Automatic V Manual Gearbox ? (1 Viewer)

[Sunray]

We are keen to buy an Automatic Motorhome ...

Apart from very few Automatic Gearbox Motorhomes being manufactured [new] or [used] available, what are the Pro's and Con's?

Please explain your views / experience ... riving2: - Thanks ...

 

[Terry]

Pros - stick it in drive and forget about it Cons none
Wish mine had one
terry
Finding one at the right money is the hard bit

 

[pappajohn]

my opinion....

pro's
more relaxed driving
no clutch replacement/adjustment
if tied to cruise control much better use of gears
no reverse 'judder'

con's
slightly higher fuel consumption at lower speeds due to staying in lower gear.
no proper control over gear change speeds.
can be very expensive if it goes wrong. (specialist field)

both my RV and car are auto's and wouldn't go back to manual by choice, despite the con's.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[wivvy's dad]

Hugely expensive if they go wrong.......................got that T-shirt

Peugeot.....:Angry:

VW.....:Angry::Angry:

 

[JeanLuc]

Ours has a 5-speed full auto box (as opposed to a Sprintshift automated manual)

Pros
Very relaxing.
As Motorhome is LHD, I don't keep instinctively trying to change gear with the door handle!
Little if any fuel consumption penalty (modern autos have torque converter lockup).
Auto-adaptive technology - it selects a program to suit the driving style (this is invisible to the driver but the change-points will vary).
Manual over-ride if required (flick selector left or right to change up/down)
Rarely need the manual over-ride as, for example, it changes down automatically to give engine braking on steep descents if you need to apply the brakes.
Works very well with the cruise control.

Cons
Can't think of any significant ones really
You have to use a gentle right foot when easing up a levelling ramp!
It will knock a few kilos off the catalogue payload (36 in our case) as auto boxes are generally heavier than manual ones.

 

[Peter JohnsCross MH]

I did a poll recenty on Fun and the auto was by far the most popular choice.

Strange as the autos I have in stock don't fly out of the door though

Peter

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Terry]

I did a poll recenty on Fun and the auto was by far the most popular choice.

Strange as the autos I have in stock don't fly out of the door though

Peter

Bet they would if they were priced the same as manuals
terry

 

[scally]

My 'old girl' is a V8 with autobox(of the Rover kind) gave me great flexibilty in yorkshire and durham last year without having to think about it both in kickdown and overrun down. When leveling I slip it into D1 with my other foot covering the brake for a quick stop on ramp. I also found when towing a heavy trailer (my stationary engines and associated gear) it was a much smoother takeoff from standing. Altogether more relaxed and effortless driving.:thumb:

 

[SPUD'N'T]

just got one after having 2 manuals and i love it, a much more relaxed drive especially with the cruise/c on

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Peter JohnsCross MH]

Bet they would if they were priced the same as manuals
terry

I don't differentiate that much between manuals or autos as regards price. !

 

[beachcaster]

Waited a while to find my Autotrail with a 3litre auto box ( it might be a Semi auto computer change as opposed to a torque converter type) on a Fiat..... and its a real treat to drive.

So easy and........have manual gear selection If I need it ( never have )

Would never have anything else given the choice.

barry