Looking to change from caravan to Motorhome, like the look and layout of elddis 115 but need automatic, any suggestions for similar layout, 2 berth , but auto box, want fairly new model up to 45k
Have a look at caravanfinder.co.uk where you can search for motorhomes by layout to give you an idea of similar models.
Rob
PS I've just noticed that you have a Korando, we've just sold ours and I'm about to advertise an unused alloy wheel and tyre and a set of genuine rubber mats, give me a shout if you're interested.
Looking round shows I'm surprised how few motorhomes seem to have automatic gearboxes. If I were in a position to buy one there's no way I would consider having a manual gearbox. In a Lotus/Caterham 7 possibly but in a motorhome... no way! I nave no idea why anyone would want a manual gearbox in a large leisure vehicle. I had enough of them when I drove coaches, but even most of them have auto boxes these days.
Quote: Originally posted by Lukeledge on 03/10/2020
The manual gearbox and engine on our 2015 Fiat Ducato are excellent and make it quite enjoyable to drive, don't see the need for an auto box.
Well we are not all the same, which is a good thing in my opinion. I don't see the need for a manual box, especially on a leisure vehicle. All that clutch work, especially in traffic, would drive me up the wall especially after 20+ years of driving coaches. However good a gearbox is, you still have to work that clutch all the time, which might be fun in a light sports car, but not for me when I want a relaxing drive. I haven't owned a vehicle with a manual box for decades, and I never will again. I just think of them as terribly outdated.
I would love a motorhome with an automatic gearbox having driven automatic cars for some times now. I just don't see the need for a manual gearbox. Unfortunately motorhomes based on the Peugeot cab have no choice. The OP probably needs to be looking at a Fiat or Ford based motorhome in the value sector. Obviously Merc do an auto box but a Merc base adds a lot to the price as lovely as I am sure they are.
Manual gearboxes are the second main reason why I wouldn't have a motorhome, the first of course being money.
Last manual gearbox car I owned was a 1973 Triumph 2000, which I didn't have for long before swapping it for an auto of the same model in the early 1980s. I was convinced back then that manual gearboxes would have disappeared altogether long before the 21st century came along, and I would never have believed that they would still be around today.
If I could afford a motorhome, by the sound of things I would have to go for a Ford or Fiat.
Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 03/10/2020
Manual gearboxes are the second main reason why I wouldn't have a motorhome, the first of course being money.
Last manual gearbox car I owned was a 1973 Triumph 2000, which I didn't have for long before swapping it for an auto of the same model in the early 1980s. I was convinced back then that manual gearboxes would have disappeared altogether long before the 21st century came along, and I would never have believed that they would still be around today.
If I could afford a motorhome, by the sound of things I would have to go for a Ford or Fiat.
In a roundabout way we are heading towards us all having automatic cars as it seems all electric vehicles have an auto box of some sort or another. There was a report recently that more people are only taking their driving test in automatic cars.
In terms of cost its all relative as a tow car and caravan will probably cost as much as a lower end motorhome, sometimes more. The same applies to the secondhand market.
With an automatic gearbox especially in a motorhome you will have an extra oil cooler fixed near the main engine radiator. An extra cooling fan may well be fitted as well. Due to some slippage in an automatic box you may get a worse mileage/kilometre figure per gallon/litre of fuel burned hence their unpopularity in Britain/Europe. Roll on to hybrid/electric traction in a couple of years yet.
Very little slippage in a modern automatic, unlike the ones from the 1960s, so often hardly any difference these days in fuel consumption. I believe some autos are actually slightly better. Not all though.
The only reason that a gearbox of any description is needed is because of the inefficiency of the internal combustion engine, which only develops its power over a very limited rev-range when compared to an electric motor. An I.C. engine also needs to tick over when stationary, unlike an electric motor, which is why we also need a clutch with a manual box. An electric motor develops power from zero revs right up to its maximum, so no need for anything other than fixed gearing and a means of selecting forward or reverse. Select direction, feed power to it, and off it goes from a standing start to full speed. Couldn't be more simple.
It may be true when you get further up the price-scale that a car and caravan costs as much as a motorhome, but certainly not at my level. My tow-car cost me just over £4,000 and my caravan £1,100, and they are both in very good condition. I don't think you could get even a clapped-out ancient motorhome for that kind of money. In any case, if I had a motorhome I would have to have a car as well anyway, as I wouldn't want to have to do all my day to day motoring in a motorhome. Another reason for my not having one even though I would like one. It just wouldn't be practical for me.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Automatic gearbox
via mobile 03/10/2020 at 11:31am
