13 replies to this topic

[dillon200]

We have a Citroen Picasso as a family car but its not big enough to pull our van, Today we went to look at a bigger version The Grand C4 Picasso 2.0 HDI Diesel automatic.

Has any one else used one of these as a tow car, also does any one tow with an automatic as I have done neither.

[bi6als]

There is a current thread about automatics

[RogerL]

There are 4 different basic types of automatics:-

a) torque converter plus planetary gears - well-proven but less economical traditional type
b) torque converter plus Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - been around since the DAF of the late 1950s but unusual to drive
c) automated manual using a conventional clutch/gearbox but operated by electronics - economical but control system can be troublesome
d) dual shaft / twin clutch transmission (DSG etc) - economical and impressive in operation but clutches are the weakness.

A significant number of experienced tuggers would only ever consider a) because of their proven reliability - they are expensive to repair but they so rarely fail. Personally I don't disagree with that.

Citroen may use more than one type of automatic, depending on the model/engine combination - I'd want to know what's fitted to your model of choice.

Automatics in general are wonderful for towing, so capable and relaxing - I love the fact that cruise can be left engaged whereas on a manual it has to be re-engaged each time you change gear.

[olderbutnotwiser]

I'm looking at cars presently - and will almost certainly go for an auto when I do eventually buy.

I found the towing limits of most Citroens are relatively low, ok if you know you won't eventually want to tow a bigger van but not great if you want room to grow. Having said that, we've gone off the idea of a big twin axle (we were thinking of one a couple of years ago) so don't need the 4x4 that we were once considering.

[Brassneck]

olderbutnotwiser, on 05 January 2012 - 06:44 AM, said:

I'm looking at cars presently - and will almost certainly go for an auto when I do eventually buy.

I found the towing limits of most Citroens are relatively low, ok if you know you won't eventually want to tow a bigger van but not great if you want room to grow. Having said that, we've gone off the idea of a big twin axle (we were thinking of one a couple of years ago) so don't need the 4x4 that we were once considering.

You dont need a 4x4 to tow a twin, lots of twins can be towed by standard-ish cars. My Sprite fixed bed twin is 1545 MTPLM so can be towed by a mondeo estate/passat estate etc etc etc.
The 4x4 option should only be for wet fields or traction issues, certainly not for the size of van. Most ars are far more stable than 4x4s.

On the subject of autos, i tow with an auto and its effortless.

[olderbutnotwiser]

Brassneck, on 05 January 2012 - 08:34 AM, said:

You dont need a 4x4 to tow a twin, lots of twins can be towed by standard-ish cars. My Sprite fixed bed twin is 1545 MTPLM so can be towed by a mondeo estate/passat estate etc etc etc.
The 4x4 option should only be for wet fields or traction issues, certainly not for the size of van. Most ars are far more stable than 4x4s.

On the subject of autos, i tow with an auto and its effortless.

Agreed - but some twin axles are around 1800kg or more. I know you can tow 1800kg with a Passat but I wouldn't want to personally. Really I think they need either something like a Sedona or a 4x4.

[T D]

some automatics have a much lower tow allowance than their manual equivalent as in the mk 1 Citroen C5 so do double check carefully before you buy

[lute]

Hi, I tow with a grand Picasso, with the 2.0 HDI motor and have for the 3-4 years not had one bit of trouble with the semi automatic box. When I'm towing I start off in auto and on the open road I use manual setting as its much more economical. The auto setting is always used when I'm not towing.
The maximum tow possible is 1500 Kgs  but as the car weights in at over 1600 Kgs I would be happy to tow at the maximum. Of course there is only me and my other half and our Knaus has only 1300 Kgs. max ..so we have loads of space and weight to play with. I sometimes think my wife believes its compulsory to load everything we own.

This is the first automatic I have towed with and I think it is fantastic, and it has already been said you can leave the cruise control on.
the self levering rear suspension is also good for towing with.

[dillon200]

lute, on 07 January 2012 - 12:49 PM, said:

Hi, I tow with a grand Picasso, with the 2.0 HDI motor and have for the 3-4 years not had one bit of trouble with the semi automatic box. When I'm towing I start off in auto and on the open road I use manual setting as its much more economical. The auto setting is always used when I'm not towing.
The maximum tow possible is 1500 Kgs  but as the car weights in at over 1600 Kgs I would be happy to tow at the maximum. Of course there is only me and my other half and our Knaus has only 1300 Kgs. max ..so we have loads of space and weight to play with. I sometimes think my wife believes its compulsory to load everything we own.

This is the first automatic I have towed with and I think it is fantastic, and it has already been said you can leave the cruise control on.
the self levering rear suspension is also good for towing with.

First Thanks for allthe replys

lute thats very interesting as its the same car we were looking at and My van is 1500kg so right on the limit, which to me is not a good thing. We have not made any decissions yet but that will certainly factor in. Thanks.

[The Rebel Camper]

Hi
Im not sure if this may help...As I work for a Citroen dealership, I can see who buying what and what for...

The most popular tow CARS would be

C5 Tourer Estate 2.2 HDI
C5 Saloon 2.0  2.2 HDI
Berlingo Multispace 2.0 HDI
Grand C4 Picasso

I have recently bought a C5 2.2 HDI

[dillon200]

Thanks   But you know I think I will have to go a long way to find a vehicle that will do what I want better than My Vito, Im now looking at the Traveliner version.

The search continues.

[bi6als]

dillon200, on 09 January 2012 - 11:41 AM, said:

Thanks   But you know I think I will have to go a long way to find a vehicle that will do what I want better than My Vito, Im now looking at the Traveliner version.

The search continues.

Do you ever get banned from sites ? or refused entry.

My mate used to tow with a van but stopped because he was often refused entry as they thought he was a Traveller...........they didnt say that but they had a "no vans" policy or something.

He had a Transit. A Vito is a lot classier than a Tranny but its still basically a van

[fishman]

The Vito top range V6 diesel with all the options MUST be up there with the best towing vehicle ever, I used a sprinter for a while and it made me realize Travellers dont use vans for nothing,  They certainly know a good thing.

[dillon200]

bi6als, on 09 January 2012 - 12:11 PM, said:

Do you ever get banned from sites ? or refused entry.

My mate used to tow with a van but stopped because he was often refused entry as they thought he was a Traveller...........they didnt say that but they had a "no vans" policy or something.

He had a Transit. A Vito is a lot classier than a Tranny but its still basically a van

Yes we did have this problem at one site they said it was because visiting work men were using the sites as a cheaper option to B&B and making a mess of the shower blocks. The problem was resolved when I showed them the insid of the van and our sons blue badge then they were very helpfull.

Vans = loads of power and loads of room