Manual or Auto

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.

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

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

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated. Bill Church

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!