Do You Have Any Tips On Towing A Caravan With A Vehicle Fitted With An Automatic Transmission?

Yes, be aware that the auto box does not afford you anything like as much engine braking as you get with a manual gearbox vehicle. With an automatic, the footbrake is doing all the work so be careful not to overheat the brakes or they will fail.

Of course, prevention is better than cure, so avoid cooking the brakes in the first place by selecting position 1 on long steep downhill sections of road. Less severe downhills can be safely negotiated in position 2.

When tackling steep inclines or driving at low speeds for prolonged periods, select position 1. This ensures the transmission does not change up and risk overheating the transmission oil. Position 2 can be used on less steep sections.

Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by using the accelerator as you can quickly overheat the transmission oil. Engage the handbrake instead.

Some automatics are fitted with a button on the side of the selector lever to engage 3rd. This is usually signalled by a dashboard indicator light and prevents the transmission from changing up to 4th.

For long mountain roads or prolonged periods of motorway driving with a heavy caravan, it may be advisable to install an additional oil cooler.

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