Towing with a van

Lynnietom
Lynnietom Forum Participant Posts: 14
edited November 2020 in Towcars & Towing #1

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

Thanks in advance.

Lynne

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  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited November 2020 #2

    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
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,136 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2020 #3

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

  • Lynnietom
    Lynnietom Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited November 2020 #4

    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
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited November 2020 #5

    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
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited November 2020 #6

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

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited November 2020 #7

    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
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited November 2020 #8

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

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,136 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2020 #9

    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
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited November 2020 #10

     This one includes Vivaro

    http://www.towcar.info/

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited November 2020 #11

    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
    Lynnietom Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited November 2020 #12

    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
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited November 2020 #13

    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
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited November 2020 #14

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

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

    🤔🤔 Towbars are vehicle specific .... 🤔

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,136 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2020 #16

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

  • Lynnietom
    Lynnietom Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited November 2020 #17

    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

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