 6:58pm
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 have recently completed 2300 miles in France with my Ford Kuga 2:0 tdci, 180bhp Powershift towing around 1350kg. I have 10s of 1000s of towing miles behind me for my job and pleasure, and can honestly say it is, without doubt, the most pleasant towing experience I have ever had.

The modern Auto for me anyday.

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

“Semper Fidelis”

Colin21

11/10/2016 at 7:32pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6270

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

Well I much prefer to have a torque converter, so I guess I'll stick to my old Volvo.

I like the extra torque it provides when needed, and the fact that a 4 speed auto with a T.C. is the equivalent of having at least 8 gears, without actually having to have 8 gears!

-------------
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...

8792 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