Auto or manual for towing
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firebobby
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- Feb 20, 2012
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Just got back from the Cotswold's, nice weather apart from today.
We haven't used a full awning in years, we have the bag type that rolls out and is done in less than 5 mins. We used it in France but have a screen that fits the front, to give a bit more privacy.
We haven't used a full awning in years, we have the bag type that rolls out and is done in less than 5 mins. We used it in France but have a screen that fits the front, to give a bit more privacy.
I would not go back to a manual, Auto every time.
no flaffing about on hill starts, eat your sandwich with out having to change gear.
steep hills drop it into 2nd or at times 1st thats going up and down hills.
Been all over Wales in the trol towing 2000kg and 7 people no worries.
no flaffing about on hill starts, eat your sandwich with out having to change gear.
steep hills drop it into 2nd or at times 1st thats going up and down hills.
Been all over Wales in the trol towing 2000kg and 7 people no worries.
melissachels
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- Mar 9, 2012
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- 1,216
I've towed with both, manual terrano & auto surf. Definitely prefer a manual, even tho its more leg work, I just feel its more controlled especially downhill and you don't get the a/t oil light/overheating bother with a manual as rick said:thumb2
micktheshed
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- Feb 6, 2011
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- 313
I've done many 1000's miles over the last 40 years using both.
Apart from the supreme ease of slow speed manoeuvring, faultless hill starts & the lack of clutch abuse whist doing both, the auto wins every time for uphill gear changes as there's no time lag to loose momentum. Under very trying conditions this can require two ratio drops, rather than one, whereas the auto is so quick only one ratio drop is required. These things are invaluable if (like me with a 1.6t 'van @ 50%+ use) a lot of towing is done.
Downhill engine drag is simply a case of selecting the correct gear, though I've always considered cadence braking the cheaper of the two options & use this in the main, in conjunction with either type of box (it helps if you have complete faith in you're brakes LOL).
The price is higher fuel consumption but, hopefully, no clutch replacement bill so this will help to offset it. I would prefer a manual during normal use though, if only for the (psychological?) sense of cornering control it gives.
The number of people I know that have changed to auto (for various reasons)
all insist (after a few months to get used to it) they would not change back; especially those that tow.
It's all about what you're used to, & what you find suites you & is more important personally, in the end.
Apart from the supreme ease of slow speed manoeuvring, faultless hill starts & the lack of clutch abuse whist doing both, the auto wins every time for uphill gear changes as there's no time lag to loose momentum. Under very trying conditions this can require two ratio drops, rather than one, whereas the auto is so quick only one ratio drop is required. These things are invaluable if (like me with a 1.6t 'van @ 50%+ use) a lot of towing is done.
Downhill engine drag is simply a case of selecting the correct gear, though I've always considered cadence braking the cheaper of the two options & use this in the main, in conjunction with either type of box (it helps if you have complete faith in you're brakes LOL).
The price is higher fuel consumption but, hopefully, no clutch replacement bill so this will help to offset it. I would prefer a manual during normal use though, if only for the (psychological?) sense of cornering control it gives.
The number of people I know that have changed to auto (for various reasons)
all insist (after a few months to get used to it) they would not change back; especially those that tow.
It's all about what you're used to, & what you find suites you & is more important personally, in the end.
robertpanama
New member
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2015
- Messages
- 2
With the automatic, the use of the o/d lockout and 1 & 2 gears has allowed me to descend with almost no use of brakes. If you just leave it in D you will over use your brakes. My location is actually in the Republic of Panama, 2009 Patrol.
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Just ducked into this forum from Nissan Pathfinder having broken my clutch.
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25932
Interested to see the antipathy to auto boxes. More modern autos have a lot more than 3 gears don't they? My wife's mini has 6 and can either be driven as a full auto or manual (virtually) (I think it has an electric clutch but have not investigated further yet) Surely the more modern 4x4s have more than 3 gears don't they?
http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25932
Interested to see the antipathy to auto boxes. More modern autos have a lot more than 3 gears don't they? My wife's mini has 6 and can either be driven as a full auto or manual (virtually) (I think it has an electric clutch but have not investigated further yet) Surely the more modern 4x4s have more than 3 gears don't they?
