Transmission - change from manual to automatic?
As a dodgy knee is making use of the clutch pedal painful, we're considering changing the method of gear change from manual to automatic. Alternatively, could the clutch pedal be replaced by a hand operated mechanism?
We have an Ian Hartley van conversion, based on a Fiat Ducato 15 JTD LWB 2800cc Reg May 2006.
Has anyone had this done, and how well did it work?
Any advice please
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All 4 of our vehicles just have 2 pedals ...... automatics are the future 😉 I appreciate that auto motorhomes are less.plentiful than manuals but you'll not want to drive another manual if you make the change.
Fiat used to do an automated clutch version of a Seicento ..... the Faliat breaker near me used to sell loads of pedal boxes to convert them back to a proper clutch ..... they were that good. 🤔
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LGH
Can't advise of a modification of the gearbox but I suffer from the same condition and have been told that eventually I will need my left knee replaced but we are not there yet. I find wearing a strap on the knee and some precautionary pain killers before setting off on a long journey helps a lot.
David
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I have all sorts of bone and joint problems; had a total knee replacement (TKR) 5 years ago and they want to do the other one but I won’t let them. I have more trouble with the TKR now than before the op. Hip replacements are life changing, but not knees.
I can manage the pain with Naproxen and Voltarol gel. Every time we get cold weather the joints kick off. When I can I head for Spain, we leave in 3 weeks.....
I changed to an auto car 36 years ago and would, or could not, go back. I have a 3 yr old MH with the Fiat auto box. I hear horror stories about these autos, but mine works a treat.
There was another thread on this site a year or so ago about the same subject, and some mechanical expert advised not to go there. Apparently, very complicated and troublesome. Suggest you trade your van in for an auto one.
BillC
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Bill
Not a good advertisement for a knee replacement!!! Think I might keep mine intact for as long as I can.
David
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We have a “ duck clutch “ fitted to a Land Rover Defender, small lever fitted into a replacement gear knob which the clutch pedal mimics. You can alternate between lever or clutch pedal operation with a dash mounted switch. Been installed for 5 or so years with no problems. Fitted by local mobility solutions company.
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In the early seventies I drove a production line Volkswagen stick shift beetle which worked very well indeed but they never really caught on for the general public. The only real answer today is an automatic box of which there is only one proper one open to most motorhomers and that's the Mercedes in my option.
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if thinking about changing the van....Renault, Mercedes, fiat, VW have auto options of sorts....going larger, Iveco have one too...
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I now tow with a Kia Sorento auto, having said for years that auto's were for sissys, but would not go back now, Sorento knocks spots of my old manual Discovery. As for TKR, have had both of mine replaced, 1 5 years ago and 1 2 years ago, not brilliant but much better than all that pain, have also had both joints of my thumbs done, that too was brilliant, no pain killers sometimes use iboprofen gell. Beware wait for replacements in my area are now approaching 2 years, you could be in a wheelchair before action is taken. Off to Spain 26th March, heat from sun and very dry atmosphere is brill for aching limbs. Off piste now so best close
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Not very complex if you need it and the vehicle in question doesn’t come with a automatic option ie Land Rover Defender, Or as the OP asked “Alternatively, could the clutch pedal be replaced by a hand operated mechanism? “ to which the answer is yes 🤔
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Alan - i have been struggling to find a company that still fits the duck clutch in the UK. I realise your’s is a few years old - which company fitted it?
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