Automatic transmission is better if you don't have low range gearing - Practical 4wding

[@ΠαναγιωτηςΒασιλικοπουλος-β1γ]

I have Τ30 automatic, and I chose automatic, precisely for the reasons you explain..very nice video Marvin!!

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Hi Marvin, your explanation is precisely why I bought my Auto X-Trail. Having owned 4wd's in both manual and automatic albeit all with low range the difference is chalk and cheese... autos win each time for me anyway... but like you explained vehicles without low range, can be driven more slowly and carefully and can successful traverse some tough terrain. I'm surprised where these xtrails (T30) can go... you just need to apply torque at the right time.. great vid.

[@ruggedlife]

Same here mate. Absolutely correct.

[@mykola_iegorov]

Big thanks! I have also X-trail T30 with automatic gearbox and watched already almost all your videos. The best channel for me!

[@doncorleon9]

Yours is one of the few channels that I let the ads run all through. So much value. You are an awesome teacher.

[@ruggedlife]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it 🙏

[@doncorleon9]

@@ruggedlife thanks for the work mate. The t30 is really an underrated vehicle. Ran one for some time and it performed flawlessly. Used it to do safaris basically right out of the box. The next day would be in the school run after a good hosing down. It has received quite some flack in my neck of the woods as mine is predominantly Toyota country. Am in the market for a softie that can pull a 1.3t trailer and despite widening the scope, a diesel t30 still features among top on my list as it ticks all boxes basically. T31 is coming a close second too. Coming down to modernity vs familiarity really. Plus the t31 will need a lift kit with it's overhangs. What's your take on using it as a tow car for a light camper?

[@ruggedlife]

@@doncorleon9 Under rated indeed. A very practical vehicle. Personally, I'd pick the T30 over the T31, the T31's luxury features that the T30 doesn't have doesn't appel to me (that's just me being basic). As you say the T30 has better approach and departure angles. For a tow vehicle, I only tried this a few times and find it good. I've heard a lot of people giving the Xtrails good feedback as a tow vehicle. I'd go diesel if you want to do that. These vehicles are geared high for efficiency so the diesel's torque will help. Definitely avoid CVT if towing.

[@doncorleon9]

@@ruggedlife Indeed. That was what I thought. Liked your video on the additional transmission cooling. A cheap fix but would go a long way in prolonging the life of the unit.

[@self-sufficientlife5953]

Great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@geoffreymontegut5101]

I have a t30 with a manuel transmission, and I confirm I'd better had to buy an automatic one for all my off-road moments..

[@LV-FOURTWENTYSIX]

Great video mate. I have a t30 and my only regret is i got the manual.

[@PWkowemat]

Very good explain. Everyone will understan it :) Well done.

[@jasonlavelle3293]

I own a manual t30 and I agree, it's a pain not stalling it on stuff like this

[@Tellgio]

Every time I tell people this very thing, I get howled down. Thank you for making this one Marvin. Cheers mate!

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate 👌

[@mAJORDEE]

only important thing missing from this laymans explanation is the torque converters ability to multiply torque.. At Stall, Torque is multiplied up to 2x or more. Tapering off as the wheel speed increases.. This is a huge factor why this method of driving works without low range. especially if the Auto has a reasonably short 1st gear. 'popping' the clutch in a manual will also multiply torque via interia .. but only momentarily. It' also wears the clutch out. An Auto doesn't really care until the the fluid gets too hot (So you should really install a Trans cooler)

[@ruggedlife]

Correct!

[@theuninspiredlife657]

Love your channel man...keep up the good work

[@vmramirez85]

I can't stop watching your channel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I recently bought a T31... with CVT. Could you explain (maybe in a video) why you talked specifically about Auto and not CVT? thanks

[@guillermogarcia8608]

First, great vid and great channel, from now on I'll watch full advs! I follow you from Spain and over here automatic cars are quite uncommon (check the gas costs in Europe) . I understand is not your case but I would love to hear your opinions in offroad handling and some of your well explained tricks for manual transmission. I have an xtrail t30 from 2004, what a car! Sorry for my English!

[@ruggedlife]

Thank for the feedback mate and appreciate your support 👍 Yes there are certain countries wherein auto transmissions are not common and yes I think gas prices do contribute to this. Maybe on a future video I can talk about manual transmissions 👍

[@douglaspaulsilva]

Great video Marvin! keep them coming.

[@Ajithmohanan21]

Great explanation mate..

[@jol9431]

If you know clutch pedals methods & skills you can combine this explanation of using the break pedal with heel toe technics pushing gently gaz, wihtout changing gear or rev mathcing to downshift without any knocks, resulting of lower speed. 2ND buy yourself a heavy duty clutch & look 4 a cheap ride not much rust with clutch job to do. 3ND change gears in the transmission while you do the clutch then peace of mind. cheers!

[@PapiroscaGG]

Exclente content! Regarda from Argentina 🇦🇷... very nice explain

[@tpv59]

THANK You. Much APPRECIATED. Regards.

[@Me4ok]

Thank you for the explanation and reasoning on why to use auto transmission. I personally prefer manual for everyday but we would like to convert to a family soft-road soon ( from a Yaris MK1 ;) ). Found X-Trail to be what we look for amongst Forester & CR-V as other options - spacious, comfy and with pretty decent clearance. And the stock tires size - like it ;). Thank you again for the content. One more subscriber in the list ;).

[@ruggedlife]

Glad to hear you find my content useful 👍

[@josephd7616]

Why not CVT ? I have been enjoying your videos.Great to see another xtrail enthousiast 👍

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate. CVTs are designed for efficiency and comfort. Urban driving and not offroad. Being said that, they are known to be not as reliable as an auto and cost so much more to repair.

[@steveans]

I’m going to leave your channel running when I go out.

[@ruggedlife]

What a legend! 🙌

[@tommyleesheils2061]

*nervous manual noises* probably should of got an auto but the manual was the only one I could find

[@LauDuKai]

i smell clutch :-(

[@arokh72]

Hi Marvin. KZbin recommended your channel, and I'd like to ask you about your X-Trail. Is yours the T30 or T31? I like both, however I'm a little scared of buying either model. With the T30 the head gasket issue, something I experienced first hand in a 2005 T30 Ti, how do you avoid this, and at what cost? With the T31 they are known to kill the CVT, I know regular CVT servicing can help prevent the CVT failing, but it appears most sellers don't know they need to be serviced. Thoughts? I have a local here in my town, Central West NSW, selling a 2011 T31 auto ST-L with about 200k km for $11k. Other than being a little overpriced, IMO, I'm just not sure about buying one. Apparently the T31 has the more reliable petrol engine, but that CVT scares me. I won't be towing or using it off road, other than maybe when we get a little snow and ice, and the odd local gravel road.

[@ruggedlife]

Hey, mine is a T30. I have heard of the head gasket issue but to be honest majority of T30 owners are happy with theirs and not much issues. Mine is over 240,000kms and still going strong. Never had issues, just normal maintenance. It really boils down to service history and most importantly, how the previous owner drives too. There are T31s with normal auto so find those instead.

[@rodneysingh4798]

Hi there love your vids and explanations. I have a T31 CVT....do they problems doing 4x4 driving? I heard you mention CVT...

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. They are just less reliable than an auto or manual when used for towing or offroading. Doesn't mean all will break when taken offroad. Just means they are more prone to fail than an auto or manual. They were designed for efficiency and comfort after all.

[@belongtovirginmary5325]

Wish i could give my xtrail for modification

[@krstonosac]

Well done!

[@23860]

Had automatic x trail now have automatic pajero,these 2 cars are not comparable for offroading.x trail is by my opinion better handlimg on road and softer but for offroad pajero is a king

[@ruggedlife]

Agree

[@beau8750]

Hey Marvin, looking into buying an x-trail and came across your videos, I've noticed that the T31 only offers a CVT or manual where the T30 has auto though have a reputation for being less reliable what with head gaskets etc. What's your opinion on this? Great informative content btw.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers. There are particular T31 models with auto just don't know exactly which one. Google will help you. As long as the T30 has been looked after the head gasket isn't that big of an issue. There are a lot of people in different Xtrail groups that had a good run with theirs. That includes me.

[@samsonphiri6874]

Nice video mate

[@ccch26]

Hi, I see that you have changed the rim, but do you have the same size of tyre?

[@ruggedlife]

Yes same exact tyre. Just moved to a different rim

[@djredhareaus38]

All the autos were thrashed when I was looking so I bought a manual

[@mohdnasranmohdtaib7383]

Hai. Did you upgraded the tire size?

[@ruggedlife]

Yes. All my mods are in my MODs playlist.

[@Bretts_channel]

Hi there. First of all fantastic channel, I love the videos you put on here. You mentioned auto, not cvt in the video, do you know of anyone using a t31 cvt (for example) for off road use over a long period of time? Apart from people claiming they are not suitable, I can find very little factual information on it. We have a t31 cvt and I take it off road and it is actually really neat when you lock it in low, we just do regular transmission oil changes and it runs great. A long comment, but thank you in advance. Brett

[@ruggedlife]

Hi Brett. Thanks for the feedback. I do remember reading peoples posts regarding bad experiences with their CVTs but don't remember their exact names etc. I think that generation of CVTs are just not as reliable than Autos regardless if taken offroad or not. I also read peoples commemts saying that CVTs are OK as long as you strictly follow their servicing which I believe is more frequent than a standard auto. So maybe this is where the reliability issue is? Also, I believe CVTs are more expensive to repair/rebuild than standard Autos so if anything, I would really be mindful of using a CVT for offroad or towing especially for a vehicle that's not meant to be taken offroad (real offroad) in the first place. But then again, this obviously is not the case for 'all' CVTs. Like yourself, you have no issues. At the end of the day there are a lot of variables most especially the owner (driving style, maintenance etc.)

[@Bretts_channel]

@@ruggedlife Thank you for the reply! I agree with you on all of that, especially when it comes to the maintenance. Keep up the good work, I love your logical and thoughtful approach to the videos.

[@ruggedlife]

Cheers mate 👌

[@Decadurabolin9]

I drive a 2018 Nissan Xtrail. I'm still confused if my car is an AWD or a 4WD. I have the auto mode and the lock mode. Is my car a proper 4x4 or an AWD?

[@ruggedlife]

Lock mode will make it a 4wd. However, the term 'proper 4wd' or 'true 4wd' is a vehicle that not only can lock it's centre diff but also has low range gears.

[@Decadurabolin9]

@@ruggedlife thank you for the quick reply! Really appreciate it!!

[@Decadurabolin9]

@@ruggedlife so the Nissan Xtrail has the option to lock the central differential when it is on lock mode?

[@ruggedlife]

It is not a centre differential as such but it is an equivalent to it. Yes it locks it. Have a look at my Practical 4wd playlist. I have a video there from a while back how the auto and lock mode works

[@Quanyeutinh]

I got manual transmission in my Xtrail, is that worst if i going to offroad?

[@ruggedlife]

It's OK but on really rough terrain like decent size rocks, you'll end up shortening the life of your clutch as you'll end up wearimg it more.

[@lukestagg2138]

hey, good videos mate! is your xtrail raised up?

[@ruggedlife]

Thanks. Yes, all mods of vehicle in my MODs playlist.

[@svaiboyshchik337]

Hello from Russia🇷🇺👍

[@tpv59]

HELLO from OZ !!!

[@JamesParus]

Choose real auto. No cvt. Just to clarify.

[@kdeep1690]

This particular vehicle t30 , manual trans, has very low gear ratio for 1st gear..... Thats almost close to like a low range gear.... And about this automatic thing, its boring and womenish. Making left foot learn the brake paddle !!! Oh no. Manipulation of clutch and gas pressing .... Awesome

[@baufugg]

Very backwards thinking male shovenistic mind you have. There are many ways to skin a cat. Whatever works.

[@Jacobtheunwise]

Manuals horrible for Offroading without low range your clutch will get destroyed where as in a auto you can just crawl up no problems

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

First gear in a manual T30 is nowhere near a low range gear... As mentioned you will eventually destroy a clutch that's why auto AWD etc go well in off-road conditions due to the inherent design allowing for more controlled driving using the torque converter... I'm not saying manual is bad but the auto is so much better....in this situation.

[@ruggedlife]

True

[@gmtcolt45]

With the manual having a crawl ratio of only 15.1:1 you just aren't going to be able to do certain things no matter how well you can drive. At the slow speeds seen here, you would be doing a clutch after only a few trips. Being able to flash up on the converter and then use its ability to slip will outperform a manual 100% of the time for this situation. Now with a low range or more torque, this difference does start to get less extreme but apples to apples you will never be able to beat converter flash with a clutch