Automatics

I do tell her TW but for some reason I am still in the wrong. Getting used to it though. Glad that she does not read this forum!

A good case for using the mover I think.😃

My wife's disabled and cannot talk (  ) but I can put it on a pitch without assistance but have to keep getting out to check where back end is.

 No they don't.  And like Boff, I got the same guff from the salesman about the DSG gearbox - but he was wrong. They have to use a TC because it's the only way of coping with the torque the 3 litre V6 produces.

Sadly VW stopped producing the Escape in 2016 so mine is one of the last so I won't be changing it anytime soon.

Pitched up for 25 years with the car. 50/50 for the next 7 years. The last 6 years since having the Alko wheel lock I have used the motor mover. I need to engage it anyway to align the wheel lock. All my reversing with the car is when we go the wrong way!

There are different types as mentioned above. I list these in order of my personal preference.

Torque converter uses a fluid to transfer engine torque to the drive train. Advantages are that there is no friction clutch to burn and the torque converter can amplify available torque. The T.C  on modern autos is only used until gears lock in which is usually by friction bands. Up to 9 ratios. Disadvantages are possible overheating of the fluid, possible friction band wear and on older boxes lower mpg (efficiency)

Wet Dual clutch, friction plates in liquid. Direct drive like a manual but each clutch assigned alternate gear ratios. I would guess better wear and power handling than the dry version. Advantages mpg, quicker changes. up to 7 ratios

Dry Dual clutch as above but two dry friction plates, I'm guessing wear similar to manual but at more than halved as maybe the electronics prevent too much abuse.

CVT continuously variable transmission, some magic with cones and drive bands. At least it used to be.

Robot box, basically a manually run by actuators controlled by  electronics

The best clue to the suitability of an auto box to towing is if the max tow weight for the vehicle is upgraded or down graded from the manual box version. upgrade = good, downgrade = suspect

This video is quite good at explaining some of the differences. You either love or hate the Ozzy 'Clarkson'

OK he's not Cornish but yeah, I like him and it's a good easy understanding of the differing transmissions.

Unless the driver has no reflection😱🧛🏼‍♂️🦇🧛🏻‍♀️(Topical posting. . . .Tick✅)

In my opinion the latest Modern Automatics for towing are just far superior, and with newish diesels very very economical as well (better than manual ?). 27-30 tow / 38 - 45 solo with our 4x4. Learn the features for reversing & driving as well though i.e. Hill start, low box, Manual paddle mode, cruise, sport mode for first gear etc etc. Once learnt & driven over time you really really will not go back.

I use MMover for anything iffy or tight, but reverse if just as easy and on sites with no East Grinstead white post to +/- 5cm target. 

Reversing Tip - Get your banksman guide to phone the car (driver) on their mobile phone for a hands-free blind reverse chat = slightly less rows.