Those that tow with an Automatic

Oh lovely, lots of views
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Will have a look for the Overdrive button and ensure that is off, and will try and get used to using the gears - Cheers all!
 
As you know some barstool decided it was a good idea to try and pinch my trailer in the snow.

So, it left me having to relocate it in the worst possible conditions.

My car didn't bat an eyelid at me having it in automatic and I drove it down a long sheet of ice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only thing I did different was that I knocked it in to 4 wheel drive low.

I do have a triptronic box so I can knock the gears up and down as I go.

I also think the weight of the car does make a difference too. Being 2.5 tonnes (like yours) it doesn't get pushed along by the trailer like my Freelander use to.

Best thing will be for you to have a play and drive how you feel most confident.
 
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Hmmmmm...not much use i know, but i was always told that an automatic was no good for towing

Rubbish!!! Auto's are easily the best for towing and anyone that knows anything about towing will say so! I have a ifor 505 and an auto discovery. You should use your gears for down hill as you can get into serious difficulties using the brakes too much!! VV dangerous to rely on your brakes with so much weight! BIG no no! You should also, if negotiating a large long hill that is slowing the vehicle down, put into you top 'manual' gear to stop it chaning up and down all the time as it will cause your gearbox to overheat! Also insure you get your gearbox oil change / top up and filter changed regularly too.

hope that helps!
 
Not read the other replies so sorry if I am repeating anyone...

I have an automatic X5 and tow an Equi-Trek 4* with it. I never use my gears and we have some steep hills to negotiate with a heavy load, especially with my big 16.2hh or 17hh in it (never travelled the two together yet). I always just use my brake when coming to a steep downwards hill and find the trailer does not push the car etc etc. In fact, to be honest I just drive it like I usually do with the trailer on, I don't really think too much about things like that.

I did my trailer test last year and it was nothing was mentioned about having to use gears when going down steep hills.
 
Aha!!!!!! Thanks Becki, that was what I wanted to know, whether you are instructed to use gears or not! TBH It is v flat around here anyway, but my blooming mother got me thinking, and with thinking comes worry!
 
No problem... I did my test in my own car too so it would have been mentioned had it been something I should do. I have never (touch wood) had a problem doing it as I do, and mine gets out a fair bit (when Hannah is not in foal that is) as I have weekly lessons over in Cheshire which is an hour drive and incorporates quite a few hills going down, and then usually compete once a week too.
 
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