Preferred Gearbox

Hi from Southland, NewZealand. I am considering importing a custom Gloucester motorhome on a Merc chassis with a 3L V6 diesel motor. I often tow a classic car (hillman Minx Convertable) on a trailer and wonder if the auto box is up to it. We have a few larger hills to cross such as the motorway north of Dunedin if any members have been there. I have a 2005 Transit 6 birth motorhome at presant which has been "chipped" and I am down to 3rd with the foot hard down for about 10 minutes on the worst part to give you an idea of the terrain and that is without the trailer and car behind. With a load on it is 2nd gear and a bit longer, the whole hilly section taking about a half hour. The question is - will the Merc auto box handle it as it is my preference or should I play safe and go for a manual??? Any assistance appreciated - thanks, Bill.

Hi Billshed

All I have to agree with Peter we weigh in at 3880kgs and even with the 2.2 euroV auto were leaving small cars behind going over the Alps and the auto is perfect.

Re the strength of the box, we have a C class car with the 3.0 auto which when new I had the Brabus chip added, the performance has gone from quick to awesome, the auto box handles that perfectly. it is now 4 years old and trouble free. Ours is only the 6 speed but I believe the new 7 speed is even better so I would have no worries at all.

David

One of the guys in ASOC (motor trade background )has a 7 speed Merc and he raves about it, think his van is 2 this year and he still loves it

An automatic also has a torque converter which multiplies engine torque - exactly what you need. If in any doubt, have a secondary gearbox oil cooler fitted.