Towing with Automatic Gearbox

[sowlerthjh]

I have a 1989 300D Auto

Is it necessary to have the gearbox modified for towing?

 

[guydewdney]

no - but less than 30 mph and no more than 30 miles iirc...

any more than the reccomended WILL damage the box.

rent a trailer?

 

[jberks]

towing or being towed ?
As Guy says if you're going to tow it, better to get the rear wheels off the road or very short distances under 30mph. If you want to tow, then no, its built for it.

 

[mikemoss]

If it's for towing (caravan or trailer) then the gearbox should be fine - I towed 1500kg caravans with 230TE and 300TE autos, both with no problems at all.

The 300D should be a great towcar, and while some recommend fitting an auxilliary oil cooler, I feel this would only be necessary if you're planning to tow up steep hills in very hot weather. Otherwise, just make sure the ATF is changed regularly - it makes a huge difference, not just when towing.

Obvious provisos re not exceeding the kerb weight of the car, and preferably sticking to the 85% recommendation with a caravan (and anything else for that matter).

Incidentally, my current E320 estate is an awesome tow car, and I guess a 320CDI would be even better and a whole lot more economical!

 

[sowlerthjh]

I meant to use the car for towing (a horsebox etc). It seems that no modification is necessary. What does ATF stand for?

 

[Bruce]

ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid

 

[landover]

This is an ideal tow car Auto is better than a manual for towing.

 

[JimmyTD]

This is an ideal tow car Auto is better than a manual for towing.

I would disagree there but I am interested to hear why you think an Auto is better for towing?

 

[landover]

This is an ideal tow car Auto is better than a manual for towing.

I would disagree there but I am interested to hear why you think an Auto is better for towing?

On an auto you do not need to change up and down the box all the time when pulling a heavy load.So less clutch wear I would agree a with a manual you have more control.Ok sod the clutch lets go for a manual.Is everybody happy now. ps my unimog is not a tractor!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[paulcallender]

I thought autos were better at towing, because they reduce the "shunt" which occurs during gearchanges, because they can keep the power on during the change.

 

[landover]

I thought autos were better at towing, because they reduce the "shunt" which occurs during gearchanges, because they can keep the power on during the change.

Correct.. The very words that i was looking for....

 

[JimmyTD]

Agreed, an auto would provide a smoother ride as the power delivery is constant. But for better power delivery for towing very heavy loads surely a direct drive through a manual gearbox would be better than a fluid drive.

Also you know all about the lack of engine breaking with an auto compared to a manual.

So what do you class the Unimog as if its not a tractor? Utility vehicle? Can I see a picture of the front or the linkage on the rear? What transmission has it got?

 

[paulcallender]

Its hard to class a Unimog, because for a long time it was a unique vehicle, albeit a very expensive one that served a niche market.

It has an off road capability exceeding many other 4x4s; class 3 towing hitches (just like a tractor) with hydraulic and power take off, etc; and some carrying cacapity (much more than a tractor!). Its unique feature is its is capable of towing heavy loads at high speed on roads.

 

[landover]

Agreed, an auto would provide a smoother ride as the power delivery is constant. But for better power delivery for towing very heavy loads surely a direct drive through a manual gearbox would be better than a fluid drive.

Also you know all about the lack of engine breaking with an auto compared to a manual.

So what do you class the Unimog as if its not a tractor? Utility vehicle? Can I see a picture of the front or the linkage on the rear? What transmission has it got?

This is a tractor!!!!!!!!

 

[landover]

Agreed, an auto would provide a smoother ride as the power delivery is constant. But for better power delivery for towing very heavy loads surely a direct drive through a manual gearbox would be better than a fluid drive.

Also you know all about the lack of engine breaking with an auto compared to a manual.

So what do you class the Unimog as if its not a tractor? Utility vehicle? Can I see a picture of the front or the linkage on the rear? What transmission has it got?

This picture