Caravan Towing and V6 gearbox choices...

[Dino D]

So we have a V6 auto.
Looking at carvans for next year - 5 berth single axles probably up to 1500kg.

Our V6 has done 110k miles and if we use it to tow I think I'll really need the gearbox rebuilt to be in tip top shape for long hauls to France etc. it runs fine now with some clunks that are more about age- they haven't gotten worse in the 5k miles we've had it in fact it's smoother now with new coils all round but given its mileage Id want full peace of mind before loading up the family an caravan for a trip to mainland. The cost of rebuild with warranty is around 2k.
Then I'd have a fresh box to go with the rest of the car which does not feel like it's covered 100k miles at all.

Now the main reason I got an auto is because the wife used to mainly use it but now she has another car auto is not essential to have (but I like it now...).

I'm now wondering if I should be looking at 6ap manual V6's instead. Our galaxy is worth around 1,5k now so with the 2k I'd spend on a gearbox I can get a nice manual V6 (Galaxy or Sharan) around 3k. 4motion would be nice but I'd be waiting a while for one...

The 5sp auto revs pretty high at cruising so I'll benefit from lower consumption for sure (along with less power loss).
Apart from that is there any other real benefit in going for a manual?
Or will the manual be wanting a new clutch and expensive DMF in time too?
Is the auto's torque converter better at low speed maneuvering and pulling away than a manual (when loaded and towing)?
Any experiences on towing MPG?

Our current mpg on motorway runs (half loaded) is around 24-26 and would be more if I didn't 'keep up with the flow' in the outside lane!
Towing a caravan means dawdling at 60mph which is a big drop in revs from 80+ so consumption might be ok, maybe even over 20mpg (which in my petrol world is great!).

[insanitybeard]

It's true to say that DMF's and clutches are likely to require replacement at some point on the manuals, although I'm not sure if the V6 DMF lasts better than the TDI due to (I assume) a smoother power/torque delivery from the V6 powerplant. It is also true to say that the auto is more complex, especially regarding fault finding and diagnosis on the autobox, plus repair is rarely a DIY at home job. Having said that, it's not likely many people would be undertaking a strip rebuild on the 6 speed manual at home either!

Like you say, the manual should give slightly (in relative terms!) better economy. Regarding towing, I have heard of cases of autoboxes giving up the ghost during/after towing, though I'm not sure if this is a common issue when towing with an auto Galaxy.

[Dino D]

Good point on the V6 DMF.
I think I recall reading somewhere that the petrol models DMF is less likely to want changing.

A clutch is a consumable so I would really need to budget for that at some point anyway (towing will shorten life span I imagine too).

I guess I am wondering if the 2k spent on a gearbox overhaul of my current car us wiser than selling up and getting a manual which may want a clutch or have some other expensive Galaxy issues (which mine has very little of so far!).
The only things I really need to sort on mine is lubricating the wipers, replacing the clock spring so the multifunction steering works and diagnose which parking sensor has failed. A pretty small list for a Galaxy I this age so I am thinking I've got a good base car to work from for now...

[Mirez]

Dino can you update your profile to reflect the model car you have, a Mk1 didn't have a multifunction steering wheel

[Chrispb]

I'm sure the MK1 V6 doesn't have a DMF either.

If you have no problems with the auto gearbox at the moment it may be wise to do a fluid change and filter (4 speed only)

[Dino D]

Yes I have an MK2 24v with 5sp tip.

I use tapatalk so need to login via the site and update my profile!

I am looking at a fluid change along with possibly doing the solenoid a which a gearbox specialist thinks might need doing rather than a full overhaul but he needs to drive it properly to be sure. At them moment it's fine but I think the strain of towing will show up any weakness that exists.

[Mirez]

Updated for you

[Chrispb]

Yes you can change the fluid on the 5 speed but not the filter as it's buried deep inside the box, it may also be worth fitting second fluid cooler if your going to be towing regularly.

[Dino D]

Thanks for updating Mirez.

Hi Chris, yes been thinking an oil cooler will be a good retrofit item.

I've seen some old reviews on caravan forums saying the V6 auto was a great tow car but the reviews are quite old from when the cars where new.
Wondering what peoples experiences have been with one of this age..