automatic gearbox

[tom_374582319]

I TOW AN ABBEY VOGUE GTS 216 WITH A FORD MONDEO TDCI 130 6 SPEED 05 REG WHICH IS VERY GOOD PROBLEM IS MY WIFE WON,T DRIVE IT SHE DON.T DO GEARS NO MORE WOULD THIS SPECK OF CAR WITH AN AUTO BOX BE OK PULLING THE VAN PLEASE HELP THANKS TOM..

 

[emmerson2]

Tom, any car with auto box is better than manual, wether towing or solo.

Oh, btw, switch off your cap lock, please. Capital letters are regarded as SHOUTING!

 

[tom_374582319]

Very sorry for shouting i did not know but thanks, also thanks for advice on auto box just wondered how diesel mondeo auto shapes up at one time extra oil coolers and so on had to be fitted but i presume things have moved on.

 

[emmerson2]

I Can't speak for the Mondeo, as I've never tried one, but pretty much all the new-ish auto boxes will have all the neccesary cooling.The Mondeo generally gets good reports on here though.

 

[Del_374232870]

For me no contest, changed to auto 5 years ago, would have done it earlier but the then boss was adimant that she liked manual, after changing she said she wouldnt go back to manual.

 

[TD42]

Never tried towing with an auto,but I do know auto versions of some cars have a lower tow load spec so please check this out before you buy

 

[otherclive]

I would opt for a 'conventional' auto box with torque convertor. There are a number of automatics out there that are automated clutches and therefore at risk of burn-out. The VW-Audi range of DSGs are clutch type boxes. I believe Mondeo,C5,V70,BMW,FL are torque convertors. X-trails and Qashqui have CVT boxes with very low towing weights.

 

[John_374564913]

I tow a Bailey GT60/620-6 with a Mercedes C Class and Auto Box

The box has Comfort mode, Sport Mode and paddle shift.

i tow in comfort mode and find it likes to stay in a lower gear so increases fuel consumption so I manual shift with the paddles.

Just done a trip of over 3,800 miles in Europe all by cruise control and very enjoyable driving.

 

[KeithJ]

I've just checked out the Citroen C5 - down loaded the handbook.

It seems the manual has a towing limit of 1800kg but the automatic has 1300kg. My van is 1400kg so can't be towed by the auto.

Keith

 

[Russell_374247859]

Hi Tom

I have a Mondeo Auto diesel, 130, 2003 version. Tows very well. Took it to a local auto-transmission specialist to ask about fitting a cooler, but they said it didnt need one (and considering they could have sold me one, I take that as a good sign!).

Russell

 

[TheTravellingRooster]

I TOW AN ABBEY VOGUE GTS 216 WITH A FORD MONDEO TDCI 130 6 SPEED 05 REG WHICH IS VERY GOOD PROBLEM IS MY WIFE WON,T DRIVE IT SHE DON.T DO GEARS NO MORE WOULD THIS SPECK OF CAR WITH AN AUTO BOX BE OK PULLING THE VAN PLEASE HELP THANKS TOM..

Hi Tom,as has already been pointed out any car with an Auto Box is a better bet for towing.Yes some do have a lower Maximum Tow than their direct comparative with a Manual Box.Whether it be Petrol or Diesel.The Greatest and Irrefutable advantage of an Automatic Box is that unlike with the manual;there is never a loss of Traction.No Clutch to dip and Clutch Plates to separate causing a momentary loss of traction.The Automatic is also very controllable at lower speeds and a dream when reversing.You only have Two Pedals to Juggle,most people have Two Feet not Three!!!.I have been towing since 1964 and towed both manual & auto,commercial vehicles & passenger cars.My first Auto Experience was my then:-employers Humber Hawk Estate,column change automatic.There was nothing down for the stick and the left hand pedal of three on the floor after that.My own first Automatic used for towing was a 1978 3ltr Ford Capri,one powerful pony.It had a 3speed Borg-Warner Auto coupled to the trusty 3ltr V6 Essex engine,It went on to 245,000 miles before I swapped to a 1983 Ford Granada 2.8i Ghia X Auto Estate,thirsty beast.I ran that to 240+,000miles.Fuel consumption can be a bit of a penalty,but the later 5,6&7speed automatics are leading the way.

 

[ChrisUK]

Beware of Dual Clutch automatics that are becoming more common. They may be more efficient but do not have a torque converter, only two clutches to burn! I was told that the VW ones also put the control electronics inside the gearbox housing which doesn't seem a good idea.
I gather some use dry clutches and some use wet clutches which might be a bit better. Me I would not buy a dual clutch for towing.

 

[mikecandsarahb]

i have only just changed from towing with manuals cars, and i wont change back now, you have so much more time to think about your driving and what you are doing, amking sure you have a transmission cooler is a must, but as said before most come with them theses days.
mike

 

[mcghee]

one day all cars will be automatic. after driving an auto for a while going back to using a metal lever to physically change gear feels like the dark ages.