Atwoki Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 I am considering a Autosleeper Windsor Ford 2007 which is an automatic. Has anyone experience of one of these or a Ford automatic? I do not need an automatic and would be interested in fuel consumption, performance compared to a manual or any other advantages/ disadvantages. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 Ford toyed with a robotised manual transmission on Transit Mk 6 rear-wheel drive models. Ford called it “Durashift EST” and, although it got good reviews initially, its long-term reliability became questionable. This 2013 forum thread refers http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/TEC-freetec-688i-on-ford-transit-automatic/33103/ and the results of this GOOGLE-search would be worth browsing through https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=transit+durashift+gearbox Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike88 Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 I owned an Autosleeper Duetto for 7 years and the auto gearbox performed faultlessly. It is claimed that fuel consumption is better with this kind of gearbox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will86 Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 Automatic. The advantage I find is they will give you a more pleasant ride. The gear changing is smoother as the title suggests, meaning there's less need to listen to the engine revs in order to decide when to change to another gear. In built up areas with heavy traffic this is very noticeable, it will free your brain to concentrate more efficiently on what's happening around you meaning its less stressful and therefore safer. If you have a medical condition there is less stress on the arm and leg joints. There are many that oppose the automatic and prefer to make F1 starts from junctions but you may have noticed that the genuine F1 racers now all have semi automatic systems. Disadvantages (one) I found at 'the beginning' when I was on an open road and topping hills. The normal reaction is to release the power at the highest point and glide over the brow. With an automatic if using any set controls will cause you to charge over the brow when you have no sight of what may be the other side so beware and be in control before the top. MPG I noticed no difference, there are always gains and losses in all mechanical applications. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Leake Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 Derek Uzzell - 2016-12-15 9:25 AM Ford toyed with a robotised manual transmission on Transit Mk 6 rear-wheel drive models. Ford called it “Durashift EST” and, although it got good reviews initially, its long-term reliability became questionable. This 2013 forum thread refers http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/TEC-freetec-688i-on-ford-transit-automatic/33103/ and the results of this GOOGLE-search would be worth browsing throughout https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=transit+durashift+gearbox Mercedes had an automated manual some time ago but soon droped it and moved back to a proper torque converter auto. I seem to remember Renault had one called quick shift but I've no idea what happened to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike88 Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 Colin Leake - 2016-12-15 7:22 PM Derek Uzzell - 2016-12-15 9:25 AM Ford toyed with a robotised manual transmission on Transit Mk 6 rear-wheel drive models. Ford called it “Durashift EST” and, although it got good reviews initially, its long-term reliability became questionable. This 2013 forum thread refers http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/TEC-freetec-688i-on-ford-transit-automatic/33103/ and the results of this GOOGLE-search would be worth browsing throughout https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=transit+durashift+gearbox Mercedes had an automated manual some time ago but soon droped it and moved back to a proper torque converter auto. I seem to remember Renault had one called quick shift but I've no idea what happened to it. Fiat has one now in the form of the Comfortmatic which is brilliant in my view. Of course many who have owned such a gearbox will say they will never own one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will86 Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 As a side comment when in the armed forces I drove a black Lanchester (Daimler, have picture) with a pre-selector gearbox and fluid flywheel. It was great fun until a high ranking 'racer' broke it. There after in first gear on an incline it wouldn't move unless it was pushed. Magic times to be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Leake Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 Will86 - 2016-12-15 7:56 PM As a side comment when in the armed forces I drove a black Lanchester (Daimler, have picture) with a pre-selector gearbox and fluid flywheel. It was great fun until a high ranking 'racer' broke it. There after in first gear on an incline it wouldn't move unless it was pushed. Magic times to be sure. I used to drive a relatives Armstrong Sidley Saphire with a Wilson pre selector box. You selected the gear you required then pressed the clutch and it selected the right gear. Worked fine but was a it pointless when you think about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Leake Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 Mike88 - 2016-12-15 7:29 PM Colin Leake - 2016-12-15 7:22 PM Derek Uzzell - 2016-12-15 9:25 AM Ford toyed with a robotised manual transmission on Transit Mk 6 rear-wheel drive models. Ford called it “Durashift EST” and, although it got good reviews initially, its long-term reliability became questionable. This 2013 forum thread refers http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/TEC-freetec-688i-on-ford-transit-automatic/33103/ and the results of this GOOGLE-search would be worth browsing throughout https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=transit+durashift+gearbox Mercedes had an automated manual some time ago but soon droped it and moved back to a proper torque converter auto. I seem to remember Renault had one called quick shift but I've no idea what happened to it. Fiat has one now in the form of the Comfortmatic which is brilliant in my view. Of course many who have owned such a gearbox will say they will never own one. True they do but given the number of other manufacturers of both cars and vans who have tried the idea and given up on it one does wonder why and how long they will stick with it. It's had very mixed reviews and even those who like it always seem to have a few buts in their comments. Give me a good old fashioned traditional torque converter box like the one in our car. Smooth as silk with instant responce from a standstill and proved reliability. I personally having tried the Fait offering would never buy one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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