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?
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.
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.
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.