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Post by ellpee on Apr 15, 2015 15:09:47 GMT -6
Just to share, we've been looking around for a four-down towable small car to drag behind our RV, and have been surprised to learn that a lot of car manufacturers are now offering a CVT as a drive train option. Who'da thunk it? Figured that was how Ching Chong Industries was keeping their prices down, but a lot of the auto industry biggies are apparently seeing it as a viable (and upgrade-priceable) option.
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Post by rks on Apr 17, 2015 1:57:41 GMT -6
A little more than a year ago, we bought a new Forester with the CVT. Subaru's version of this type of tranny is simply amazing....more involved than a rubber belt and two pulleys as in our scooters, but the same basic principle. CVT's are the future.
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Post by poppawelee on May 29, 2015 19:10:40 GMT -6
never heard the phrase "four-down" used before. what means this?
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Post by ellpee on May 30, 2015 7:13:10 GMT -6
"Four-down" means towing the car with all four wheels on the pavement, as opposed to on a trailer or the two front wheels on a tow dolly. Generally speaking, four-down requires a standard transmission that can be put in neutral while being towed. Automatic and CVT transmissions for the most part can't be towed four-down -- likewise the electrics and hybrids like the Prius.
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Post by bones113 on May 30, 2015 15:29:21 GMT -6
All I can say is bring it on. I wish all vehicles were cvt driven especially all motorcycles. Shifting gears are a pain in the butt.
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Post by cyborg on May 31, 2015 19:33:24 GMT -6
All I can say is bring it on. I wish all vehicles were cvt driven especially all motorcycles. Shifting gears are a pain in the butt. I'm in the other camp,,,can't stand an auto,,,and avoid them by choice when I can,,,especially my bikes,,,got rid of a very low mile Vespa ,,poor service access being a big part of the dislike,,,,a cvt being another part of it,,,went all manual Stella,,,this is why the Stella is no longer available with a manual transmission,,,most people prefer to not shift |
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Post by ellpee on Jun 1, 2015 7:04:14 GMT -6
Yeah, the world has moved irrevocably in the direction of automatic shifting of one form or another. I personally prefer stick shift or its cycle equivalent, but sometimes the ride you otherwise want is only available with automatic. Fortunately automatic transmissions of all flavors have become much more reliable than back when I had hair.
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Post by rks on Jun 1, 2015 19:09:27 GMT -6
I have to agree with cyborg, to a degree. Some vehicles should never have an auto tranny, I still enjoy a manual shift, even though I spent my working life shifting 8, 9, 10, and 13 speed trannies. The Subbies CVT is amazing, but when I ordered and waited for the new Camaro a number of years ago, it had to be the 6 speed manual. And of course, before I had 200 miles on it, I had to install a short throw shifter.  |
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Post by cyborg on Jun 1, 2015 19:38:06 GMT -6
I have to agree with cyborg, to a degree. Some vehicles should never have an auto tranny, I still enjoy a manual shift, even though I spent my working life shifting 8, 9, 10, and 13 speed trannies. The Subbies CVT is amazing, but when I ordered and waited for the new Camaro a number of years ago, it had to be the 6 speed manual. And of course, before I had 200 miles on it, I had to install a short throw shifter. I know you worked your a$$ off for everything you have but the phrase LUCKY BASTARD keeps coming to mind |
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Post by crwford on Jun 27, 2015 15:07:19 GMT -6
Most all pick up which have automatics have a much more towing weight then standard shift. I myself being a old time mechanic did many more clutch jobs which keep my pockets pretty full. Easy money and parts easy to get wonder why.  |
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Post by crwford on Jun 27, 2015 15:18:21 GMT -6
By the way 4 wheel is a term use a great deal that have motor homes like myself which take are car with us behind our coach. Some others use tow dolly with just 2 down many car can't be towed with all wheels on ground because of transmission needs to get fluid to cool it from over heating. Some standard's also have a problem so when no sure check your owner book or call company  . |
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Post by rich46 on Apr 1, 2016 10:30:04 GMT -6
20 years ago I towed a 3/4 Ford pu behind a 26000# wireline work truck with all four wheels on the ground.
This was an automatic transmission, had to run the engine with trany in neutral. Covered 1000's of miles
Like this, so the transmission was good to go after a run.
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Post by 4950cycle on Aug 24, 2016 22:37:33 GMT -6
I'm a shifter from way back. 3 vehicles in my yard have stick shifts. But I must say I do have a mighty soft spot for a well set up CVT.
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Post by crwford on Aug 25, 2016 11:01:37 GMT -6
CVT's are more so because they are better at mpgs on cars. Also on towing many people don't real much but most truck company s show more towing load with a auto then shtick shift if you don't believe it look it up in specs.
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