Towing a car with a DCT gearbox?

DavidKlyne
DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,859 ✭✭✭
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edited April 2020 in Motorhomes #1

I appreciate that automatic cars with a  torque converter type gearbox are not suitable for towing behind a motorhome, except perhaps on a trailer. However I wondered if the same applied to DCT type gearboxes but not on a trailer? Simple question but probably a complicated answer?

David

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  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2020 #2

    Mercedes says that you shouldn't tow a Smart because it's automatic, however loads of them are towed up & down the country as they're an automated manual ie manual gearbox with auto controls. A DCT is a lot cleverer than the older Smarts (newest Smarts are also a DSG type auto) but as a DSG is also an automated manual I can see no reason why they couldn't be towed. 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2020 #3

    What car are considering?

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,859 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2020 #4

    Possibly the Hyundai KONA  Hybrid

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited April 2020 #5

    The majority of manufacturers that utilse a DSG advise against towing the vehicle with the driven wheels on the ground.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,139 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2020 #6

    This might help. All hybrid vehicles use similar systems.

    "A hybrid vehicle cannot be towed behind a motor home, as it will cause the battery to overcharge causing damage to the hybrid battery. This includes dingy towing as well as towing with two wheels off the ground."

    https://lexus2.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8692/~/can-i-tow-a-hybrid-vehicle-behind-my-motor-home%3F

     

     

  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,690
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    edited April 2020 #7

    Towed my earlier 'Smart' 2007,back & forth to South of France many times No problem whatsoever mileage did'nt clock up either !! wink.

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2020 #8

    but that wasn't a DSG/DCT auto innocent

  • davetommo
    davetommo Forum Participant Posts: 1,430
    edited April 2020 #9

    That’s me totally confused

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2020 #10

    Mercedes cover their backside by saying the Smart is an automatic so therefore should/must not be towed. However in practice the Smart has a manual gearbox that has auto controls ie electrickery presses the clutch & changes gear.

    A DCT is a dual clutch transmission ... DSG is also a dual clutch transmission and are both automated manual gearboxes with electrickery.

  • davetommo
    davetommo Forum Participant Posts: 1,430
    edited April 2020 #11

    I have a discovery sport just press the accelerator and it goes. Uses loads more fuel though than the manual one I hade before it.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,139 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2020 #12

    But surely that’s not a dual clutch auto?

  • davetommo
    davetommo Forum Participant Posts: 1,430
    edited April 2020 #13

    No idea just know it doesn’t have a gearstick and goes when I press the accelerator. And stops when I press the brake

  • Phishing
    Phishing Forum Participant Posts: 597
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    edited April 2020 #14

    Basically as I see it:

    Manual OK to tow.

    Auto(slushbox) not advised to tow (usually RWD).

    Auto DSG,DCT, Powershift etc. OK to tow (select neutral) or lift driven wheels.

     

    Towing behind MH is usually city car size and all are FWD so as long as you lift the front or are able to select Neutral then you should be OK. Just make sure there is no hybrid option driving the rear wheels as well, there are some right strange hybrid combinations out there.

    Above all else make sure the manual states this or get confirmation from the dealer.

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2020 #15

    You need to read DK's original question again. 😉

    He doesn't want advise on towing WITH an auto, he wants to know if he can tow a DCT auto behind his motorhome. 😎

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2020 #16

    city car size and all are FWD 

    Smarts drive the rear wheels .... 😉

  • Phishing
    Phishing Forum Participant Posts: 597
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    edited April 2020 #17

    Ahh yes forgot those with the drivetrain in the back.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2020 #18

    I think you would have to be guided by what the manufacturer advised. If you want an automatic those with AGS boxes usually can be towed but again best check with the manufacturer. I have a Suzuki Celerio with an AGS box and the handbook even explains how to tow it behind a motorhome. Unfortunately this model is not produced anymore.

    peedee

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2020 #19

     But as above eg Merc say a Smart is an auto so shouldn't be towed .... 🤔

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2020 #20

    I know and I have seen the endless discussions on this on other forums. If the manufacturer says don't tow that is good enough for me. Apart from that it is too small for my requirements. Do as I did shop around for one which can be towed with the approval of the manufacturer.

    peedee

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,859 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2020 #21

    Oops, posted in wrong thread!!!

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