Automatics
Does driving an automatic completely or cut down clutch burn when towing/reversing a caravan?
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A torque converter or CVT auto should cut it out completely.
A dual clutch auto should minimise it.
As automated manual might make it worse.
It’s not a straightforward question to answer, John.
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You obviously haven’t tried reversing many manual cars under load, LL. Fings ain’t wot they used to be.
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Easier said than done in my opinion LL. On the CC driving course that I attended, there were a few cars with the awful clutch smell. The reason for my original post is that due to my missus having joint problems, we are buying an auto so that her left knee (the dodgy one) is eliminated. TW. I thank you for your very helpful reply. I do not know what type system is fitted but will be asking questions due to your knowledge.
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three cars ago, just when we were starting towing (about two years), the clutch went very spectacularly near to Chatsworth and I think/was told that was down to reversing, it was quite expensive I seem to recall, bought a motor mover straight after.
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Hope it helps, John.
Most people agree that the TC box is the best but manufacturers tend to use names like Lineartronic or Gearmatic which tells you nothing. Often the salesmen don't know what type of auto is used but all will assure you it’s the best and ideal for towing.
The problem with manuals and clutches is usually because a high reverse gear ratio is used and it’s almost impossible to reverse a van, especially uphill, without slipping the clutch if you want to do it with a degree of control.
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Corners, I use the motor mover much more now. When I first started towing and used the caravan forums, there was a lot of talk about the necessity of being able to reverse the caravan with the car. I did the course and can reasonably carry out the manoeuvre now but on some of the sites where the grass is a bit long and wet I use the mover.
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When we had a manual car,it was not unknown to get the" whiff" of a hot clutch when reversing,especialy on slopey pitches,the Auto we now have(torque converter gearbox) seems fine,but if a "dificult?" reverse wenow use the recently fitted(last year) motor mover
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My Touareg gives me the best of both worlds. Auto box with TC plus low ratio if needed. Makes manoeuvring, in either direction, really easy.
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The salesman told me that the Touareg comes with a DSG box. He was wrong it comes with an 8 speed Asin TC box. If you are lucky enough to have the Escape version you get a low ratio box as well.
I agree, with your comments about the mm mover being able to reverse (and I’m not brilliant) is quicker.
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we have always used it, we unhitch on the road by our chosen pitchand use the mover to get the van all the way on the pitch (within 6 inches of the peg of course) . Don't even try and use reverse while hitched now.
On leaving we just turn the van 45 degrees and reverse the car solo up to about a foot or so then let the mover do it's magic.
We have automatic parking for cars now, Wonder when movers will automatically move the van to the right place under the hitch?
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You and me both MM and probably lots of others. Despite not being to see the OH when reversing, I am still deemed as the one that is in the wrong. One thing that I insist on doing is that if I cannot see her, I stop. This still causes an argument and I am once again wrong! The only thing that I have gleaned in our marriage is that buying her an encyclopaedia would be a waste of money as she knows everything.
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Do you not explain that if she cannot see you in the mirror, then it’s unlikely you'll see her?
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I do tell her TW but for some reason I am still in the wrong. Getting used to it though. Glad that she does not read this forum!
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A good case for using the mover I think.😃
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No they don't. And like Boff, I got the same guff from the salesman about the DSG gearbox - but he was wrong. They have to use a TC because it's the only way of coping with the torque the 3 litre V6 produces.
Sadly VW stopped producing the Escape in 2016 so mine is one of the last so I won't be changing it anytime soon.
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Pitched up for 25 years with the car. 50/50 for the next 7 years. The last 6 years since having the Alko wheel lock I have used the motor mover. I need to engage it anyway to align the wheel lock. All my reversing with the car is when we go the wrong way!
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There are different types as mentioned above. I list these in order of my personal preference.
Torque converter uses a fluid to transfer engine torque to the drive train. Advantages are that there is no friction clutch to burn and the torque converter can amplify available torque. The T.C on modern autos is only used until gears lock in which is usually by friction bands. Up to 9 ratios. Disadvantages are possible overheating of the fluid, possible friction band wear and on older boxes lower mpg (efficiency)
Wet Dual clutch, friction plates in liquid. Direct drive like a manual but each clutch assigned alternate gear ratios. I would guess better wear and power handling than the dry version. Advantages mpg, quicker changes. up to 7 ratios
Dry Dual clutch as above but two dry friction plates, I'm guessing wear similar to manual but at more than halved as maybe the electronics prevent too much abuse.
CVT continuously variable transmission, some magic with cones and drive bands. At least it used to be.
Robot box, basically a manually run by actuators controlled by electronics
The best clue to the suitability of an auto box to towing is if the max tow weight for the vehicle is upgraded or down graded from the manual box version. upgrade = good, downgrade = suspect
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Unless the driver has no reflection😱🧛🏼♂️🦇🧛🏻♀️(Topical posting. . . .Tick✅)
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In my opinion the latest Modern Automatics for towing are just far superior, and with newish diesels very very economical as well (better than manual ?). 27-30 tow / 38 - 45 solo with our 4x4. Learn the features for reversing & driving as well though i.e. Hill start, low box, Manual paddle mode, cruise, sport mode for first gear etc etc. Once learnt & driven over time you really really will not go back.
I use MMover for anything iffy or tight, but reverse if just as easy and on sites with no East Grinstead white post to +/- 5cm target.
Reversing Tip - Get your banksman guide to phone the car (driver) on their mobile phone for a hands-free blind reverse chat = slightly less rows.
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) but I can put it on a pitch without assistance but have to keep getting out to check where back end is. 
