Transmission - change from manual to automatic?

LGH replied on 25/01/2019 15:42

Posted on 25/01/2019 15:42

As a dodgy knee is making use of the clutch pedal painful, we're considering changing the method of gear change from manual to automatic. Alternatively, could the clutch pedal be replaced by a hand operated mechanism?

We have an Ian Hartley van conversion, based on a Fiat Ducato 15 JTD LWB 2800cc Reg May 2006.

Has anyone had this done, and how well did it work? 

Any advice please

EmilysDad replied on 25/01/2019 19:36

Posted on 25/01/2019 19:36

All 4 of our vehicles just have 2 pedals  ...... automatics are the future πŸ˜‰ I appreciate that auto motorhomes are less.plentiful than manuals but you'll not want to drive another manual if you make the change. 

Fiat used to do an automated clutch version of a Seicento ..... the Faliat breaker near me used to sell loads of pedal boxes to convert them back to a proper clutch  ..... they were that good. πŸ€”

DavidKlyne replied on 26/01/2019 10:25

Posted on 26/01/2019 10:25

LGH

Can't advise of a modification of the gearbox but I suffer from the same condition and have been told that eventually I will need my left knee replaced but we are not there yet. I find wearing a strap on the knee and some precautionary pain killers before setting off on a long journey helps a lot. 

David

Kontikiboy replied on 26/01/2019 12:02

Posted on 26/01/2019 12:02

I have all sorts of bone and joint problems; had a total knee replacement (TKR) 5 years ago and they want to do the other one but I won’t let them.    I have more trouble with the TKR now than before the op.  Hip replacements are life changing, but not knees.

 I can manage the pain with Naproxen and Voltarol gel. Every time we get cold weather the joints kick off.   When I can I head for Spain, we leave in 3 weeks.....

I changed to an auto car 36 years ago and would, or could not, go back.   I have a 3 yr old MH with the Fiat auto box.    I hear horror stories about these autos, but mine works a treat.    

There was another thread on this site a year or so ago about the same subject, and some mechanical expert advised not to go there.  Apparently, very complicated and troublesome.  Suggest you trade your van in for an auto one.

 BillC

DavidKlyne replied on 26/01/2019 22:14

Posted on 26/01/2019 22:14

Bill

Not a good advertisement for a knee replacement!!! Think I might keep mine intact for as long as I can.

David  

EmilysDad replied on 26/01/2019 22:56

Posted on 26/01/2019 22:56

and my Uncle would have had a 3rd knee replacement if needed😁  .... he had his done 20/30 years ago & apart from one once slipping round some how, never had any problems with them.

Alan 11 replied on 27/01/2019 20:16

Posted on 27/01/2019 20:16

We have a “ duck clutch “ fitted to a Land Rover Defender, small lever fitted into a replacement gear knob which the clutch pedal mimics. You can alternate between lever or clutch pedal operation with a dash mounted switch. Been installed for 5 or so years with no problems. Fitted by local mobility solutions company.

EmilysDad replied on 29/01/2019 23:43

Posted on 27/01/2019 20:16 by Alan 11

We have a β€œ duck clutch β€œ fitted to a Land Rover Defender, small lever fitted into a replacement gear knob which the clutch pedal mimics. You can alternate between lever or clutch pedal operation with a dash mounted switch. Been installed for 5 or so years with no problems. Fitted by local mobility solutions company.

Posted on 29/01/2019 23:43

I'd never heard of one of these .....(after a look-see on The You Tube πŸ˜‰  ...) it seems a very complex solution to just buying an automatic  πŸ€”

mickysf replied on 30/01/2019 08:20

Posted on 30/01/2019 08:20

In the early seventies I drove a production line Volkswagen stick shift beetle which worked very well indeed but they never really caught on for the general public. The only real answer today is an automatic box of which there is only one proper one open to most motorhomers and that's the Mercedes in my option.

young thomas replied on 30/01/2019 10:08

Posted on 30/01/2019 10:08

if thinking about changing the van....Renault, Mercedes, fiat, VW have auto options of sorts....going larger, Iveco have one too...

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook