Towing...auto or manual?

I've only ever towed with manuals which was a while ago, so just bought a D2 manual but wondered what you thought re modern autos towing a 2 ton trailer. Can the clutch coupling cope do you reckon?

Technically - dunno, sorry
But I have had a D1 manual and now have D2 auto both to tow my horse box. Both great but prefer D2, very good.

Auto boxes are easier to start the pull with as you are not riding the clutch as it takes the strain of the trailer. I think most who have tried both would recommend towing with an autobox.

Its only 2 ton so auto will deal with it well , if it was nearer 4 and in a hilly area then a manual would be better. The other thing is engine power , the more powerful the engine the better an auto works behind it . HTSH

I'm the opposite of most on here. I hate towing with an auto, but then I don't particularly like driving them either when not towing. Having said that, I have only towed with "older" autos that have a torque converter and usually only 4 gears. Newer auto boxes with more ratios and different clutches may be better.

The torque converter of an auto will effectively give you a very low gear when starting off which is what you want for towing. You might get better results leaving the selector in 3 until you get up to speed as this will prevent the gearbox from shifting into 4th gear too soon. When you're cruising along shift back to D to enable 4th gear again.

My 110 is a manual and is no problem towing any kind of trailer but we also have a Volvo estate with an auto box and it is absolutely fantastic for towing. Especially manouvering in tight spaces and reversing.

Down to personal preference rather than mechanical ability.

We have a D2 V8 manual and our son has a D2 V8 auto.

There are situations where both have their advantages, I prefer manual myself.

Our big trailer runs at 3.5 tons with the engine loaded, the 4-wheeler trailer runs at 2 tons with its engine on board.

I think that the V8 is better for heavy towing with either box, while the TD5 is probably better with the 5-speed manual than the four-speed auto.

Often we find ourselves catching Philip on a hill because we have a better range of ratios with the R380 than he has with the auto.

Peter

Auto every time for me, especially useful when reversing slowly into tight spaces, no riding the clutch.
On the road, I do use the gear lever to effect changes when I want them on give & take roads, hills etc.

Auto - and get cruise control as well; it stops you speeding and along with the auto makes life much easier and safer.

Auto 100%

Before getting a Discovery I towed with large auto saloons for about 9 years

So much easier than manuals

If your driving is slow speed and mainly short trips then the auto is vastly superior.
If you're spending hours on a motorways then maybe a manual would be best as you be more able to use the engine's torque.
On balance, go auto.