Clutches

No matter how “die hard” they are, they’ll have great difficulty in answering your ‘how long is a piece of string’ question. 

If people could tell you, they would. I think you’ll just have to make your own mind up, GC. Good luck. 

Agree with Tinwheeler, on a car forum I belong to some have reported clutch failure as low as 20,000 miles and others still going at 80,000 miles and more. Both solo driven so there is no answer other than treat the components with respect, and pray to God the next vehicle will be a two pedal TC 

also remember that the weight of the van will have an influence on what vehicle you decide to purchase. the 2.7 was a bit of a gas guzzler but the more modern GC's have a better economy and better pulling power.

So which dealer/salesman told you that you have a CVT. The reason that you "pull a 1800kg van without a cough/twich/judder or anyting just a smooth ride towing and solo." Is probably because you have a ZF 9 Speed TC auto box similar to the one in the LR Evoque and Disco Sport, as  far as I know only the Dodge Caliber, Jeep, Compass, and Jeep Patriot were fitted with a CVT with 6 artificial steps.

I have had no trouble with my Powershift Kuga's auto transmission, tows 1550KG very well. No problems reversing either.

It is a little quirky but you soon learn to overcome that, dropping in to sport at roundabouts etc.

Transmission needs to be serviced ever three years (oil and filter change), other than that I can't fault it.

Back in 2012, we looked at new cars for the first time. We tried a Kuga with power shift and didn't like the way it changed gear. not unlike trucks I have driven. We ended up with a VW Tiguan 2 litre Diesel 7 speed DSG. Have to say most of the time it was fine but let it really get hot in traffic and it made some very rough gear changes.  

Current car (Freelander 2) with 6 speed auto  with TC with lock up clutch is flawless.

I can only speak from my experiences and from what I know from working in the industry but If CVT was a viable option it would have been introduced by now. Most PSV systems use either a ZF, VOITH or Alison gearbox with a torque converter that has a lock up function. The Truck Industry tend to follow the automated manual system with the exception of Dustcarts, Road sweepers etc where the auto with TC seems to employed.

I do think that a CVT system with programmed steps is a bit misleading as the whole idea of a  CVT is it is completely variable given driving and road conditions and not limited to a given amount of ratios. 

Just thought I would also add I have never worn out a clutch or had to replace it on any manuals I have owned

Thank you thank you milothedog your last paragraph was all I was looking for.

Thanks to harrib0 as well.

All I was asking for was people's experiences, not their guestimates of how they think their choice of towcar will perform.

As TW said, guess I'll just have find out myself.

I can’t remember the last time I had a clutch changed on a car.

PS. I buy new, or nearly new, and don't keep them very long and haven’t towed with a manual for 20 years. Nope, it doesn't help you at all.

Just a question, no more, but why do motorhomers not suffer from clutch problems to the degree that tuggers seem too! I remember my tugging days and clutch slip and 'fried ferodo' was a constant concern. Even these days you can often smell those new arrivals on site!

I have had only 4 manual tow cars in 35 years of caravans. The first one, high mileage 4 year old,  I sold after 3 years as I had chance of good deal on next car which I got at 3 years old and gave to daughter 10 years later. Next one from 4 year old until a write off 10 years later.  Present one 12 years old.

Not experienced any clutch problems