Can You Tow with An Auto?

[Scuttler]

Hi Guys

I know it sounds a silly question but is an Auto Vectra suitable for towing?
At present I have a manual Vectra which I use to tow various sized cars
with.
I have now been offered a low mileage cheap Vectra the thing is its an
automatic.

My question is would an automatic be a suitable car to tow with or is a
manual better?

 

[Malcolm Stewart]

Hi Guys

I know it sounds a silly question but is an Auto Vectra suitable for towing?
At present I have a manual Vectra which I use to tow various sized cars
with.
I have now been offered a low mileage cheap Vectra the thing is its an
automatic.

My question is would an automatic be a suitable car to tow with or is a
manual better?

Why not ask a Vauxhall dealer?
I think I've seen it recommended that a 2nd. oil cooler and/or fan is fitted
when adapting for the towing role. Could stop it being "cheap".
(My old Safrane auto, without anything in tow and just me aboard, couldn't
climb (long) hills in Wales without the overheat warning appearing. Bit
scary when the lane's too narrow to turn round in.)

 

[adder1969]

"Scuttler" <[email protected]> wrote in message

Why not ask a Vauxhall dealer?
I think I've seen it recommended that a 2nd. oil cooler and/or fan is fitted
when adapting for the towing role. Could stop it being "cheap".
(My old Safrane auto, without anything in tow and just me aboard, couldn't
climb (long) hills in Wales without the overheat warning appearing. Bit
scary when the lane's too narrow to turn round in.)
--

You need to make sure you're in the right gear so that the torque
converter locks up. Towing puts strain on the box when pulling away
etc when the converter is slipping. If the vectra is cheap enough then
give it a go. A lot depends on what you're towing of course!

 

[Scuttler]

Thanks everyone for the advice I think I will stay with the manual to tow
with as it seems the better option.

 

[Martin]

It really depends what you want to tow. An Army Tank, then NO. If its
within the designed towing weights then yes Why not

Cheers

Martin

 

[Mike]

It really depends what you want to tow. An Army Tank, then NO. If its
within the designed towing weights then yes Why not

Cheers

You will need to add some fluid to the auto box. consult the owners book for
details.

Mike

 

[Simon Finnigan]

Hi Guys

I know it sounds a silly question but is an Auto Vectra suitable for
towing?
At present I have a manual Vectra which I use to tow various sized cars
with.
I have now been offered a low mileage cheap Vectra the thing is its an
automatic.

My question is would an automatic be a suitable car to tow with or is a
manual better?

If it is of any use to you, I have usedan automatic 4x4 to tow with a few
times in the past. Just put the tow rope on and away you go. No changing
to 4x4, low range or anything non standard with the gear box. But the
engine wasa 3.2 diesel, which migh make a difference. Just my tuppence
worth