Thread: Towing with a VW Amarok

Some discussion here about how the auto compares with the Manual but all the facts are not yet known it seems....
Amarok doesn't need low range? | 4WD Book & 4X4 News

Originally Posted by Discomark

Some discussion here about how the auto compares with the Manual but all the facts are not yet known it seems....
Amarok doesn't need low range? | 4WD Book & 4X4 News

It's worse than I thought with the auto! Assuming a lockup torque convertor, the overall gear ratio in low gear for steep descents is only 17:1, probably 34:1 for ascents or for towing heavy loads offroad.It's all very well having a torquey engine, but that torque needs to be transmitted to the axles somehow, and with stupidly tall mechanical ratios, the poor old 2:1 torque convertor would be working pretty hard in those situations to multiply that torque I'd imagine. Hope the transmission is fitted with a big beefy convertor and well equipped with a substantial oil cooler, or oil refrigerator. I can foresee a few fried transmissions on tradies trucks that were bought for towing, especially in stop/start traffic around the suburbs otherwise.
Bill.

There is a locking centre diff on the 8 speed. Push button marked 'Off Road'. It also comes with a rear locker standard.

We are staring to see lots of Roks up here,Rangers also. Pat

I forgot Great Walls,they are doing a good job,the japanse should be worried about GW. Pat

Hi
I have been watching this discussion for a while now and think that Incisors suggestion of a Vehicle other than Land Rover section on the forum would be a good addition. We all have other vehicles, for our Partners, Kids etc.

Some feed back on these other vehicles might be helpful??

I am still very happy with the Amarok, the only faults so far are in the finish of the paint. It looks like an attempt has been made to cut & polish a blemish on the rear drivers side door. Resulting in a mark.

What I am going to miss is the lack of a Nannocom or similar! It wont be a drama for a few years yet but who knows what the future holds?

As far as the little 2 lt motor goes its only a bit smaller than the TD5, Supposedly this engine has served VW well for a while now.

I would like to start another discussion as to the merits of towing with a longer wheel base and are leaf springs better than independent?

Not sure why the Amarok tows, so well might be the longer wheel base, might be the leaf spring rear end? One thing I noticed is that the leaf springs are mounted to the out side of the chassis, not directly underneath like most other ute's.


I can honestly say that getting out of the Girl friends Golf and getting into the Amaroc feels the same, all the switches knobs and buttons are in the same place and it handles just like the Golf, Chuck it into a corner and it feels like a small sedan rather than a truck.

When she's not looking will go and find a dirt road and see what happens if I try to get the rear end a little bit untidy, check out to see if all the gadgets / computers keep it straight ? Then will turn them off and try again.

Really hanging out to try it in 4WD? Even with the standard road tires. This will be a good comparison as the Disco had radial tires fitted when we first ventured off road and only got stuck once due to the lack of tread.

Why the dealers bring out a 4WD with road tires instead of suitable tires and body clearance? Instead we all sit there and hope the origional tires wear out soon so we can get some AT tires fitted.

Andrew

You have certainly stirred up a can of worms Andrew,good on you.
Enjoy the new toy and may it serve you better than your old Landy.
Leaf springs do tow better than un-assisted coils.
Keep your posts coming.
Perhaps you are right.
A section for Landy owners whom have bought "others" vehicles but are still happy to be a member of the best 4x4 website on the net.
Andrew

Perhaps in their new model range Land Rover will decide to compete in this market segment?