Towing with a van

Lynnietom

Does anyone tow a caravan with a Vauxhall Vivaro 2l automatic van? Is there anything I should specifically check?

Thanks in advance.

Lynne

JVB66

Most modern Automatics will normally be fine for towing ,depending on the weight being on the hook ,and i would think a automatic comercial van will be quite robust  

what size and fuel is the ICE 

Tinwheeler

Hang in there, Lynne, and you may well get a response from someone with actual experience. 👍🏻

Lynnietom

The van is a 2002 Vauxhall Vivaro 2l diesel automatic that has been partly converted to a campervan in that it has been lined and the seats put in the rear to make a bed. My caravan is a 2 berth, 1275kg max weight.

The outfit matching only uses cars 😏

EmilysDad

what kind of auto gearbox is it. Vauxhall used an automated manual called Easytronic ..... they didn't offer it for very long due to its many problems.

JVB66

They still advertise the Vivaro and and its rebadged stable mates with an auto box

EmilysDad

I dare say they do .... however I've no idea what kind of gearbox is fitted, I do know though that the Easytronic is best avoided. 😯

JVB66

Have googled it but cannot find what gearbox is fitted now ,but a 2002 could well have the "dodgy?"one 

Tinwheeler

I'm not certain, ED, but I think the new Vaux might share one of the same TC boxes as the new PSA offerings.

Only Fiat are using the 9 speed TC in the bigger Ducato size van but Peugeot/Citroën are using a TC with 8 or 6 speeds in the smaller vehicles. 

EasyT

 This one includes Vivaro

http://www.towcar.info/

JVB66

Update .just seen our neighbour who has a new vivaro auto  ,Vauxhall now being part of the PSA group ,(last five years?)the new van is based on the Peugeot/Citroen medium van in direct competition with the VW transporter 

and his is fitted with the 8 speed auto box couple to, he says, to  the 1.5 diesel engine and in 7000 miles so far it is much better than the VW he had before

 

Lynnietom

Thank you very much for your replies. 

It's a 6 speed automatic but can be a 'manual' as well. It's 2012 not 2002 sorry. Not sure if that alters your thoughts.

Cheers

EmilysDad

You'll have some homework to do. The Easytronic b/box might be an older offering than 2012 🤔 ... I'm not sure. Just hope it's not the automated manual that Citroen used in their Picasso a few years back ... it was worse than dire.

Though there are many versions of automated manuals out there, many here will know I'm not a fan & would always pick a 'proper' torque converter auto. Being able to use it in manual still doesn't give any clues ... we have 4 autos at home, 2 of them 'proper' slush box autos & 2 automated manuals ... all 4 have the option of a manual mode. 😉

Navigateur

Is it possible to fit a tow bar to the van?  A saloon car one may not give adequate clearance.

EmilysDad

🤔🤔 Towbars are vehicle specific .... 🤔

Tinwheeler

Look at the number of PVCs/white vans with towbars. There’s your answer.

Lynnietom

More info which may be useful.

The vehicle is a Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0CDTI LWB 2.9 High roof 115bhp with a tech shift gearbox.

I don't know whether this gear box is a 'no go' - perhaps you can tell me.

Thanks in advance.

Lynne