Guest robbiecb750a Posted October 8, 2005 Report Posted October 8, 2005 I am thinking of buying an auto diesel Galaxy with a view to towing a caravan. Are there any issues with the auto box overheating or not being up to the task? Rob Quote
Guest vr6galaxy Posted October 8, 2005 Report Posted October 8, 2005 Plenty of people tow plastic sheds :( with auto's and have no problems :( IIRC there is a cooler on some of the gearboxes already? just make sure you dont overload the shed and keep within the wieght/speed limits and you should be ok :) there is plenty of torque in the TDI which makes it an ideal towing vehicle! also some use the tip tronic controls of the later models to get a better pull off and then switch back to full auto and let the box take the strain :) jeez I hope Jb80 doesnt read this :D he'll think I'm turning to the dark# side! # clouds of smoke out the back end that is Quote
GSMGuy Posted October 8, 2005 Report Posted October 8, 2005 Robbie, the Tdi Auto has consistently been awarded a great towcar by various caravan clubs etc.... I'm pxing mine next week if ya are interested... Would let it go for what the dealer is giving me in swap, It's already got a towbar and dual elecs... And it has suffered from most, if not all of the gremilins, including a new box.... And had them all sorted too.... Mike Quote
Guest robbiecb750a Posted October 8, 2005 Report Posted October 8, 2005 Thanks for replies, sorry Mike am not looking to buy for a nother 2 months or so. Rob Quote
johnb80 Posted October 8, 2005 Report Posted October 8, 2005 jeez I hope Jb80 doesnt read this :( he'll think I'm turning to the dark# side! # clouds of smoke out the back end that is VR6 you should know better, I ALWAYS listen to your every word, usually I then forget it, this time of course I have to agree with you :( Quote
Guest MATT Posted October 9, 2005 Report Posted October 9, 2005 yep, ive been towing a 1,300KG caravan for a while now, and have had no problems at all. it tows lovely, mine is a 115 Auto TDI X reg (new shape). as already mentioned, i like to use the tiptronic to get moving with, then i knock it into full auto, just like to control what gear ime in, until the whole rig is moving (ie, the auto may change up to second to early for my liking). just make sure the caravan your pulling does not exceed 85% of the weight of the car, and obviously load the shed properly. my gal happy goes along at 60mph on the motorway, and am able to maintain that speed very well, sometimes it drops to 55mph on a hill, but i can still over take the lorries - YAY. what caravan you got? MATT Quote
Guest MATT Posted October 9, 2005 Report Posted October 9, 2005 oh yes, if your a member of the caravan club, give them a ring, and they will tell you, if the galaxy your looking at, will pull the caravan you have. the galaxy is one of the best practical cars ive ever owned, and suits caravaning very well. its a real shame there arnt a better range of diesel engines, ie, a 2.8 TDI, cause then i would have the coachman laser, weighing in at 1,700KG - but, they always manage to cock it up, one way or another. MATT :( Quote
Another?Maybe! Posted October 9, 2005 Report Posted October 9, 2005 These notes make interesting reading as we are returning to caravanning next year after a 4 year break. Now we are retired reckon we can then get up and go anytime the sun promises to shine for a decent period & go touring in France again, something we enjoy for the different scenery & freedom to stop as & when you please 'cos of the number of campsites over there. Have a new Bailey Pageant Champagne on order, due January, 1350kg similar to MATT's so looking forward to testing the Galaxy's towing capabilities although it would probably benefit from a few more cc's. Two queries I have from anyone who knows.......previously, before we used a Ford Maverick 4x4 as towcar, we had a Mondeo & had occasional problems with wheelspin 'cos of the fwd, when towing, manouvering on site mainly. Bit worried as Galaxy has fwd so could have similar problems??...also need to get a towbar fitted. Has anyone had problems with the rear parking sensors "seeing" the towbar. Also will towbar wiring affect the bulb failure device? We live in Leicestershire, anyone used a local towbar fitter they could recommend with price? I have had 2 quotes @ Quote
Guest vr6galaxy Posted October 9, 2005 Report Posted October 9, 2005 There are several posts about tow bars and reversing sensors, some say they work ok! others say they have had a few problems! if you go for a removable tow ball and have the power sockets tucked up out the way, then you should have no trouble with false reading due to the tow ball the wiring if done correctly shouldnt affect the bulb failure device! as they should wire the trailer plugs in parrallel to the normal lights and not in series, so they wont show up! Quote
johnb80 Posted October 9, 2005 Report Posted October 9, 2005 the wiring if done correctly shouldnt affect the bulb failure device! as they should wire the trailer plugs in parrallel to the normal lights and not in series, so they wont show up! Not quite right mate, in fact it's almost impossible to wire them in series due to the construction of the light cluster. What should be fitted is a RELAY unit that takes a 12v supply and then places a tiny load on the light circuit (only a few milliamps) to operate the relay. The trailer lighting is then fed from the seperate 12v source and thus doesn't trigger the bulb failure etc. Regards - John Quote
Guest vr6galaxy Posted October 9, 2005 Report Posted October 9, 2005 I stand/sit corrected :( the only time I wired in a set of electrics for a tow bar I just tapped into the main lines to the rear lights and fused them at the joint, it lasted and worked like that for seven years no problems :) Quote
Rallim Posted October 9, 2005 Report Posted October 9, 2005 If I remember right from the TIS wiring diagrams they show the trailor lighting connected directly to the main lighting circuit ala vr6galaxy's method. In fact this is how the dashboard indicater operates by sensing the extra load. :( Well that's how I interpreted them when I added a socket to power the light board for my bike rack. Gordon. Quote
johnb80 Posted October 10, 2005 Report Posted October 10, 2005 I stand/sit corrected :( the only time I wired in a set of electrics for a tow bar I just tapped into the main lines to the rear lights and fused them at the joint, it lasted and worked like that for seven years no problems :) Yep, thats PARALLEL connection. Quote
johnb80 Posted October 10, 2005 Report Posted October 10, 2005 If I remember right from the TIS wiring diagrams they show the trailor lighting connected directly to the main lighting circuit ala vr6galaxy's method. In fact this is how the dashboard indicater operates by sensing the extra load. :( Well that's how I interpreted them when I added a socket to power the light board for my bike rack. Gordon. Yes you do effectively connect this way but with a relay board in circuit so the extra load does NOT go through the bulb failure unit which may cause problems. I haven't tried connecting one up without a relay board, just took the advice of experts when I connected mine up. Towsure said it needed a 'full relay board' for all Galaxys with a bulb failure unit. The dashboard light needs enabling via Vag-Com, would you trust your dealer to do this simple task? Regards - John Quote
Rallim Posted October 10, 2005 Report Posted October 10, 2005 The dashboard light needs enabling via Vag-Com, would you trust your dealer to do this simple task? Regards - JohnI don't know about trusting them to do it, but I would certainly trust them to charge me for it... :( :D which is why I did it myself with VAG-COM! :D You may well be right about the relay board, I had another quick look at the diagrams there does not appear to be any other circuitry added other than a switch to turn off the fog light on the car when the trailor socket is inserted... but then again they may not be showing everything... :( My bulb failure circuit appeared to work (well the check light went out when I pressed the pedal, I didnt try simulating a blown bulb) and I so rarely use the board I'll leave it as it is... Gordon Quote
bigdaddy Posted October 11, 2005 Report Posted October 11, 2005 Try www.towsure.co.uk Thats where I got mine Very good fitting instructions, came painted in a black primer, gave it a coat of tetrosyl before I fitted it, very happy, you can even by the bypass relay that you will need, :( oh and they do a lot more than tow bars have a look very good website Quote
johnb80 Posted October 11, 2005 Report Posted October 11, 2005 You may well be right about the relay board, I had another quick look at the diagrams there does not appear to be any other circuitry added other than a switch to turn off the fog light on the car when the trailor socket is inserted... but then again they may not be showing everything... :( My bulb failure circuit appeared to work (well the check light went out when I pressed the pedal, I didnt try simulating a blown bulb) and I so rarely use the board I'll leave it as it is... Gordon It depends on the bulb failure method used and I don't know which one it is on the Gal. Earlier Fords used a load balance eg the current to the nearside brake lamp was compared with the current to the offside one. Any difference indicated bulb failure. Others are preset eg, brake lamps should take 2 amps any more/less = problem. If it's the balance type it will work ok provided it can withstand the extra current. From my point of view I'd rather pay the Quote
Guest seatalhambra Posted October 18, 2005 Report Posted October 18, 2005 Be carefulMy diesel auto 115 alhambra has a poorly gearbox. From my chats on the forum and talking to the fixers this gearbox may be prone to problems. Its the Jatco 5 speed tiptronic. Will cost Quote
Another?Maybe! Posted November 10, 2005 Report Posted November 10, 2005 Hi Guys & Gals (!) Re my post of 9th October under this heading concerning new towbar affecting the rear parking sensors, well it has, despite towbar fitters saying good chance I would get away with it. Soon as I hit reverse the buzzer sounds continously, I know I can swap to a removable tow arm but these cost another Quote
GSMGuy Posted November 11, 2005 Report Posted November 11, 2005 I had a non detachable towbar on mine, with dual electric sockets and a bumper protector plate.... When I bouth the car I was told that the rear sensors would not work because of the bar... And the garage had disconnected the multiplug to the control unit... I put it back in, and they worked faultlessly.... I would say that I am sure you can get away with dosconnecting the 2 middle ones.... Just lean under the bumper and give it a go - nowt to lose... Mike Quote
johnb80 Posted November 11, 2005 Report Posted November 11, 2005 Mine were affected by the towbar fitting until I bent the socket mounting plate inwards towards the bumper, now theyre fine. I also have to leave off the plastic cover on the sockets (rubber boot type). Regards - John Quote
Tigger Posted November 12, 2005 Report Posted November 12, 2005 I would have to agree I don't think its the tow ball but the electrics that get picked up Mine are behind the line of the bumper. No problem. Quote
Guest M5DSH Posted November 12, 2005 Report Posted November 12, 2005 I have a 2003 Gaxaly TDDI 130 manual 6 speed.i tow a 2005 twin axle 28 ft Ace Jubilee, weighing 1353kg empty & 1600kg loaded.It tows so well, i get approx 38mpg whilst towing & i am able to tow at 80mph (tested in france).i know mates who have galaxy autos & tow big caravans with no issuesDarren Quote
niallsan Posted March 4, 2007 Report Posted March 4, 2007 If I remember right from the TIS wiring diagrams they show the trailor lighting connected directly to the main lighting circuit ala vr6galaxy's method. In fact this is how the dashboard indicater operates by sensing the extra load. :lol: Well that's how I interpreted them when I added a socket to power the light board for my bike rack. Gordon. Whats This TIS disk that I see mentioned? Quote
adrianf. Posted March 4, 2007 Report Posted March 4, 2007 TIS is a CD you can buy off E Bay very cheap and is full of technical information about the Gal.Load it on the PC and away you go Quote
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