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Manual or Auto

Submitted: Thursday, Jun 13, 2002 at 00:00

Nev

I am looking at purchasing an up to 2 year old turbo diesel Patrol (3.0l)or Jackeroo for towing a 16ft poptop caravan. I am interested in feedback on whether manual or auto is the way to go. My concern relates to starting off under load when the turbo is not providing much boost. Also any info on fuel consumption when towing (manual and auto - Patrol or Jackaroo) would be appreciated.
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AnswerID: 4180   Submitted: Friday, Jun 14, 2002 at 00:00

Damien replied:

Hi Nev, i tow with a manual Jackaroo & it is fantastic. A mate has a manual Patrol & it is also great. I haven't towed with an auto 4wd so i can't comment there, but i would suggest that the manual would be better. You also have less to worry about in terms of fitting a transmission cooler etc.
Having said that, the patrol & jackaroo have basically no turbo-lag so starting off under load with the auto shouldn't be a problem.
Reply 1 of 5
AnswerID: 4195   Submitted: Saturday, Jun 15, 2002 at 00:00

Cairns Offroad Training & Tours replied:

As a trainerand having driven both vehicles in question many times in both manual and auto, the auto is a far superior proposition for towing. No clutch to wear out. A torque converter to keep the turbo on boost while changing, effortless hill starts under load. As for fuel consumption these days there is very little difference between auto and manual and when cruising an auto can be more economical ie Patrol manual at 100klm = 2700 revs Patrol auto at 100 klms 2100 revs. Holden are experienceing significant problems with the head and injectors on the 3lt Jackaroo at around 70k. The new 3.2 Pajero 5 speed auto is also worth having a look at. Drive them all and judge for yourself. Cheers Rob
Reply 2 of 5
FollowupID: 1818   Submitted: Saturday, Jun 15, 2002 at 00:00

Damien posted:

Rob, i think you'll find the Jackaroo problems you are referring to are with the very early 3.0 T/D not the age Nev is looking at. This is often the case with the first examples of a particular design, have you not heard of the teething problems Nissan are having with their 3.0L T/D, or do you just not wish to mention those??
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 4197   Submitted: Saturday, Jun 15, 2002 at 00:00

winaje replied:

Nev, have towed a 3500kg van with a '99 TD5 Discovery Auto with no modifications in 35 degree heat from Melbourne to Canberra up the Hume Highway. Had absolutely no problem at all. Definitely recommend the auto for a smooth takeoff, and far less stress when climbing hills etc. Hope this helps, Bill Church
Reply 3 of 5
AnswerID: 4199   Submitted: Saturday, Jun 15, 2002 at 00:00

winaje replied:

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated. Bill Church
Reply 4 of 5
FollowupID: 1813   Submitted: Saturday, Jun 15, 2002 at 00:00

Winaje posted:

D'OH, wrong thread, please ignore!!! Bill Church
FollowUp 1 of 1
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AnswerID: 4207   Submitted: Saturday, Jun 15, 2002 at 00:00

Fred replied:

Nev I've been towing a 16ft pop top since 1978 with two autos and two manuals, including and HQ auto Holden (when the van was new) through a 4cyl man Pajero and now Toyotas. Starting off under load has never been a problem with any of the vehicles. After all a 16ft pop top is not a great deal of load even when loaded fully! My vote goes definitely to auto for both towing and 4wding. No 4wd vehicle requires mods for towing - the HQ did and I think most Holdens and Fords still do. I average about 16l/100 towing with a petrol V6 auto Prado. With a diesel I would expect 13l/100. Happy caravanning!
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